DDR RAM is faster than SDRAM because it transfers data on both rising and falling edges of the clock signal. It works with a computer’s FSB and comes in various speeds, but must be compatible with the motherboard. Check the manual before purchasing.
Double-speed synchronous dynamic random access memory, better known as DDR SDRAM or DDR RAM for short, is a type of very fast computer memory. It is based on the same architecture as SDRAM, but uses the clock signal differently to transfer twice as much data in the same amount of time.
In a computer system, the clock signal is an oscillating frequency used to coordinate the interaction between digital circuits. Simply put, it synchronizes communication. Digital circuits designed to operate on the clock signal can respond to the rising or falling edge of the signal. SDRAM memory chips used only the rising edge of the signal to transfer data, while DDR RAM transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, making it essentially twice as fast as SDRAM.
RAM speed works in conjunction with a computer system’s front side bus (FSB). The FSB is the bidirectional data channel that sends information from the central processing unit (CPU) through the motherboard to various components, including RAM, BIOS chips, hard drives, and PCI slots. Thus, a computer system with a 133 MHz FSB with DDR SDRAM will essentially operate as a 266 MHz machine.
Dual 184-pin DDR RAM in-line memory modules (DIMMS) will function properly only in a motherboard designed for their use. While this RAM comes in various speeds, installing a version that’s faster than what a motherboard can support is a waste of money, as it will only run as fast as the motherboard allows. It is visually differentiated from SDRAM in that SDRAM is a 168-pin DIMM with a double notch at the bottom along the pins: one notch just off-center, the other offside. The 184-pin DDR SDRAM has a single off-center notch.
DDR RAM is usually made for 1GHz and faster processors. Designations such as PC1600 DDR SDRAM and PC2100 DDR SDRAM coincide with particular FSB and CPU speeds. RAM manufacturers use different schemes to designate processor speed, and the various technicalities in RAM designations and standards can be confusing. Computer users should check their motherboard manual to see which type of RAM is compatible with their system before purchasing memory.
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