Comparison RAM

The total amount of RAM in the kit. In brackets, it specifies how many modules it consists of and how much memory each stick has. The volume itself determines the amount of data the system can keep in quick access at once, and it directly affects comfort in everyday tasks, gaming, and heavy programs. For simple tasks, 8 GB is usually sufficient today, while 16 GB (including the 2x8 GB set) can already be considered a good universal option. 32 GB is suitable for modern games, editing, working with graphics, and active multitasking, while 64 GB and above are often needed for professional scenarios, 3D, large projects, and virtual machines. Kits of multiple sticks remain relevant because they often allow dual-channel mode to be used, providing higher bandwidth compared to a single stick of the same total volume. For example, a 32 GB (2x16) set usually looks more practical than a single 32 GB stick, although a 64 GB (4x16) set puts more strain on the memory controller and leaves less room for future upgrades.

A parameter that determines the physical dimensions of the memory module, as well as the number and arrangement of pins on it. To date, the most popular form factors are:

— DIMM. Classic full-size memory sticks, used mainly in desktop PCs. The number of contacts is usually between 168 and 240.

- SO-DIMM(Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module). A smaller version of the DIMM form factor designed for use in portable computing equipment such as laptops and tablet PCs. The number of contacts varies from 72 to 200.

- FB-DIMM(Fully Buffered Dual In-Line Memory Module). Memory modules with increased reliability due to the use of a buffer in the design (see Buffering support (Registered)). Most often used in servers. Similar in appearance to 240-pin DIMMs, but not compatible with them.

The type of memory used in the module(s). This parameter directly determines compatibility with the motherboard: the latter must support the same type of memory that the bracket belongs to, since different types are not compatible with each other. Specific options for today can be as follows: outdated, but still found somewhere DDR2 memory, outdated DDR3, modern DDR4 and new DDR5.

— DDR2. The second generation of double data transfer RAM, released in 2003. To date, such memory has been almost completely replaced by more advanced DDR3 and DDR4 standards; DDR2 support can only be found in a frankly outdated PC or laptop.

— DDR3. Third generation double data transfer RAM, released in 2007. Compared to DDR 2, it has a higher speed and lower power consumption. DDR4 is gradually replacing this standard, but DDR3 support is still found in relatively simple and inexpensive motherboards.

— DDR4. Further development of the DDR standard, which replaced DDR3 in 2014. It provides, in particular, an increase in throughput (up to 25.6 GB / s in the future) and reliability while reducing power consumption.

— DDR5. The procession of the fifth generation of the DDR standard began at the turn of 2020-2021. It provides for approximately a twofold increase in memory subsystem performance and increased bandwidth compar...ed to DDR4. Instead of a single 64-bit data channel, DDR5 uses a pair of independent 32-bit channels that work with 16-byte packets and allow 64 bytes of information to be delivered per clock on each channel. New memory modules require a voltage of 1.1 V, and the maximum volume of one DDR5 bar can reach an impressive 128 GB.

The number of ranks provided in the memory bar.

The rank in this case is called one logical module — a chipset with a total capacity of 64 bits. If there is more than one rank, this means that several logical ones are implemented on one physical module, and they use the data transmission channel alternately. A similar design is used in order to achieve large amounts of RAM with a limited number of slots for individual brackets. At the same time, it should be said that for consumer computers, you can not pay much attention to the memory rank — more precisely, peer-to-peer modules are quite enough for them. But for servers and powerful workstations, two-, four- and even eight-rank solutions are produced.

Note that other things being equal, a larger number of ranks allows achieving larger volumes, however, it requires more computing power and increases the load on the system.

The module speed affects data exchange and how fast the RAM can work in the system. The higher this rate, the greater the memory potential, but the actual result always also depends on the processor, motherboard, and settings.

For example, for a basic office or home PC, basic values such as 2400, 2666, 3200 MT/s for DDR4 or 4800, 5200, 5600 MT/s for DDR5 are often sufficient, whereas in a gaming or workstation system, a higher clock speed such as 3600 MT/s for DDR4 or 6000 – 6400 MT/s for DDR5 can provide more responsive performance.

However, a high speed alone does not automatically make a computer fast if the other components are weaker or if the memory is not operating at the stated mode. RAM speed is particularly important during assembly and upgrades because it helps understand the overall class of memory and what can be expected from it in practice.

The amount of information that a memory module can receive or transmit in one second. The speed of the memory and, accordingly, the price of it directly depend on the bandwidth. At the same time, this is a rather specific parameter, which is relevant mainly for high-performance systems — gaming and workstations, servers, etc. If the RAM module is bought for a regular home or office system, you can not pay much attention to bandwidth.

Timing is a term that refers to the time it takes to complete an operation. To understand the timing scheme, you need to know that structurally RAM consists of banks (from 2 to 8 per module), each of which, in turn, has rows and columns, like a table; when accessing memory, the bank is selected first, then the row, then the column. The timing scheme shows the time during which the four main operations are performed when working with RAM, and is usually written in four digits in the format CL-Trcd-Trp-Tras, where

CL is the minimum delay between receiving a command to read data and the start of their transfer;

Trcd — the minimum time between the selection of a row and the selection of a column in it;

Trp is the minimum time to close a row, that is, the delay between the signal and the actual closing. Only one bank line can be opened at a time; Before opening the next line, you must close the previous one.

Tras — the minimum time the row is active, in other words, the shortest time after which the row can be commanded to close after it has been opened.

Time in the timing scheme is measured in cycles, so the actual memory performance depends not only on the timing scheme, but also on the clock frequency. For example, 1600 MHz 8-8-8-24 memory will run at the same speed as 800 MHz 4-4-4-12 memory—in either case timings, if expressed in nanoseconds, will be 5-5-5-15.

First Word Latency shows how long it takes for RAM to start delivering the first block of data after a request. The lower this value, the faster the memory responds, which is particularly interesting in gaming systems and high-performance PCs, where responsiveness and minimal delays are important.

For memory, this is a more illustrative indicator of latency than just CAS Latency, because it takes into account not only the timings but also the operating frequency. This is why two sets of RAM with different CL values can actually have a very similar response speed: for example, DDR4-3200 CL16 and DDR5-6000 CL30 both deliver approximately 10 ns of First Word Latency.

The nominal voltage required for the operation of the memory module. When choosing memory, you must pay attention to the fact that the appropriate voltage is supported by the motherboard.