With so many types of memory available, it’s difficult to tell which is better or even which one is most compatible with your machine. If you’re considering upgrading your computer’s current memory, or just want to know what the difference between the two is, read on.
DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2) memory has been available for quite some time. New computers, even computers released within the last three years or so come equipped with DDR2 memory. An improvement over DDR memory, DDR2 produces faster performance with less energy consumption. With the way that DDR memory products are designed, none is backwards or forward compatible with the other. For example, if you have DDR memory, you will not be able to upgrade using DDR2 or DDR3 memory. You can only upgrade DDR memory with other DDR memory.
DDR3 memory is still relatively new, and is the most advanced and up-to-date technology you could put on your computer. It does work faster than DDR2 memory, and even uses less energy to perform at such a high capacity. Because this technology is still fairly recent, you probably won’t find it a lot in new computers. One of the biggest setbacks in regards to DDR3 memory is its entry level price range. The lowest price you’ll find for DDR2 memory is about $18, whereas DDR3 at its cheapest ranges around $85. This comparison is used with a stick of 1GB memory for desktop computers.
As it currently stands, top-of-the-line DDR2 memory would be a far better investment than an entry-level DDR3 stick of memory. A lot of this has to do with how long DDR2 memory has been around and its overall popularity. DDR3 will eventually come of age, but it is still a bit too early.
In another year, perhaps less, we will see DDR3 memory begin to drop in price, and more and more will be seen in new computers. So, if you’re looking to buy a new computer in the next couple of months, you can consider DDR3 if you’re looking to acquire a cutting-edge gaming or multimedia computer. However, DDR2 is still the industry standard today. So don’t think that by getting DDR2 memory you’re getting obsolete technology.
Remember, if your computer supports DDR2 memory, you can only upgrade with DDR2 memory. Same goes with DDR3 and the original DDR memory.