RAM memory is an essential element of any computing device, from a computer to a cell phone. There are two types of RAM DDR and SDR RAM.

This memory is responsible for temporarily storing the data of running programs. Thanks to this function, the startup speed and the speed of the functions of each program is much faster than the hard disk alone.

However, RAM memory has two aspects to take into account. The first is the temporal nature of data storage.

Secondly, its speed, which, depending on the type of RAM we use, may be higher or lower, as well as the technology invested in each model.

What is DDR RAM

Here, we distinguish 2 types of RAM memory, DDR and SDR.

DDR owes its name to Double Data Rate and has the peculiarity of performing two operations in each clock cycle.

On the other hand, the SDR or Single Data Rate, is only capable of executing one operation per clock cycle.

As can be clearly deduced from this difference, DDR RAM is currently the best valued and can offer the best performance results.

But it is also important to note that there are different types of DDR memory. The most frequently found in the market are DDR3 and DDR4 memory.

In addition, DDR5 RAM is getting closer and closer, which, of course, has higher performance than the previous versions.

Difference between DDR3 and DDR4 memory

There are two main factors that differentiate DDR3 RAM and DDR4 RAM.

The first of these factors is the data rate, which in the case of DDR3 reaches 2,133 MB/s. DDR4 RAM has managed to increase this data rate to 3.2 GB/s, thus marking an abysmal difference between one version and the other.

On the other hand, the maximum transfer rate is also important. Here DDR3 is able to offer up to 17 GB/s, but DDR4 has also evolved in this respect. The maximum transfer rate in these versions is 25.6 GB/s.

The next generation of RAM, DDR5, promises to reach new heights of performance, leaving these figures well below their capacity.

Thus, a DDR5 RAM can offer a data rate of up to 6.4 GB/s and a maximum transfer rate of up to 51.2 GB/s.

With this in mind, it is logical to always want to have the RAM memory that offers the best performance, i.e. the most current version possible.

However, in practice this is not so easy. The type of RAM or standard compatible with the computer equipment you have is not your decision alone, but is defined by the motherboard.

There are different slots on it, with a different layout, depending on whether they are intended to be coupled with DDR3 or DDR4 RAM. Therefore, there is only one way to upgrade the RAM to a better version and that is by changing the motherboard, which already raises the cost of the upgrade considerably.

How much RAM do I need in my computer?

Nevertheless, the distinction between DDR memories is interesting to know, since when buying a new computer, it will allow us to differentiate between the different versions of RAM memory that we can choose.

As you can imagine, the cost of each memory will depend mainly on two things. On the one hand, the DDR version and, on the other hand, its capacity in terms of data rate and transfer rate.

A more powerful, new generation DDR RAM is going to be more expensive than a more modest RAM of the previous generation. What you have to ask yourself is it worth the investment?

Probably if you're looking to play online games, run image and video programs, or design digitally, the cost will quickly pay for itself.

However, a computer intended for browsing, doing administrative work or simply holding conversations with your contacts, even video calls, you will not need to invest in the most expensive model of RAM. Also, keep in mind that the RAM memory and the use you are going to make of it, will be directly related to the hard disk storage where you will save and run all the programs and applications on your computer.

Therefore, you need to consider the quality of RAM you choose and the quality of the hard disk that the computer will finally mount.