DDR3 and DDR2

What are the differences in these two types of memory? thanks

 

This is the first good answer I came to, there are many more to be found with a quick search.

http://www.build-gaming-computer-guide.com/ddr3-vs-ddr2.html

 

brill really good comaprison

 

The only real dif. is in the price.

 

Does each type specialise for different things? For example is DDR3 better for gamin/graphics?

 

not really one thing though is ddr2 is usually on sale and a lot cheaper and in bigger sticks than ddr

this is what makes ddr2 more preferable than ddr in computers - the price more than anything on upgrades
most netbooks use ddr2

 

ok and are computers only compatible with either DDR2 or DDR3 or can they take either?

 

It is your Motherboard, it is compatible either for DDR2 or DDR3, you can not mix nor can you insert DDR2 into a DDR3 board or vice versa.
DDR3 prizes have come down a lot since that comparison was written.

 

Not true!

Also not true! And note this topic is about DDR2 and DDR3, not DDR. DDR is more expensive simply because it is obsolete and harder to find.


Did anyone read that excellent comparison markmadras posted?

1. The article is almost 3 years old! As Hawk22 correctly noted, the price differences today are insignificant! (Newegg) It is also not hard to understand as DDR2 is phased out, it too will become harder to find, and more costly.

2. DDR3 has twice as many internal banks which means, DDR3 has "double the data transfer rate" of DDR2!!! 200% increase in the data transfer rate is very significant!!!!

3. DDR3 requires a lower operating voltage, translating to a "30% reduction in power consumption compared with DDR2 RAM operating at the same speed ". "Additional built-in power conservation features with DDR3 include partial refresh and thermal sensor that could allow the system to save further power by providing minimum refresh cycles when the system is not in high performance mode."

While that lower power consumption may have little impact on a PC, it can have significant impact on battery runtime and cooling in a notebook.​

Providing twice the data transfer rate while significantly reducing power consumption are MAJOR differences between DDR2 and DDR3.

As noted in that comparison and by Hawk, the key notch location is different on DDR2 and DDR3 modules. This means the motherboard must provide the necessary slots on the board, and the chipset and memory controller must provide the necessary support too. There are a few "crossover" boards that support both DDR2 and DDR3 modules. These were produced when DDR3 first came out. It looks like Newegg still has 12. But if you note, many are "open box" meaning they have been returned. I don't think many, if any, are still in production.