In Hardware Canucks recent review, they delve into the differences between running DDR3 versus DDR4 on Intel Z170 boards, which come in two versions each of which is compatible with one of the two types of memory. They start out with a high level overview of the differences between the two memory technologies as there is more than just a simple difference in frequencies. After covering some of the specifications which might influence your decision they then delve into the performance numbers.
One system is based on the Gigabyte Z170-HD3 with 8GB of Kingston HyperX Beast DDR3 while the second system uses an ASUS Maximus VIII Impact with Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4, both systems use the Core i7 6700K processor. The middle of the chart is the most interesting feature, where both memory kits are running at 2400MHz albeit at different timings. DDR4 does come out on top but the margins are so close that if you need to shave some money off of your planned build you should definitely at least consider DDR3.
"Intel's Skylake architecture is the only one that supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory. But with all other things being equal, is one really "better" than the other on the Z170 platform?"
Here are some more Memory articles from around the web:
- G.Skill TridentZ 3200MHz DDR4 16GB (2x8GB) @ eTeknix
- PNY AnarchyX 2800MHz DDR4 16GB (4x4GB) @ eTeknix
- Kingston HyperX Fury DDR4-2666 16GB Memory Kit Review @ OCIA
- GSKill TridentZ 3466Mhz CL16 DDR4 Dual Channel Memory Review @ Hardware Asylum
Now that DDR4 pricing is down
Now that DDR4 pricing is down so low (likely to keep falling), it’s a no-brainer, but it’s clear now after many similar benchmarks, it offers very little benefit in day-to-day work… unless that work is packing and unpacking RARs all day.
Dance Dance Revolution?
Dance Dance Revolution?
Just speculating, but the
Just speculating, but the article claims that low DDR4 prices were driven by widespread adoption, couldn’t it have been because of a lack of demand at higher prices?
Like 4K tvs?
I think the consumer subjective appraisal is missed with all the charts and numbers. What does it do for the experience?
Considering the lower voltage
Considering the lower voltage of DDR4 (as opposed to DDR3) are those massive heatsinks really necessary? It’s annoying when you have to struggle fitting those next to a bulky CPU cooler.