Technology keeps advancing and computer memory standards have improved to handle more density and speed. They also use less power and provide quick access which makes them more efficient.
One of these memories is the DDR5 memory module. They are used on the motherboards of desktop computers, workstations, and servers as storage devices.
DDR SDRAM means Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory. It is used to refer to the class of memory used for integrated circuits in computer systems. DDRs allows for higher transfer rates than their SDR- Single Data Rate counterparts. This they do by having strict control of electrical data and clock signal timings.
There have been different installments of the DDR starting from DDR1 and the current installment is in the fifth generation which is referred to as the DDR5. You can learn more about memory slots here.
DDR5 is an abbreviation for Double Data Rate 5. It is the fifth installment of the DDR and it is also the latest. It is designed to reduce power consumption and at the same time double bandwidth.
Features of DDR5
The DDR5 comes with a feature that is called Decision Feedback Equalization (DFE) that enables the speed scalability to support improved performance and higher bandwidths.
This was announced by JEDEC; the body that develops features and standards for computer memory. Part of what it is expected to do is address the growing demand for AI and machine learning so that it can support datacenter activities and cloud operations.
Secondly, the DDR5 will support a maximum density that expands from 16 GB per die to 64GB for each die. Added to this is a feature that expands the range of transfer of data from 3200 MT/s to 6400 MT/s making it 16 times faster.
Additionally, the DDR5 works in a way that uses a write pattern command. This enables it to save power as it does not send data across the bus. This also helps it to increase stacking capability better than the previous generation of DDRs.
Yet another feature of this module is what is referred to as “Same Bank Refresh” which helps to optimize a system’s performance. Before now, in the DDR4, when a single bank needed to be refreshed, it takes all the banks to do so. This meant that no other operations could be performed during refreshing and the CPU needed to wait for the refresh to finish and this affects the performance of the system.
With the new same bank refresh feature, every bank can be independently refreshed and this will not affect the other banks or the performance of the system.
Finally, the DDR5 comes with scaling features such as on-die ECC. This permits advanced process node manufacturing. The I3C specification features a voltage regulator allowing for voltage tolerance and pay-as-you-go scalability. What this does is improve DRAM yield and reduce power consumption.
Types of Memory Module Sockets That Can Be Used for DDR5
For DDR memory modules to work, they have to be slotted in sockets attached to the motherboard of a computer. SO DIMM was used before now as sockets for reliable connections to standard memory modules like DDR4. They are also used for DDR3, DDR2, DDR, and SDRAM.
SO DIMM can as well be used for the DDR5 but a new generation design for DDR5 is available that includes surface mount technology. This is also suitable for the higher bandwidth of the new memory module. The vertical DDR5 DIMM sockets are designed to JEDEC standards. It has 288 contacts and a 0.85mm pitch. These sockets are able to withstand high-level shocks as well as vibrations testing.
The third type of socket that can be used is the narrow latch memory module sockets version. This type helps to address space requirements and facilitates greater airflow since the sockets are typically placed side by side.
You can learn more about memory sockets here https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/m/memoslot.htm
Conclusion
Advancement in technology has made it possible for better memory devices which in turn helps to improve system performance. DDR5 is one of those and the latest. Despite its many features and usefulness, it cannot stand alone. It requires memory sockets in order to function. This is what connects it to the computer motherboard. The advantages of getting a good socket are to give you greater signal intensity, better heat handling, and higher performance.
