Undoubtedly, DDR3 and DDR4 are much different from each other. If you say the DDR3 graphics card is compatible with the DDR4 motherboard so we must say as you know that the motherboard can’t be able to recognize both DDR3 and DDR4. DDR4 slot’s motherboard cannot be used for DDR3, and you cannot also put DDR4 slots into the DDr3 slot.
RAM is the short-term memory of a PC that stores the information that the CPU can access for the running software. If we talk about the DDR4 so it is the next generation of DDR memory with an upgraded interface. You can operate DDR4 at a lower voltage as compared to DDR3. DDR4 runs at 1.2 volts, and DDR3 runs at 1.5 volts. This voltage difference can be counted for 15W savings over the DDR3 slots which are not enough for the home user’s PC. If you want to get more information about this topic so read this useful guide till the end.
What does mean by DDR?
DDR stands for Double Data Rate. When the first DDR ram modules arrived so, it is called Coined. DDR ram can perform two data transfers per single clock period. DDR memory can send and receive the signals twice per every clock period. However, Double data Rate is the latest and most advanced version of synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM). DDR uses for both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal. But SDRAM can use for only one. DDR is also called the dual pumped rate or double transition rate.
What is a graphics card or RAM?
The word RAM stands for Random Access Memory. Ram is a kind of hardware in your PC that stores the Operating system which is known as OS, the application programs, and the data. In this way, the CPU can easily and rapidly access this storage. The main memory of a PC is known as RAM. Random Access Memory (RAM) is a volatile storage medium which means data is stored in RAM even when your PC is turned on. But it can be lost when you shut down your PC. The storage of these files is restored when you restart the computer.
Difference between DDR3 and DDR4
There are many differences between DDR3 and DDR4 memory. If we talk about DDR3 so, it had a successful run, it was introduced in 2007 and DDR3 is compatible with Intel’s LGA1366 through the LGA1151 for only the 6th and 7th generation core. DDR4 is the memory of choice since 2017, all the recent platforms have been DDR4 in PC but now mostly Intel platforms are converted to DDR3 with the 6th generation core Sky lake CPUs.
DDR4 and DDR3 also look different in physical appearance. Another difference between them is that DDR4’s voltage is lower compared to DDR3 RAM. DDR4 operates at 1.2 volts and DDR3 can operate at 1.5 volts.
How to know about DDR3 or DDR4?
You can recognize whether you have DDR3 or DDR4 by noticing some specific facts. DDR3 can provide a transfer rate of up to 2133 million per second whereas DDR4 can transfer up to 3200 million transfers per second. DDR3 is capable of up to 14.9 GB per second whereas DDR4 is capable of 2.6 GB per second. DDR3 comes with 240- a pin interface whereas DDR4 RAM comes with a 288-pin interface. The range of clock speed of DDR3 is about 800 MHz to 2133 MHz whereas the range of clock speed of DDR4 is about 2133 MHz.
Is the DDR3 graphics card compatible with the DDR4 motherboard?
There is no compatibility between DDR3 and DDR4 because all RAM is not the same, so we can say that DDR3 and DDR4 are not interchangeable, DDR3 RAM is also not backward compatible. You will not be able to insert the stick of DDR3 RAM into a DDR4 slot because it can be backward-compatible. The stick cannot fix into the RAM slot. And the basic difference between DDR3 and DDR4 is the former has double the bandwidth when you use half the power. Both modules require different volts, as we already mentioned DDR3 requires 1.5 volts and DDR4 requires 1.2 volts.
So, we can say that the DDR3 graphics card is not compatible with the DDR4 motherboard, DDR3 Ram cannot fit into the slot of the DDR4 motherboard at all. Because these are two different types of sticks that are not identical and not able to fit in the same slots. DDR3 has 240 pins and DDR4 has 288 pins with a small hole that can only fit into a similar wedge in the slot of the motherboard. The notch on DDR3 sticks can be found to the nearer side of this stick and the notch of DDR4 sticks is found in the center. So, these are not compatible with each other.
What will happen if you use DDR3 RAM slots in a DDR4 slot?
Surprisingly, if you managed to fix the DDR3 RAM into the DDR4 slots of your motherboard. As a result, if you upgrade the system memory so you can not be able to utilize old memory modules with the new motherboard you may destroy the hardware and may damage the motherboard and RAM also.
Conclusion
Between DDR3 and DDR4, there is a big difference. You must be aware of the fact that your motherboard with DDR3 slots will not work with a PC that supports the DDR4 RAM. Now you must have an idea that DDR4 operates at lower volts as compared to DDR3. We hope so, now you have the basic knowledge about DDR3 and DDR4 after reading this article.
