Expanding the amount of RAM on our computer is quite common. Over time, programs require more memory, especially with Google Chrome. But, it is possible that you have gone to buy new RAM memory and found that DDR4 and DDR5 are sold. Surely you have asked yourself, Can I change the DDR4 RAM for the new DDR5?
RAM, in case you didn’t know, has the mission of temporarily storing information that the processor needs or will need to perform a task. Once this task or set of tasks that require that information is performed, it is deleted.
You might think this could be stored on the hard drive, but the processor needs “speed.” You need to access data quickly and storage drives are much slower than RAM.
Changes between generations of RAM
The new DDR5 standard introduces a number of substantial improvements over DDR4. The changes are regulated, managed and cataloged by JEDEC, a non-profit organization. They are the ones who ensure that everyone meets the specifications.
The main differences between these two RAM standards are:
- Tension settings: The working voltage of the memories is modified, going from 1.2 V in DDR4 to 1.1 V in DDR5
- Tension regulator: The DDR4 standard established that the voltage regulators were on the motherboard, but in DDR5 they are in the memories
- Ability: DDR4 memories started at a minimum of 4 GB per module, but in DDR5 the minimum capacity per module becomes 16 GB
- Frequencies: Although the initial frequencies of DDR4 were 2400 MHz, in the latest versions a base frequency of 3,200 MHz had been reached. DDR5 takes another leap and offers frequencies of 4,800 MHz as a starting point, and can reach 6,400 MHz
We wanted to reflect the main ones, but there are many more things that change. There are other changes, such as the number of internal channels or error correction integrated per memory chip, among others.
Physical adjustments to avoid problems
The set of technologies and features that change between standards, as you can see, is quite large. To avoid incorrect installation, modify the «Module Key» or control space.
All RAM memories have a slot in their middle area, which often goes unnoticed. This space in its structure has two main functions:
- Avoid incorrect installation, since the RAM has a “side” as if it were a USB-A port. Connecting it incorrectly would mean damaging it.
- Prevent them from install modules of a different standard. This means that this control slot prevents installing DDR4 RAM on DDR5 motherboards and vice versa.
The aim is to protect the integrity of the system and its correct functioning at all times. Installing the memories incorrectly can cause irreparable damage to them. So, to avoid errors in the process, this control notch is established that prevents incorrect placement.
Conclusion
You can see that there is a substantial change in characteristics between DDR4 and DDR5. These changes prevent compatibility between standards and, consequently, cross-use is not possible. To avoid cross-use (DDR4 on DDR5 motherboards or vice versa) the “Module Key” is added.
Even if you want to, it is impossible for you to install DDR5 on your DDR4 computer. The motherboard with the DIMM sockets and the RAM memories with the “Module Key” completely prevent this. If you want to make the jump to DDR5, you will necessarily have to change the motherboard and processor.
