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A Guide to DDR5 Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory
DDR5 Overview
DDR5 Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) marks a significant leap forward in memory technology, succeeding DDR4 with promises of reduced power consumption and doubled bandwidth. Launched on July 14, 2020, DDR5 introduces Decision Feedback Equalization (DFE), enabling scalable input/output (I/O) speeds for enhanced performance. Despite maintaining a latency similar to DDR4, DDR5 boasts an impressive increase in maximum DIMM capacity from 64 GB to 512 GB.
Industry leaders quickly embraced DDR5, with Rambus unveiling a working DDR5 DIMM in September 2017, followed by SK Hynix’s announcement of its first DDR5 RAM chip in November 2018. SK Hynix later pushed the boundaries with a 6.4 GT/s chip in February 2019. Simultaneously, the Low Power Double Data Rate 5 (LPDDR5) standard, tailored for mobile devices, emerged in February 2019.
DDR5 continues the trend of efficiency by reducing memory voltage to 1.1 V, aided by on-board voltage regulators to achieve higher speeds. With DDR5, the future of memory technology is poised for unprecedented performance and efficiency. Explore our range of DDR5 products here.
What are the main advantages & key features of DDR5 RAM?
Blazing-fast Performance
1.1V Low Working Voltage
On-die ECC Correction
Independent Dual-channel Transfer
Power Management Integrated Circuit
DDR5 Key Features
- Enhanced Speed: DDR5 introduces speeds up to 8,000MHz, boasting a 50% increase in bandwidth over DDR4’s 3,200MHz. This upgrade promises superior computing performance with future prospects of even higher speeds.
- Energy Efficiency: The new DDR5 operates at a 1.1-volt, reducing power consumption by about 20% compared to DDR4’s 1.2 volts. It is ideal for battery-dependent devices and energy-intensive servers.
- Reliable Data Integrity: DDR5 enhances data reliability with on-die ECC that corrects internal chip errors, ensuring higher data accuracy and chip longevity, crucial for servers and workstations.
- Optimized Architecture: DDR5’s architecture divides the memory module into two 32-bit subchannels, maintaining a 64-bit data width while improving performance by enabling parallel data access.
- Advanced Power Management: DDR5 integrates PMICs to optimize power usage for components, offering superior performance, especially in server environments, through enhanced power stability and signal integrity.
DDR5 Form Factors
DDR5 introduces several key changes that make it incompatible with legacy systems, despite its resemblance to DDR4. One notable difference is the relocation of the key location (notch in the centre), which prevents DDR5 modules from being mistakenly installed into incompatible sockets.
- DIMM: 288 pins
- SODIMM: 262 pins
- Registered DIMMs
- Load-reduced DIMMs
- ECC unbuffered DIMMs
- ECC unbuffered SODIMMs
- Non-ECC unbuffered DIMMs
- Non-ECC unbuffered SODIMMs
DDR5 vs DDR4
| Features | DDR4 | DDR5 |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 0.8 – 1.6GHz | 1.6 – 4.2GHz |
| Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.1 V |
| Power Management | On Motherboard / SBC | On DIMM PMIC |
| Max Die Density | 16Gb | 64Gb |
BVM Design and Manufacturing Services
Like a lot of innovative advances in memory & storage devices in the past, sometimes the OEM manufacturers of industrial PC solutions don’t quite keep up with the pace of release around their on board technologies to allow the adoption & facilitation of faster transfer technologies – such as DDR5 memory.
However – some OEM’s have released their latest motherboard and single board computing solutions with single and dual DDR5 memory slots on board – particularly those that have Intel’s 12th Generation Alder Lake processors at their heart.
Because of BVM’s extensive network of OEM partnerships, and as a designer of ODM solutions & Systems Integrator, BVM can supply these latest innovations in both ‘COTS’ (computer off the shelf) solutions and incorporate them into individual bespoke designs for our customers.
We like to make life easier ….
BVM supply a wide and diverse range of Industrial and Embedded Systems.
From Industrial Motherboards, SBCs and Box PCs, to Rack Mount computers and Industrial Panel PCs.
However, if you can’t find a solution that meets your needs from our wide & varied portfolio of standard products, speak to one of our team members around our bespoke design and manufacturing services. We can design a solution from ‘ground up’ – from concept to design – and through to system development and eventual mass production manufacture.
You can Call us on +(0) 1489 780 144 and talk to one of the team | E-mail us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk | Use our quick contact form here