DDR5: What are the Advantages of DDR5 Memory?

DDR5 Overview

DDR5, also known as DDR5 SDRAM, represents the latest iteration of ‘Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory’. JEDEC, the industry standards body, spearheaded its development in 2017, in collaboration with major memory semiconductor and chipset architecture vendors. After years of meticulous planning, DDR5 finally made its debut in 2021, bringing with it a host of advancements and improvements.

DDR5 is developed to deliver higher performance while consuming less power and ensuring improved data integrity. This next-generation technology is designed to meet the demands of the evolving computing landscape in the upcoming decade. Explore our range of DDR5 products here.

So, what are those main advantages & key features of DDR5 RAM ?

DDR5 Key Features

Greater Speed and Performance

DDR5 has recently been launched with a blazing fast transfer speed of 4,800MHz. This is a significant improvement compared to DDR4, which is limited to 3,200MHz. With DDR5, you’ll experience a 50% increase in bandwidth, paving the way for enhanced performance in your computing needs. As technology progresses, DDR5 is set to reach even higher speeds, scaling up to an impressive 8,000MHz. Upgrade to DDR5 and unleash the power of next-generation memory technology.

Reduced Power with Increased Efficiency

DDR5 is an advanced memory technology that offers numerous benefits over its predecessor, DDR4. One standout advantage is its power efficiency. Operating at a lower voltage of 1.1 volts, DDR5 consumes approximately 20% less power compared to DDR4 running at 1.2 volts. This power savings is significant as it not only extends battery life in laptops but also proves advantageous for enterprise servers that operate continuously throughout the week. DDR5 is a great choice for those seeking improved performance while ensuring energy conservation.

On-die Error Correction

On-die ECC (Error Correction Code) is a powerful feature that helps to ensure the reliability and integrity of data stored in DRAM chips. With the continuous advancement of technology, the risk of bit errors occurring within the chip increases. On-die ECC addresses this issue by enabling the chip to automatically correct these errors, reducing defects and enhancing overall chip reliability.

It is important to note that on-die ECC can only correct errors that happen within the chip itself and not errors that occur outside the chip or on the bus. ECC-enabled processors used in servers and workstations are equipped with this advanced error correction capability, which can handle single or multi-bit errors in real time. To support this correction capability, ECC-class module types such as ECC unbuffered, registered, and load reduced require extra DRAM bits. This ensures the necessary resources are available for efficient error correction.

Dual 32-bit Subchannels

DDR5 memory introduces a new architecture that enhances performance and reduces latencies. Unlike its predecessor, DDR4, DDR5 splits the memory module into two independent 32-bit subchannels. This division increases efficiency by allowing simultaneous data accesses for the memory controller. Despite the split, the data width of DDR5 modules remains 64-bit. However, each subchannel is now individually addressable, resulting in improved overall performance.

In the case of server-class memory (RDIMMs), an additional 8 bits are allocated to each subchannel for error-correcting code (ECC) support, resulting in a total of 80 bits per rank. For dual-rank modules, there are four 32-bit subchannels in total.

PMIC – Power Management Integrated Circuits

DDR5 modules are equipped with Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC) on-board. These PMICs regulate the power consumption of different components such as DRAM, register, and SPD hub. Server-class modules use 12V, while PC-class modules use 5V. This improved power distribution enhances signal integrity, reduces noise, and delivers better performance compared to previous generations.

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.

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, but slowly – 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 12^th 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 either call us directly on +(0) 1489 780 144 and talk to one of the team | E-mail us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk | Use the contact form on our website