DDR3 System Memory Is Coming To A PC Near You
DDR2 memory has been around for the last couple of years, but the move to DDR3 is on the horizon. So what's the advantage of moving to DDR3? Well for starters, DDR3 memory requires only about 1.5 volts, less than DDR2, and also can be clocked at higher frequencies. DDR3 memory will still use the 240-pin form factor of DDR2 memory but the socket notch will be in a different place, so DDR3 memory will not be compatible with current DDR2 motherboards. The modules will be available starting around mid 2007 but don't expect to see them in systems until Intel's Bearlake chipset family is released.
DDR3 is set to be the next PC memory standard and the successor to DDR2 memory. It holds a number of technological advantages over its predecessor. Power consumption has been decreased to 1.5 Volts, while clock speeds have gone up. Currently, DDR3 frequencies range from 800 MHz to 1600 MHz. The 512MB module that appeared on Super Talent's website late last night uses a Samsung SKU that has not been publically announced yet. Physically, DDR3 memory is very similar to DDR2 memory. Both technologies use Fine-pitch Ball Grid Array for their chip package. In addition, DDR3 modules will also use the same 240-pin form factor. They will not, however, be inter-compatible as DDR2 and DDR3 memory chips have the middle notch located at different positions.
