DDR3

DDR3 SDRAM is a type of synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) used in computers and other devices. It is the third generation of double data rate memory developed by JEDEC as the successor to DDR2. DDR3 features an 8n prefetch architecture, higher data rates, and lower voltage, which together provide greater memory bandwidth with reduced power consumption.

Physically, DDR3 modules come in desktop and notebook form factors. Desktop systems use 240-pin DIMMs, while laptops and small form-factor systems use 204-pin SO-DIMMs. DDR3 memory can be unbuffered (UDIMM) or registered (RDIMM) in servers, and many modules include ECC (error-correcting code) for reliability. In mobile applications, low-voltage variants known as DDR3L operate around 1.35 volts, versus the standard 1.5 volts.

Speeds and capacities vary widely. Officially, DDR3 supports data transfer rates from 800 to 2133 MT/s, corresponding to memory bandwidth roughly from 6.4 to 17 GB/s per channel. Modules are marketed as PC3-6400 through PC3-21300, with higher speeds achieved through overclocking in some cases. Consumer DIMMs commonly ranged from 1 GB to 16 GB over its lifetime, while server-grade RDIMMs offered larger capacities. DDR3 also improved power efficiency over DDR2, contributing to cooler operation in laptops and servers.

Legacy and impact: DDR3 was widely adopted across desktops, laptops, and servers during the 2010s and remained common until partly superseded by DDR4 in the latter half of the decade. It is not compatible with DDR2 or DDR4 due to differences in signaling, pin configurations, and voltage requirements. DDR3 nevertheless remains in many older systems and niche applications.