14 DAY TRIAL // DDR4 memory may have only just been launched, but there already are a few companies that provide modules compatible with the new specification. As it happens, Corsair has just added its name to the list of DDR4 providers.
DDR4 RAM (random access memory) is a type of RAM that works on a lot less energy than DDR3 while providing a much higher performance threshold.
The operating voltage is of 1.2V to be exact, which is much lower than the 1.65V or 1.5V of “average” DDR3 modules and kits. Indeed, even low-power DDR3 needs 135V to operate.
All the while, the performance of DDR4 is well beyond that of all but the most ludicrously overclocked DDR3 products.
Where normal DDR3 reaches 1,066 MHz, 1,333 MHz or 1,600 MHz, DDR4 has a basic speed of 2,133 MHz.
Corsair wanted to cover a much broader customer base, however, so it decided to blur the lines between DDR3 and DDR4 a bit. Or a lot, depending on your view.
That is why the Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR4 memory range comes in 1,600 Mhz, 1,866 MHz, 2,133 MHz, 2,400 MHz, 2,666 MHz, 3,200 MHz and even 4,000 MHz.
That's a lot of power, especially since they will be the “default” settings of the modules. Any DDR4 module can attain 4 GHz, but Corsair will set them to that value straight from the factory. Indeed, it is implied that a 4,266 MHz kit will be launched as well.
This does mean that 1.2V might not be enough in every instance though. So expect Corsair Platinum DDR4 to consist of 1.25V and 1.3V offers as well. And the other side of the spectrum is receiving some attention too, as Corsair is reportedly preparing 1.10V and 1,05V ultra low voltage parts.
Add to that the lower heat output and subsequent longer lifespan, and DDR4 is definitely superior to DDR3 RAM in every meaningful way.
Like all other DDR4 modules and kits previewed so far, Corsair's products will only be supported by motherboards powered by the X99 chipset, since the Haswell-E extreme performance CPU series from Intel is the only processor line with a good enough memory controller. At the moment, you can only place orders through Overclockers UK website. There are and/or will be 288-pin DIMM desktop and 256-pin SODIMM notebook offers, with and without ECC (error correcting code).
Consumer CPUs and motherboards will only gain DDR4 support around the middle of 2015.