What Is PC3 RAM?
High-quality RAM– Random Access Memory is a computer memory that allows you to change or read data in any order. Generally, RAM is used for storing working data that can be retrieved by the CPU whenever needed. It is also a volatile memory, so the information on it can get deleted if there’s no power. There are lots of different kinds of RAM available in the market. One of which is PC3. But if you don’t know much about RAM’s intricacies, this term might confuse you. So, if you are asking- what is PC3 RAM? Then we are here to give you an answer.
But before we move on to PC3 precisely, you need to understand a bit more about the various kinds of RAM.
What Are The Different Kinds Of RAM Available?
There are a lot of different kinds of RAMs available in the market. The two most important of those are SDRAM and DDR SDRAM. SDRAM stands for Synchronous dynamic random-access memory, and its external-pin face gets coordinated with an external clock signal.
Know that SDRAM comes with an adept synchronous interface where changes present in the control inputs get recognized after its clock’s rising edge. So it only fetches data once in one clock cycle. Note that SDRAMs are not that widely used nowadays due to the presence of DDR SDRAM.
Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory or DDR SDRAM comes with integrated circuits. This memory is better than SDRAM since, instead, it gets data on both the falling and rising-edges of its clock-signal. It is because of this the RAM is called Double-Data Rate.
Over the years, there have been multiple versions of DDR SDRAM. Till now there have been: DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, and DDR4 SDRAM. You will find that DDR2 to DDR4 is widely used nowadays because they offer more incredible clock speeds and use lower voltages to run. Please note:
- DDR2 offers 200-400 MHz speed at 1.8V with 400 to 1066 MT/s.
- DDR3 offers 400-1066 MHz speed at 1.5V with 800 to 2133 MT/s.
- DDR4 offers 1066-1600 MHz at 1.2V with 1600-3200 MT/s.
Know that along with a decreasing voltage. These DDR SDRAMs also become denser, with transistors becoming more packed.
What has this to do with the term PC3?
You need to know about the different types of RAM because PC3 is related to it. Now, before we move on to PC3, let’s talk about PC2 so that you understand what PC means.
Know that PC2 is a term that is associated with DDR2 SDRAM specifically. This is because, along with the capacity and bandwidth variants, these modules were buffered or registered to improve signal integrity. All this was done with electrical buffering of the signals given out at the price of one extra clock (that has improved latency).
Now, these modules get identified with an extra R in the name—for example, PC2-4200R. If you are using Unbuffered or Non-registered RAM, then an additional U is added to the name. For example, PC2-4200U. So, now that this is covered, you must have figured out that PC3 is the reference name for the DDR3 generation of RAM.
After all, DDR3 comes with improved data transfer rates and lower voltages than the previous generations. The designated number you will see beside PC3, like PC3-12800, refers to the transfer speed. So if you see, PC4 then know that it alludes to DDR4 SDRAM generation.
The entire concept of PC3 might feel convoluted to you at first. But it isn’t because it’s just a reference number for the DDR3 SDRAM generation at the end of the day. As such, if you understand what DDR3 SDRAM is and what it comes with, then you will understand the PC3 term easily as well.
About the Author Michael E. Yates
Hi! The words you are going to read comes from me! A geek passionately and a writer of 5+ years professionally. If you ask about my likings, well, I love to tag along with upcoming technology trends. Though I also have contributed to many more technology sites through my writings. If you ask about my dreams, then one of them is finding an instant solution for every device malfunction, so I am creating a blog post. A blog post that will help more people like me. I, introduce thepcstuff.com the result of my hard work and patience. Do not worry, with me and my team behind the computers will make sure every vital information related to technology reaches all of you people. So, if you are ready to go on an adventurous ride with thepcstuff.com and me, let's get started!
