Memory technology is one of the critical pillars enabling system performance, efficiency, and scalability. For nearly a decade, DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4) SDRAM has been the industry standard for system memory, delivering steady improvements in speed and power efficiency over its predecessor. However, with the emergence and growing adoption of DDR5, it’s clear that DDR4 is now entering the twilight of its lifecycle.
Some memory IC manufacturers, such as Micron and Samsung, have recently announced significant price increases for their DDR4 silicon due to short supply, causing some memory module manufacturers to turn to using alternative memory IC manufacturers, and to advise customers to switch to DDR5 if possible.
To understand the significance of this shift, it’s helpful to begin with a quick refresher on what DDR actually is. DDR, or Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory, is a type of volatile memory used in computers to temporarily store data that is actively being used or processed. As the name suggests, DDR memory transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, effectively doubling the data rate compared to single data rate memory. Over the years, each new DDR generation has introduced increases in bandwidth, reductions in power consumption, and architectural enhancements aimed at supporting more demanding applications.
Key Differences Between DDR4 and DDR5
The shift from DDR4 to DDR5 is not merely incremental; it introduces foundational changes that are reshaping the memory subsystem in profound ways. At a high level, DDR5 doubles the theoretical maximum bandwidth of DDR4, offering speeds starting at 4800 MT/s (mega-transfers per second) and scaling beyond 8400 MT/s as the technology matures. In contrast, DDR4 modules typically range from 2133 MT/s up to 3200 MT/s in most commercial applications.
Beyond raw bandwidth, DDR5 brings major improvements in memory density and efficiency. DDR5 DIMMs offer a larger maximum capacity per module compared to DDR4 DIMMs. DDR5 slots can support up to 128GB, while DDR4 modules typically max out at 32GB. This increased density is particularly important for high-performance computing (HPC), data centres, and AI or machine learning workloads, where memory capacity can be a limiting factor.
Architecturally, DDR5 introduces a dual-channel DIMM structure, effectively splitting each DIMM into two 32-bit channels (versus one 64-bit channel in DDR4). This design reduces latency and allows for more granular access to memory, increasing overall efficiency. Additionally, DDR5 moves the power management circuitry from the motherboard onto the DIMM itself via a Power Management IC (PMIC), enabling finer control over power delivery and reducing motherboard complexity. Operating voltage has also dropped from 1.2V in DDR4 to 1.1V in DDR5, contributing to overall energy savings, especially in large-scale deployments.
Additionally, many DDR5 modules implement on-die ECC (Error-Correcting Code). This is especially advantageous in enterprise or mission-critical environments.
Key DDR5 advantages over DDR4 summarised:
- Bandwidth: Up to twice the data rate (4800–8400+MT/s vs. 2133–3200MT/s typical DDR4).
- Capacity: Higher per-DIMM capacity.
- Efficiency: Lower voltage (1.1V), on-DIMM PMIC, and improved power management.
- Architecture: Dual 32-bit channels per DIMM, on-die ECC, and smaller process geometries.
- Platform Support: All new major CPUs and system platforms favour DDR5.
The “Retirement” of DDR4
As compelling as DDR4 has been over the years, the increasing demand for higher performance and efficiency is outpacing what DDR4 can provide.
Applications in AI, big data analytics, 5G, and real-time simulation require significantly more bandwidth and memory capacity than DDR4 can deliver without compromise. At the same time, the industry is moving toward more compact, power-efficient, and thermally optimised systems, especially in edge computing and hyperscale environments. DDR5’s architectural improvements are aligned precisely with these trends, making it the natural successor.
Moreover, major semiconductor vendors have already begun phasing out new DDR4 development in favour of DDR5. Processor manufacturers like Intel and AMD are building platforms that either support DDR5 exclusively, or offer hybrid support during the transition phase. For example, Intel’s Alder Lake and AMD’s Zen 4 platforms have increasingly prioritised DDR5 support. As economies of scale kick in and DDR5 prices continue to drop, DDR4 will gradually become less economically viable for OEMs and system builders to support. The retirement of DDR4 is not a sudden event, but a market-driven inevitability.
Implications for System Designers
For engineers in the business of designing computing systems, this transition has far-reaching implications.
First and foremost, system architects must account for the differing electrical and physical requirements of DDR5 when designing motherboards and memory interfaces. DDR5’s tighter tolerances, faster signal integrity requirements, and on-DIMM power management, necessitate changes in board layout, power delivery, and validation processes.
Supply chains will also need to adjust. Sourcing DDR5 modules, integrating compatible controllers, and ensuring firmware compatibility, all introduce additional complexity. Testing and quality assurance must be updated to reflect the different behaviour of DDR5 under load, including training routines and error correction mechanisms.
Perhaps most importantly, the transition provides an opportunity – and in some cases, a necessity – for product differentiation. Systems that adopt DDR5 early can boast superior performance per watt, better scalability, and future-proofing for AI and multi-core processing workloads. Conversely, companies slow to adopt DDR5 risk being left behind in performance benchmarks and customer value perception.
Advice for Engineers: Preparing for DDR5
For engineers working at the silicon, system, or firmware level, now is the time to become fluent in the DDR5 specification and tooling. If you haven’t already, familiarise yourself with the JEDEC JESD79-5A standard, as it contains critical design parameters and signal integrity requirements. Begin incorporating DDR5 simulation models and IP blocks into your design flows to evaluate their impact on timing, layout, and power distribution.
Prototyping with DDR5 development kits or reference designs can accelerate your readiness, especially when exploring the performance characteristics of the dual-channel DIMM structure and PMIC behaviour. Pay close attention to thermal management strategies; as speeds increase, so too does the need for precise thermal design, even if power consumption per bit is lower.
Firmware and BIOS engineers should be updating memory training algorithms and testing initialisation sequences unique to DDR5. Validation teams should expand their test coverage to include new failure modes introduced by DDR5’s tighter margins and higher speeds. Collaboration across hardware and software teams will be more important than ever to ensure successful integration.
Looking Ahead
The transition from DDR4 to DDR5 represents more than just a speed boost; it’s a necessary evolution driven by the growing complexity and performance demands of modern computing. As the industry increasingly pivots toward DDR5, engineers must lead the charge – adapting their designs, updating their toolchains, and anticipating the challenges that come with this leap forward.
At the time of writing, DDR4 is still available and used in some cost-sensitive or legacy applications, but all mainstream new platforms for desktops, laptops, and servers are actively promoting DDR5. However, manufacturers offering long-term availability of certain models may still need to offer DDR4 – in which case, they should be thinking about securing supplies before they become obsolete.
So while the retirement of DDR4 won’t happen overnight, the momentum behind DDR5 is unmistakable. Companies that invest early in understanding and deploying DDR5 will be well-positioned to deliver the next generation of high-performance, efficient computing solutions. For engineers, embracing DDR5 is not just a technical necessity – it’s a strategic advantage.
DDR5 in Steatite’s Portfolio
Our portfolio of ruggedised industrial computers is already adapting to accommodate the shift to DDR5. Many of our Aetina Jetson Orin systems have DDR5 on board, as well as our military-grade DR-2000 series of rackmount computers, and the GP-3100 rugged GPU computer from Cincoze.
We’re ready for the next generation of high-performance computing – are you?
