Double Data Rate 2 Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory, officially abbreviated as DDR2 SDRAM, is a double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) interface. It superseded the original DDR SDRAM specification, and was itself superseded by DDR3 SDRAM (launched in 2007).

How to identify computer ram ddr1 ddr2 ddr3, DDR4 Identifying the Computer RAM (Random Access Memory) like DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 physically is not so hard if you follow the steps.

1. Distance of Notch
2. Integrated Chip (IC) type

DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4 is the most using RAM currently in the market.

DDR2 and DDR3 are not only different in what they are, but they are electrically different, you can't use products that aren't designed to be electrically compatible with each other. Even if you did somehow force a DDR3 module into a DDR2 slot, you'd probably blow the RAM, and, well, the system board too. .Note: RAM Slot Protectors are for use with DDR2 & DDR3 slots only. Product information Package Dimensions 8.39 x 5.91 x 1.1 inches Item Weight 3.45 ounces. To use DDR3 memory, your system must have both a 204-pin SODIMM slot and a chipset that supports DDR3 memory. A DDR3 SODIMM will not fit into DDR2 or DDR memory sockets. SODIMMs are smaller and thinner than regular DIMMs, and the 204-pin SODIMM PCBs are always 2.6 inches long and are usually around 1.75 inches high (though the heights can vary. Due to the different pin design of DDR2 and DDR3, it will be physically impossible to put a DDR2 stick into a DDR3 slot. You will need to have DDR3 RAM. When you buy it, be sure that it runs at 1.65V or less; that's RAM designed for the X58 and P55 chipsets. Anything over running in the 1.7-1.9V range was for Nvidia's 780i chipset.

First of all confirm is it DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, or Different DDR’s SDRAM. keep your DDR chip front-facing as given bellow. here look to the notch each DDR notch distance is different from others DDR. It’s mentioned in the picture.

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Distance of Notch

• • Notch Means above cuts Mark on RAM
    • DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 having Single Cut mark on the base of the RAM
  • But you can see the Cut mark (Notch) distance (see below photo)
    • Notch of DDR1 and DDR2 are similar but if you see closely,
      • You can find DDR1 Notch is just above the IC and DDR
      • DDR2 Notch is just far to the IC
    • Notch of DDR3 is different from the other two.

• Integrated Chip (IC)

  • See the Above Photo
    • DDR3 having small and square type IC.
    • DDR2 is just bigger then DDR3 and smaller the DDR1,
    • In this case, too, DDR1 and DDR2 are just a small difference
      • IC in DDR1 are touched both top and bottom of RAM
      • and IC in DDR2 is just center of the RAM

• Number of Pins in DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4

  • DDR1 – 184 Pins
    • DDR2 – 240 Pins
      • DDR3 – 240 Pins
        • DDR4 – 288 Pins

• Voltage of RAM

  • The voltage of RAM cannot be used for the Physical finding of RAM, but it can be used to place the RAM in the Motherboard Slot. (voltage are written in the RAM Slot of Motherboard)
    • DDR1 Volts – 2.5 v
      • DDR 2 Volts – 1.8 v
        • DDR3 Volts – 1.5 v
          • DDR4 Volts – 1.2v

• Click to Buy Best DDR RAMs for Desktops

• Click to Buy Best DDR RAMs for Desktops

identify computer ram ddr1 ddr2 ddr3

Use Ddr2 Ram In Ddr3 Slot Cars

The most obvious factor on how to differ DDR3 from DDR2 memory is appearance. But, that is not as simple as it might seem. Unless you can find the specific reference on the memory stick, you will need to look at the key notch. Along the bottom of the memory stick, 240 pins insert into the motherboard. Among the pins is a notch. That notch prevents inserting the wrong type of memory into an incompatible slot. Looking from the top side, the notch on the DDR2 lies slightly to the right of the middle point of the memory stick. On the DDR3, the notch is slightly to the left of the middle.

DDR2 memory sticks do not fit into the slots for DDR3 sticks or vice versa. One reason why many manufacturers have been slow to adopt the newer DDR3 technology is because there is no backwards compatibility between the two. You cannot use a DDR3 when you do not have an appropriate slot in the motherboard for it. Some newer motherboards come with the ability for both types of memory to work. However, it is important to know how to differ DDR3 from DDR2 memory before you purchase it.

Ddr2 Ram In Ddr3 Slot

What else makes these memory sticks different? Transfer speed on DDR3 is double that of the DDR2. Transfer rates on DDR2 range from 400 to 800 Mbps. On the DDR3, the range is 800 to 1600 Mbps. The DDR2 has four internal banks of memory while the DDR3 has eight. The DDR2 does 4-bit prefetch and the DDR3 does 8-bit prefetch. The DDR2 uses more voltage than the DDR3 does. The DDR2 runs with 1.8V while DDR3 runs with 1.5V. DDR3 memory has a slightly higher latency than the DDR2. There are other technical differences between the two as well.

Use Ddr2 Ram In Ddr3 Slots

Currently, there is another significant way on how to differ DDR3 from DDR2 memory. The price is higher for the DDR3 memory sticks. Prices have continued to drop ever since the DDR3 came on the market a few years ago. However, the DDR2 sticks are still lower in price. But, newer motherboards are pushing the prices down on DDR3. The demand for the newer technology is starting to grow as higher memory requirements come into play with faster motherboards and chipsets. However, with the newer DDR4 technology planned for a 2012 release, the future of the DDR3 is still in question.