DDR memory speeds and compatibility
Adding more memory to your PC is one of the best and easiest ways to improve system performance. But before clicking that “buy” button on this or any website, it’s important to make sure the memory you are buying is compatible with your PC.
DDR5 memory is the latest generation of memory for computing applications and offers many benefits over previous generations of memory including lower latencies, higher speeds, and more. One thing to keep in mind is that memory needs to be the same type - memory modules are not forward or backward compatible in terms of generation types so DDR5 will not work in DDR4 or DDR3.
Memory is designed to be backward compatible within its generation, so generally speaking, you can safely add faster memory to a computer that was designed to run slower memory. However, your system will operate at the speed of the slowest memory module installed.
We recommend that you use either the Crucial Memory Advisor™ or Crucial System Scanner to find the right memory for your computer. Rather than give memory modules catchy names, the industry refers to modules by their specifications. But if you don't know a lot about memory, the numbers can be confusing. Here's a short summary of the most popular types of memory and what the numbers refer to.
Generations of memory explained
DDR5 speeds
| Friendly name | Industry name | Peak Transfer Rate | Data transfers/second (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DDR5-4800 | PC5-38400 | 38400 MB/s | 4800 |
| DDR5-5600 | PC5-44800 | 44800 MB/s | 5600 |
| DDR5-6000 | PC5-48000 | 48000 MB/s | 6000 |
| DDR5-6400 | PC5-51200 | 51200 MB/s | 6400 |
| DDR5-7500 | PC5-60000 | 60000 MB/s | 7500 |
| DDR5-8500 | PC5-68000 | 68000 MB/s | 8500 |
DDR5, the most recent released standard, features speeds starting at 4800 MT/s, with even faster speeds being made possible with new technologies such as LPCAMM2 form factors and clock drivers becoming a part of newer modules. Optimized for gamers, professional designers, and enthusiasts who need to maximize data rates, DDR5 is for those who want the most from their system. Crucial Pro DDR5 modules typically have faster speeds, lower latencies, and unique design and heat spreaders.
DDR4 speeds
| Friendly name | Industry name | Peak Transfer Rate | Data transfers/second (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DDR4-2400 | PC4-19200 | 19200 MB/s | 2400 |
| DDR4-2666 | PC4-21300 | 21300 MB/s | 2666 |
| DDR4-2933 | PC4-23400 | 23400 MB/s | 2933 |
| DDR4-3200 | PC4-25600 | 25600 MB/s | 3200 |
| DDR4-3600 | PC4-28800 | 28800 MB/s | 3600 |
| DDR4-4000 | PC4-32000 | 32000 MB/s | 4000 |
| DDR4-4400 | PC4-35200 | 35200 MB/s | 4400 |
DDR3 speeds
| Friendly name | Industry name | Peak Transfer Rate | Data transfers/second (in millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DDR3-1066 | PC3-8500 | 8533 MB/s | 1066 |
| DDR3-1333 | PC3-10600 | 10667 MB/s | 1333 |
| DDR3-1600 | PC3-12800 | 12800 MB/s | 1600 |
About adding faster memory ...
Keep in mind that the right memory for your computer is the kind of memory it was designed to take. Check your system manual or look up your system on the Crucial Upgrade Selector or use the System Scanner to find the perfect memory for your system.