These are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding DDR5:
When will DDR5 be available to the public?
DDR5 will most likely be commercially available in 2022. There are currently three companies that are currently sampling DDR5 DRAMS: SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron.
Will we see DDR5 in a laptop?
Yes. The new JEDEC spec shows that the DDR5 262 Pin SODIMM has a different mechanical notch that will be different from DDR3 and DDR4. So a DDR5 SODIMM is not capable of being installed in a DDR3 or DDR4 laptop.
Will DDR5 require a new motherboard?
Yes. This is because DDR5 and DDR4 will not be compatible. New DDR5 Motherboards will most likely be out in 2022.
Will mobile phones be available with DDR5?
No. DDR5 is for Servers, Desktop and laptops. LPDDR5 will be for mobile phones.
Will DDR5 be available for gaming?
Perhaps. GDDR5 will be a better alternative.
How much will DDR5 cost?
DDR5 will be more expensive than DDR4 initially. The cost will depend on supply and demand.
Will there be a DDR3 or DDR4 to DDR5 adapter?
No. There are too many protocol, power, and ground differences on the pin out. Like DDR3 and DDR4 the notches will be in different places (on DIMMs and SODIMMs) which means you physically cannot plug them in.
DDR3:
DDR4:
What does DDR5 mean?
Double Data Rate 5th generation.
When will DDR5 be mainstream?
It will most likely not be released until 2022. Gaming laptops will come later in 2023.
What vendors have DDR5 tools?
Currently there are four vendors that have DDR5 tools: Keysight Technologies, FuturePlus Systems, Synopsys, Cadence.
Why is DDR5 better?
DDR5 will be faster, have two independent channels per DIMM/SODIMM and be lower power.
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