An industrial PC needs to be built so it can handle challenging, demanding computer environments. They need to feature the right components that deliver reliability and performance. In modern industrial PCs, one such component is DDR5 memory.
The natural successor to DDR4, the fifth-generation version delivers greater performance improvements across the board. Standing for Double Data Rate memory, DDR5 memory was released in 2021 and brought greater performance, improved data integrity, and less power consumption rates to the table.
If you’re wondering if you should add DDR5 memory to your next Industrial PC, here are the main advantages to picking this highly regarded component.
Improved Speed and Performance
DDR4 was fast with a 3,200MHz transfer speed. However, this number has been increased by 50% for the latest Double Data Rate memory technology. That’s right – the DDR5’s transfer speed is at a blazing 4,800MHz.
That increase provides your industrial PC with a significant boost to its overall speed and performance. The DDR5 is also designed to scale up to a whopping 8,000MHz, ensuring it can grow with next-generation computer systems.
Greater Efficiency
Even though it delivers a higher level of performance than its predecessor, it does so with significantly greater power efficiency. The DDR4 runs at 1.2 volts. DDR5, in comparison, operates at 1.1 volts – which is around 20% less power in total. When your industrial PC is running continuously without being switched off, this improved power efficiency helps to improve your energy conservation efforts.
On-Die ECC
For the uninitiated, On-die Error Correction Code (ECC) is a feature that helps reinforce the integrity and reliability of data stored within your computer’s DRAM chips. While there are many benefits gained with the continued advances in technology, it’s not always positive. One example is that bit errors within the chip are more likely to occur – at least, that’s the case without an on-die ECC.
With an on-die ECC, any errors can be automatically corrected within the chip. The result: defect numbers are minimized, and it assists with boosting the chip’s overall reliability.
The Use Of Two 32-Bit Subchannels
DDR5 introduces a new technology in the form of splitting up the memory module, turning it into two separate 32-bit subchannels. Rather than sticking with a single memory module, this approach provides users with numerous advantages.
As it allows for simultaneous data access by the memory controller, the dual 32-bit subchannels help to increase efficiency. As the subchannels are individually addressable, this enhances overall performance levels.
Added Power Management Integrated Circuits
Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC) are another welcome addition to DDR5 modules. As you can likely gather from the name, a PMIC is used to regulate power consumption. It does this across numerous different DDR5 components, including the SPD hub, register, and DRAM. Better power distribution always helps in numerous ways. With PMIC, it reduces noise along with enhancing signal integrity.
All of this combines to ensure the DDR5 provides better overall performance for your industrial PC than its predecessor. Definitely an upgrade.
