CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)HardwareEasy
A technician is comparing memory modules for a new workstation build. Which of the following is true of DDR5 RAM compared to DDR4 RAM?
- ADDR5 uses fewer pins than DDR4
- BDDR5 modules are backward compatible with DDR4 slots
- CDDR5 operates at a lower standard voltage than DDR4
- DDDR5 operates at a higher standard voltage than DDR4
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. DDR5 operates at a lower standard voltage than DDR4
DDR5 runs at a standard voltage of 1.1V compared to DDR4's 1.2V, improving power efficiency. DDR5 also has a different notch position and more pins, making it physically and electrically incompatible with DDR4 slots.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. DDR5 actually has more pins (288 vs 288 but different signaling) and is not fewer in a meaningful comparison used by the exam; the key differentiator remains voltage.
- B. DDR5 has a different notch and pin layout, so it cannot fit DDR4 slots.
- D. DDR5 actually uses less voltage than DDR4, not more.
DDR4 vs DDR5 Voltage
DDR5 memory operates at a lower standard voltage (1.1V) than DDR4 (1.2V), improving power efficiency while increasing bandwidth and capacity.
- DDR4 = 1.2V standard voltage
- DDR5 = 1.1V standard voltage
- DDR5 is not backward compatible with DDR4 slots
Memory trick: Each new DDR generation sips less power while sipping faster data