Introduction
The launch of DDR5 memory in 2021 came alongside Intel’s 12th Generation Core processors debut and sparked mixed reactions among PC enthusiasts. Leading up to the release, many speculated that first-generation DDR5 would face challenges such as high entry costs and increased latency. This could potentially offset its benefits to gamers, leaving it less appealing than mature DDR4 offerings. This academic debate prompted TechPowerUp to publish an in-depth analysis of DDR4 and DDR5 performance with Intel’s Alder Lake processor. The article findings showed at the time that DDR4 remained a strong contender, and repurposing existing DDR4 memory for a new build was still a viable option for consumers using the newest Intel processor.
In September 2022 AMD’s release of the AM5 platform solidified DDR5’s future market dominance, as the platform did not support DDR4. The next Intel platform (Socket 1851) and Core Ultra processors would also officially drop DDR4 support. This marked the start of a gradual sales decline of DDR4 and lower demands for the home computer consumer market. In its place, DDR5 has offered several advantages: higher operating frequencies, lower power consumption, higher density modules, and some modest system performance gains as well. Looking back at each generation of RAM, the starting and end point significantly changes over the course of the product lifespan, with both frequencies and capacity. For example, DDR4 debuted at DDR4-2133 with just 2 GB modules and evolved to up to 16 GB modules and speeds reaching DDR4-5333. Similarly, DDR5 is poised to follow this trajectory, with long-term benefits becoming more pronounced as the technology matures.
As DDR5 memory speeds continue to advance for next-generation desktops and laptops, ensuring stability and data integrity has become increasingly critical. Higher speeds bring challenges such as electronic noise and jitter, which can lead to data loss, or system instability. To address these potential issues, JEDEC, the organization responsible for memory industry standards, continue to periodically release updated DDR5 standards and requirements. In mid 2024 the JEDEC (JESD79-5C) DDR5 SDRAM standard was published, with specifications supporting up to DDR5-8800 Unbuffered DIMMs.
With memory technologies that reach mass adoption, the JEDEC organization often has a hand in the creation of their operational parameters. As such, another DRAM technology emerged in 2024 with JEDEC backing. Using a Client Clock Driver (CKD) placed on the PCB, it was designed to address clock signal loss that occurs through thermal noise, power supply noise and voltage / temperature drift. Clock signals, which are traditionally generated by the processor, are essential for maintaining synchronization across components on the motherboard and are also critical for system memory. These signals oscillate at a constant frequency between high and low states, ensuring data is transmitted and received in order. With the inclusion of a Client Clock Driver on the memory module, this addition helps “redrive” the clock signal, reducing noise and jitter while improving overall signal integrity. This is the technology we will be exploring today in this article.
