"The time for DDR is finally here. With
memory prices dropping to the level of conventional SDRAM, there few
reasons
for buying an Athlon computer based on SDRAM.
Double Data Rate SDRAM is able to provide
twice the bandwidth of Single Data Rate by transferring data both on the
rising and the falling edge of the clock signal. Graphics cards based on
GeForce2, GeForce 3 or Radeon chips have already been taking advantage of
this fast memory technology for almost two years now.
Right now, there are four Athlon chipsets
available that come with DDR support: ALi's MaGiK-1, the SiS 735, the VIA
KT266 and the AMD 760, of course. While all four chipsets work reliably,
the
ALi and VIA products are not quite able to unleash the full potential of
DDR
SDRAM - as the new SiS 735 and the AMD 760 do. However, there is still a
long way to go for SiS, as they are primarily known as manufacturer of
low-end products. Though the SiS 735 is a good performer, it will be
difficult for the company to introduce it to the mid-range market. That
leaves the AMD 760 as the go to choice right now.
The performance advantage of DDR memory
over
SDR is usually between 5 and 10%. With some applications, you won't see any
difference at all, while bandwidth-intensive software might see up to 30%
improvement. However, there are three reasons why DDR is the memory to
choose: First, DDR actually enhances performance (Rambus DRAM was never
able
to live up to expectations). Second, the current price difference between
DDR and SDR SDRAM is getting to be negligible. Lastly, mobo manufacturers
did not release their DDR-enabled products in a hurry, but took the time to
make sure that their chipsets work reliably. That means that DDR Athlon
mobos are now ready for the mainstream."