Memory developments of 2010

Behind the scenes, a number of technology changes are impacting memory. Perhaps the big one is a shift from DDR2 memory to DDR3 memory. DDR3 is faster than DDR2—theoretically, up to twice as fast—but uses a different connection type, so the two types aren't compatible. Most of the new chipsets from AMD and Intel support DDR3, and a few support both DDR2 and DDR3. DDR3 is already out, mostly in 1,066-MHz and 1,333-MHz versions, although 800-MHz and 1,600-MHz DDR3 is available as well. Sometime in the first half of next year, DDR3 memory should overtake DDR2 as the dominant form of DRAM in the market..