Can You Use DDR3 In DDR4 Slot? Let’s Find Out

You have upgraded your motherboard and when you’re going to attach your DDR3 RAM, you found a DDR4 RAM slot there. Now you may be wondering if can you use your DDR3 RAM in the DDR4 slot.

In short, the answer is No, you can’t. DDR4 is the latest form factor/version of RAM and the motherboards are coming with only the DDR4 RAM slot. You can only use DDR4 RAM in the DDR4 slot. There are some reasons which don’t allow you to use DDR3 RAM in a DDR4 slot.

In today’s article, we’re with the answer to whether you can use DDR3 RAM in a DDR4 slot or not. So, without any ado, let’s begin.

Is It Possible to Use DDR3 RAM in DDR4 Slot?

Can you fit a circle into a square properly? It’s impossible, right? The same thing goes for this case. You can’t use DDR3 in the DDR4 slot. Now you may ask why it’s not possible. Well, the main reason is DDR3 and DDR4 are designed differently.

DDR3 and DDR4 are not interchangeable. When you see the dual in-line module (DIMM) of DDR3 and DDR4 RAM, you can see a clear difference there. DDR4 RAM module has 288 pins whereas DDR3’s 240 pins. The key notch of the DDR3 and DDR4 is in different place.

As there is a difference in the pin numbers as well as key notch placement, that’s why you won’t able to set a DDR3 RAM in a DDR4 slot.

Is It Possible to Use DDR3 and DDR4 RAM Together in a Motherboard?

Generally, it’s a very rare case. You will hardly find this kind of motherboard. There are some exceptional motherboards that allow you to use DDR3 and DDR4 together. This kind of motherboard has different slots for different RAM form factors. Let’s see which motherboard can allow you to use DDR3 and DDR4 RAM together.

• Asrock B150M Combo-G
• Biostar Hi-Fi series H170Z3 and H150z5
• Intel Skylake LGA1551

If you are willing to use DDR3 and DDR4 RAM together then you need to keep in your mind that the motherboard will switch you between one or another. You won’t be able to use both RAMs at the same time. And the motherboard is hard to find out and that’s why you may need to break the bank for this. But at the end of the day, you won’t get anything.

So, it’s better not to do odds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I put DDR3 in a DDR4 slot?

The first thing is it’s not possible and if you do it forcefully then either you will break the RAM slot of your motherboard or you’ll damage your RAM.

Is it OK to mix DDR3 RAM with DDR4?

No, it’s not suggested to mix DDR3 RAM with DDR4 RAM.

How to convert DDR3 to DDR4?

It’s not possible to convert DDR3 RAM to DDR4 RAM. Because neither DDR3 nor DDR4 RAM has backward compatibility.

Are DDR3 and DDR4 the same size?

No, DDR4 is slightly bigger than DDR3. The length of DDR4 RAM is 2.74 inches and DDR3 is 2.66 inches.

Can I use DDR5 RAM in a DDR3 slot?

No, because the form factor or the structure of the DDR5 and DDR3 RAM is totally different. When you will try to put DDR5 RAM into the DDR3 slot, you will end up by damaging the either RAM or the RAM slot.

Conclusion

Lastly, it’s not possible to use DDR3 RAM in a DDR4 RAM slot. It’s better to buy a new DDR4 RAM for your motherboard. If you do it forcefully then you will end up damaging the RAM or the motherboard. And if you want to use both DDR3 and DDR4 RAM then you can have the information in “Is It Possible to Use DDR3 and DDR4 RAM Together in a Motherboard?” section.