The CPU determines the installed RAM through its internal mechanisms and communication with other system components.
The CPU determines the installed RAM through its internal mechanisms and communication with other system components.
The real issue is... not exactly that, though closely connected.
Picture a hypothetical scenario where a robot hand handles DDR3 and DDR5 components—same size, same voltage. It gathers unsolders, chips, regulators, and everything else. Swaps the DDR3 parts for DDR5 and vice versa. Would the CPU, like a 14900K or whatever, still identify the "new" DDR5 as DDR3? Could it mistake the "new" DDR3 for something else? Would either system power on? Would they function at all?
I know these could be very different parts, but could it still work in certain situations?
I know that with each new generation of RAM, as well as other parts, things become increasingly complex. While DDR3 might use, for instance, 16 chips for 32 GB, DDR5 could use just 4, making it a bit more complicated, but... can it still work? If both DDR3 and DDR5 have the same number of chips, capacity, and voltage...
Controllers play a key role in this situation. The mentioned controller doesn't communicate with ICs unless specifically designed for it. The initial controller should reside on the processor because the memory controller has been relocated from the North Bridge to the CPU die, which is why it's now referred to as the IMC or integrated memory controller. Practical considerations also matter—wasting resources by moving ICs onto unsupported platforms is inefficient.
The system wouldn't recognize the newer DDR5 as DDR3, nor would it detect the "new" DDR3 as DDR3. Both the CPU and other components would not power on correctly. If this were feasible, it would generate significant discussion online. The thread was moved from the Components section to the Memory section.
So... Can it be adjusted to recognize the new RAM modules?!
I get the idea about varying pin configurations, but if you really re-examine my earlier comments, it seems what I'm suggesting is swapping DDR3 and DDR5 parts between different motherboards—would that somehow enable compatibility with the respective CPUs? For example, DDR3 on an i7 14700K and DDR5 on an i7 4770K?
Regarding voltage, there are several types like 1.35, 1.5 and others for both DDR3 and DDR5. Since there could be many technical details involved about how RAM receives power, that might also play a role. But regardless, is it feasible to adapt the voltage regulator to function similarly across different RAM types?
OK... still, would the system boot up with the swapped RAM modules?
I recall a similar case with 10-series processors where a CPU could run on both DDR4 and DDR5 boards, but mixing them in a single slot wasn't practical. It just doesn’t make sense. My question isn’t about practicality or logic—it’s more out of curiosity.
I understand about pin configurations and that you can’t fit a DDR3 into a DDR5 socket, and this isn’t something you’d simply try out. It would be very complicated to remove the tiny components and there’s no real reason unless you’re experimenting. Unless you’re doing it just for questions, not for actual use. This wouldn’t work with a CPU either—removing parts from the same chipset and swapping them wouldn’t be viable due to differing connectors and layouts.
So, while I know about these differences, the core issue is whether mixing RAM types could actually function at all.
But if you look up my previous remarks on Wikipedia,
: When the memory controller isn’t built into the chip, a CPU can still run on a different motherboard with an updated northbridge to support newer memory. (I now understand with IMC considerations, but it’s still...)
So in theory, could this work?
Again, I recognize how complex things get with each new RAM generation and component, and while DDR3 might use 16 chips for 32 GB, DDR5 could use just 4—making it a bit more intricate, but... could it actually function? If both types have the same number of chips, voltage, and capacity...
In conclusion,
@Lutfij
's explanation makes the most sense so far... But they didn’t add much else...
We're still discussing the same thing. It was fully addressed.
TLDR – Your suggestion is "bad" (intended more strongly, but moderators could object).
Still holding on? Try re-balling the bga chip idea. See if your CPU handles it or fails.
Then create a YouTube video about it. Could be fun. 😊
I know that with every new generation of RAM, as well as other parts, things become increasingly complex. While DDR3 might use, for instance, 16 chips for 32 GB, DDR5 could use just 4, making it a bit more complicated, but... can it still work? If both DDR3 and DDR5 have the same number of chips, capacity, and voltage...
It's surprising how the initial response addressed the core issue. If installing DDR3 chips onto a DDR5 stick isn't feasible, it's safe to say it won't function. That was exactly what I hoped to understand. I'm not familiar with detailed RAM specifications, but I was just trying to explore possibilities and understand the reasoning. Appreciate the insight.