14 DAY TRIAL // When it comes to RAM, most people still use DDR3 memory, because only a couple of overpowered Intel CPUs can use DDR4 for now. Also, the greatest capacity possible for DDR4 hasn't been achieved yet.
Still, even though 16 GB DDR4 modules won't be released until at some point in 2015, people can do more than enough with 8 GB modules and even 4 GB ones.
In fact, 4 GB is exactly the capacity that Century Micro decided to stick with when it created the CK4GX4-D4RE2133VL81.
This is the first low-profile DDR4 DIMM memory module in the world. That means it is half the height of regular DDR4 random access memory.
You might be tempted to say that there were low-profile DDR4 products in the past, and you would be right. But they were server modules, not consumer DIMMs usable in DIY, normal computers.
The Century Micro CK4GX4-D4RE2133VL81
The module has a height of 1.87 cm / 0.73 inches, and as we said, a capacity of 4 GB, thanks to DRAM chips made by SK Hynix.
The JEDEC-specified DDR4-2133 MHz speed is the normal operation setting, but any motherboard BIOS should allow you to tweak that number somewhat.
Not that we advise towards it. 2,133 MHz is more than sufficient, even if it is, on paper, a lower speed than that of seriously overclocked DDR3. DDR4 is just inherently better anyway and uses a lot less energy to boot.
Speaking of which, the voltage is of 1.2V, as opposed to regular DDR3 DIMMs, which run on 1.5 V or 1.65 V. Only low-power DDR3 works at 1.35V, and that's still more than normal DDR4. Finally, the latency is of 15-15-15.
Availability and pricing
The Century Micro CK4GX4-D4RE2133VL81, the world's first low-profile (half-height) DDR4 DIMM module, chips in 16 GB kits (four modules) for a price of around $428 / €349. You will want to own a PC with an Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition CPU or a latest-generation Xeon before even thinking about ordering one.
That means that you'll need to be willing to spend thousands of dollars for a whole PC setup if you don't already own the X99-based motherboard and CPU.
Unless you're preparing for the future, but you'll probably be better off waiting if that's the case, Christmas or no Christmas. 2015 will bring with it many new and cheaper DDR4 products, and those already out will see price cuts when competition starts.
