The new DDR5 memory standard from JEDEC represents a significant leap in memory technology, offering speeds up to 8800Mbps (DDR5-8800). This enhancement is crucial for keeping pace with the rapidly advancing speeds of microprocessors in modern computers. To support this new standard, memory makers and PC processor vendors must work together to manufacture and test DDR5 modules. The inclusion of Per-Row Activation Counting (PRAC) in the JESD79-5C specification is another noteworthy feature. PRAC is designed as a security measure to combat memory hacks known as “Rowhammer” attacks. These attacks exploit the persistent activation of rows of transistors in memory chips, potentially leading to data leakage or corruption. PRAC helps mitigate Rowhammer attacks by monitoring and controlling the number of activations per row, providing a cooling-down period that prevents malicious exploitation. While Rowhammer attacks aren’t typically a concern for individual PC users, they can have significant implications for cloud-based data security.
JEDEC Unveils DDR5 Memory Standard with Enhanced Speeds and Security
