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DDR3 uses less power than DDR2
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DDR3 has fewer pins than DDR2
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DDR3 is not backwards compatible with DDR2
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DDR3 is faster than DDR2
EXPLANATION
DDR3 is the successor to DDR2 memory technology. There are
several differences between them. DDR3 is not backwards compatible with
DDR2. While both types of modules have the same numbers of pins, the
notches in the PCB are in different locations. In other words, a DDR3
module cannot be placed in a DDR2 memory socket, and vice-versa.
DDR3 modules run on 1.5V compared to the 1.8V that DDR2 modules
require. The DDR3 decrease in voltage results in less power consumption
and greater energy-efficiency at comparable speeds.
DDR3 is faster. DDR2 "JEDEC standard" memory typically stops at
around 800MHz whereas the introductory speeds of DDR3 when it was
released in 2007 started at 800MHz and is far faster than that now.
