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What is DDR 184-pin Socket?

The DDR 184-pin Socket is a standard interface designed specifically for first-generation DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory, commonly referred to as DDR1) desktop memory modules. In the early 2000s, it replaced the older 168-pin SDRAM and became the mainstream standard for Pentium 4 and AMD Athlon XP systems.

Core Physical Specifications

  • Pin Count: 184 pins in total, with 92 pins on each side.
  • Keying Design: Features a single notch located off-center to prevent incorrect insertion into 168-pin SDRAM or 240-pin DDR2 sockets.
  • Module Length: Standard length is approximately 5.375 inches (about 13.65 cm).
  • Pitch: Pin spacing is typically 1.27 mm.

Electrical and Technical Characteristics

  • Operating Voltage: Standard voltage is 2.5V; some high-performance or overclocked modules may reach 2.6V. This is lower than SDRAM’s 3.3V, reducing power consumption.
  • Transmission Technology: Supports Double Data Rate (DDR), transferring data on both rising and falling edges of the clock signal, doubling bandwidth compared to SDR.
  • Data Path: Provides a 64-bit data bus.

Common Supported Specifications

Specification Clock Frequency Transfer Rate (MT/s) Theoretical Bandwidth
PC1600 100 MHz 200 MT/s 1.6 GB/s
PC2100 133 MHz 266 MT/s 2.1 GB/s
PC2700 166 MHz 333 MT/s 2.7 GB/s
PC3200 200 MHz 400 MT/s 3.2 GB/s

Differences from Other Generations

184-pin is only applicable to DDR1 and is physically incompatible with subsequent generations.

  • SDRAM: 168-pin, with two notches.
  • DDR2 / DDR3: Both use 240-pin sockets, but with different notch positions.
  • DDR4: 288-pin, with curved gold fingers.

Where to Buy DDR Socket

DDR is considered a legacy product. Taiwanese manufacturers such as Chun Chi Industrial Co., Ltd. and Anytronic Corporation Limited began producing DDR sockets in 2003. Their products—made from LCP and NY66 materials—are available in a wide range of specifications and are widely used in computers and other electronic devices.

Introduction to DDR Socket Specifications and Components