Compared to DDR4, DDR5 RAM kits have a higher base speed, support higher-capacity DIMM modules (also called RAM sticks), and consume less power for the same performance specs as the previous generation. However, DDR4 still holds some key advantages, like overall lower latency and better stability.
Gaming sees no improvement from using DDR5 instead of DDR4, at least in 1440p resolution. However, this is not a statement I make lightly, as performance boosts will most likely appear on very high-end computers using extremely powerful graphics cards such as the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090.
It depends on your needs and budget. DDR5 is more expensive but provides better performance. If you require high-speed memory and have the budget for it, DDR5 is worth considering.
Is 8GB DDR5 RAM better than 16GB DDR4 RAM? No. 16GB DDR4 is almost always better. 8GB DDR5 will always be in a single-channel configuration, while 16GB DDR4 will usually be a 2x8GB dual-channel configuration.
First, DDR5 ensures you are not missing out on any CPU performance. Crucial DDR5-4800 CL40 memory doesn't just deliver 1.5x faster speeds but can deliver 1.87x more system bandwidth than DDR4-3200 CL22. Crucial's latest DDR5-5600 CL46 delivers 1.75x faster speeds and 2x more system bandwidth than DDR4.
The simple answer is no. If you upgrade to a DDR 5 system, it makes more sense as a way to access newer CPUs, motherboards, and GPUs than to boost memory performance alone. If you're happy with your current computer's overall performance, the slight improvement in real-world performance isn't worth the money.
This is a very typical result. DDR4 comes out roughly 4fps ahead of DDR5. The only spec here where the DDR5 came out ahead was the “CPU Simulation” where DDR5 got 410.8fps and DDR4 got 401.8 fps on the minimums. The average differed by 3fps, which at 400fps for either, means less than a one percent difference.
There is no explicit “expiry” for tech. DDR4 is slower, but much cheaper, and high clock DDR4 is just as fast. And not just that, you shouldn't care about DDR4/DDR5. Care about the rest of the PC.
A: No. DDR5 has a different pin layout than DDR4 and DDR3. This means that DDR4 motherboards will not be compatible with DDR5 RAM.
Both DDR4 and DDR5 come in a range of speeds and capacities, but while they might look roughly the same from the outside, the speeds and capacities they're available in are different, but they aren't interchangeable. While some processors can support one or the other, motherboards only support one type.
As of February 2023, DDR6 is confirmed to be in development, with Samsung announcing at its Tech Day that DDR6 is expected to arrive as modules for commercial use in 2025.
Is 64/128 GB of RAM Overkill? For the majority of users, it is. If you plan on building a PC purely for gaming and some general, basic, everyday activity, 64 GB of RAM is just too much. The amount of RAM you need will ultimately depend on your workload.
It can be tempting to consider upgrading to DDR5, especially if you're planning on building a new gaming computer soon. But, it's probably best to wait a little longer, unless you're specifically interested in some of the improvements it brings to the table.
DDR4 is obsolete technology.
The longer it sticks around, the more outdated it becomes.
DDR5 kits have the voltage regulator for the memory on the modules themselves, rather than on the motherboard. That, combined with the improved performance and much greater density of the memory chips, means DDR5 runs hotter than DDR4.
DigiTimes say prices will continue to drop rapidly in the second half of 2022 and will hit the "sweet spot" in 2023. Falling DDR5 prices are also expected to boost the adoption rate of DDR5.
Most DDR5 modules have CL40 CAS latency, which negates DDR5's high clock speeds. It's faster at completing tasks, but it takes longer for the RAM to register it needs to perform a task. So, that DDR4-3200 CL20 RAM will have snappier performance than a DDR5-4800 CL40 module.
1. DDR5 Scales to 8.4 GT/s. You can never have enough memory bandwidth, and DDR5 helps feed that insatiable need for speed. While DDR4 DIMMs top out at 3.2 gigatransfers per second (GT/s) at a clock rate of 1.6 gigahertz (GHz), initial DDR5 DIMMs deliver a 50% bandwidth increase to 4.8 GT/s.
Memory Density.
DDR4 maximum density is 16 Gb per die, so with 16 dies, this translates to 256 Gbit or a total of 32 GB. DDR5, in comparison, has 64 Gb per die, translating to 1024 Gbit or a total of 128 GB – this is 4X that of DDR4, enabling higher-capacity DIMMS!
RAM's Performance Lifespan
This is why it is best to know what RAM is compatible with your PC first before buying your RAM. Generally, you could last around 8 to 12 years before needing an upgrade but that is only if you want to play the latest games without consuming too much memory.
16GB is the recommended amount of RAM for playing most games and will provide a noticeable increase in performance from 8GB. You will also be able to run applications in the background without affecting gameplay.
Overall, the average price of DRAM memory in the PC and server market is expected to drop by 15–20 percent, and 13–18 percent for the mobile DRAM market in Q2 2023.
But is 16GB enough for PC gaming? We'd say in most cases it is and is a safe baseline to work from if you're building a PC or looking for one of the best pre-built gaming PCs for you. UPGRADE – Many are taking their setups to the next level with DDR5 RAM…
GDDR6 has a maximum data rate of 16 Gbps, while GDDR5 has a maximum data rate of 8 Gbps.
Although it won't have as profound an effect as upgrading the processor or graphics card, faster RAM can improve game performance and frame rates. Performance improvements vary from game to game: some see a noticeable boost, while others are barely impacted.