DDR4 and DDR5 are the dominant RAM types in modern computing, powering desktops and laptops across various processor and motherboard generations. While DDR4 remains popular, DDR5 is rapidly gaining traction since the launch of AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series and Intel’s 12th, 13th, and 14th-generation processors. This article compares DDR5 and DDR4 to help you choose the right memory for your next upgrade.
alt text: The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 memory modules designed for AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors.
Choosing between DDR4 and DDR5 can be challenging, especially with Intel platforms offering both options. Is upgrading to a newer system for DDR5 worthwhile? Let’s delve into the details.
Price and Availability
DDR5 RAM prices have plummeted since their 2021 debut. 16GB kits that once cost over $1,000 now average around $3 per gigabyte, meaning you can snag 16GB for under $50. This significant price drop allows for affordable entry-level memory and makes larger, faster kits more accessible. Even 32GB or 64GB kits are reasonably priced in 2024.
For speeds and timings surpassing the best DDR4 RAM, you’ll pay a premium. A decent 16GB 5600MHz kit costs roughly $40-50, while a 32GB dual-channel 5600MHz kit runs around $100-120. Still, this represents exceptional value compared to past prices. Given the latest CPUs benefit from faster memory, a larger, faster kit can significantly boost PC performance.
DDR5 is standard with Intel’s 12th-generation Alder Lake, 13th-generation Raptor Lake, and the refreshed 14th generation. AMD’s Ryzen 7000 Zen 4 CPUs exclusively use DDR5. Future generations like AMD’s Zen 5 and Intel’s Arrow Lake are also likely DDR5 exclusive.
Finding DDR5 is now as easy as finding DDR4. Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, Newegg, and others offer a wide selection.
Performance Benchmarks
Our 2021 review of Intel’s i9-12900K, using both DDR4 and DDR5, revealed an average 11% performance gain with DDR5 across various benchmarks.
alt text: Benchmark results comparing DDR5 and DDR4 RAM performance across different tests, including 3DMark Time Spy and Geekbench 5.
Performance varied based on the benchmarking software. While DDR5 was 7% faster in 3DMark Time Spy, it significantly outperformed DDR4 in Geekbench 5.
DDR5 provides a distinct advantage for Alder Lake, meaning Intel’s 12th-generation chips perform optimally with DDR5. Similar performance gains are observed with higher-speed DDR5 and newer 13th and 14th-generation Intel processors, thanks to their improved architectures and native support for faster RAM. While diminishing returns exist at the highest speeds, primarily beneficial for benchmarking, the option for extreme performance is available.
Memory Speed and Timings
Memory performance depends on multiple factors, but speed is the primary differentiator. Measured in Megatransfers per second (MT/s) or MHz, the effective performance number remains the same.
DDR4 ranges from 1600MHz to 3200MHz, but manufacturers have pushed these limits. Using Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) for automated overclocking, kits exceeding 4000MHz are common, with some reaching over 5000MHz. While the performance benefits of such high speeds might be subtle, these rare and expensive kits do exist.
alt text: Installing a Crucial Ballistix Max DDR4 5100MHz memory kit into a computer motherboard.
DDR5 starts at 4800MHz and goes up to 6400MHz, with manufacturers already showcasing kits surpassing 8000MHz and even exceeding 12000MHz in proof-of-concept designs. DDR5’s raw speed significantly surpasses even the fastest DDR4, with mid-range DDR5 offering speeds comparable to high-end DDR4.
Timings also impact performance, affecting memory latency. Looser timings are typical with higher frequencies, and although DDR5 timings are generally looser, they are unlikely to cause performance degradation compared to DDR4. DDR5 also features an improved channel architecture, utilizing two smaller channels for memory access, potentially enhancing efficiency and performance.
Memory Capacity
DDR5 features double the die density of DDR4, allowing for greater capacities. While DDR4 chips max out at 16GB, DDR5 can reach 64GB. This enables larger capacity memory sticks, with 128GB sticks likely and Samsung already showcasing a 512GB DDR5 module. While mainstream applications for such capacities are limited, it simplifies future upgrades and enables greater memory density in smaller systems like Mini-ITX builds.
Power Consumption and Thermals
DDR5 improves upon DDR4’s power efficiency, requiring only 1.1v compared to DDR4’s 1.2v. This contributes to lower power consumption in mobile devices.
However, despite the lower voltage, DDR5 runs hotter due to its on-module voltage regulators, increased performance, and higher chip density. Adequate heat sinks are essential for DDR5 installations.
Conclusion: Is DDR5 Worth It?
DDR5’s performance significantly surpasses DDR4, especially when paired with modern Intel and AMD processors. Lower prices make high-performance DDR5 kits attractive. While DDR5 runs hotter, it’s manageable with proper cooling. DDR4 remains a viable option, but for future-proofing, DDR5 is the clear winner. While DDR5 will eventually be superseded, the arrival of DDR6 is still some years away.
