In modern computers, DDR4 and DDR5 are two main types of memory, spanning multiple generations of processors and motherboards for desktop and laptop computers. Although DDR4 is still the more popular choice, DDR5 is gradually becoming more common with the introduction of the Ryzen 7000 series and Intel’s 12th/13th/14th generation processors.
AMD users have no choice but to go for DDR5, whereas Intel users still have options. This makes it difficult to decide which memory type, DDR4 or DDR5, is more suitable for your new system. Is it worth upgrading to the faster, next-generation memory?
This article compares DDR5 and DDR4 to help you make an informed decision when upgrading.
Since its release in 2021, the price of DDR5 memory has dropped significantly. Initially, 16GB cost over $1000, but now it’s about $3/GB, with 16GB selling for just under $50. This significant price drop means you can get top-tier memory for a very low cost and even consider larger capacity and faster kits. By 2024, 32GB or 64GB of memory will no longer be expensive.
Intel’s 12th generation Alder Lake and 13th/14th generation Raptor Lake fully adopt DDR5, while AMD’s Ryzen 7000 Zen 4 processors exclusively use DDR5. Future Zen 5 and Intel’s Arrow Lake processors are likely to continue supporting DDR5.
Choosing DDR5 memory for a custom PC is now as easy as choosing DDR4, with a wide selection available from major retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Newegg.
In our tests on the Intel 12th generation i9-12900K in May, DDR5 was on average 11% faster. Test results vary by software, with DDR5 only 7% faster in the 3D Mark Time Spy test but performing exceptionally well in the Geekbench 5 test.
Memory performance is influenced by many factors, but speed is key in differentiating between kits.
DDR4 standard frequencies range from 1600MHz to 3200MHz, but manufacturers have released memory kits that greatly exceed these limits using XMP technology. Kits with speeds of 4000MHz or even over 5000MHz are not uncommon, though the performance increase of these high-end products may not be significant, and they are expensive.
In contrast, DDR5 standards start at 4800MHz and go up to 6400MHz. Faster memory is on the horizon, with some manufacturers showcasing kits exceeding 8000MHz or even 12000MHz.
At the top end, DDR5’s speeds far surpass the fastest DDR4, while mid-range performance is close to 5000MHz, comparable to high-end DDR4.
Timings, which control memory function delays, also play a significant role in performance. Despite generally looser timings in higher frequency memory, including DDR5, it’s unlikely to result in DDR5 performing worse than DDR4.
DDR5 also improves the memory channel architecture by using two smaller channels instead of one large one, enhancing access efficiency. While the channel width remains the same, the two smaller channels can offer higher efficiency, giving DDR5 an additional performance edge.
A major architectural change in DDR5 is the doubling of die density, allowing what used to be a 16GB DDR4 memory chip to reach 64GB. This means larger memory stick capacities are possible, with single 128GB sticks being feasible and Samsung even having a 512GB DDR5 memory stick.
While such large capacities are rare in mainstream applications, opting for a larger space provides more convenience for future upgrades, especially for compact systems like Mini-ITX builds.
Wondering how much memory you need? Check out our guide.
Like every generation of DDR memory, DDR5 improves performance while reducing power consumption. DDR4’s standard voltage requirement is 1.2V, compared to DDR5’s 1.1V, helping reduce energy consumption in mobile devices like laptops and tablets.
Although lower voltage typically means cooler operation, the voltage regulators on DDR5 memory modules result in slightly higher operating temperatures than DDR4. Therefore, ensure you have a compatible cooling solution before installing DDR5.
DDR5’s performance is almost double that of the fastest DDR4, and combined with Intel’s 12th/13th/14th generation processors or AMD Ryzen 7000 series, it offers unprecedented computer power. The recent price drop is a tangible benefit for upgraders.
While DDR5 has heat management issues, they are not insurmountable for well-cooled devices. DDR4 has been the standard for most computers since 2015, and its top performance remains excellent. However, upgrading to DDR5 is a wise choice for the long term. It is the new standard, while DDR4 is quickly becoming outdated.
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