Is DDR5 Ram Worth It?

Are you looking forward to building your new PC from scratch or wanting to achieve a greater level of efficiency? Upgrading to DDR5 RAM is definitely worth it. Why? That’s what we will be discussing throughout the blog.

Introduction 

DDR5 RAM is the successor of DDR4 RAM, launched after the significant gap of 5 years from its predecessor. However, the improvement in DDR5 was worth all that time. DDR5 meaning the fifth-generation double data rate that is based on advanced standards of JEDEC’s dynamic random-access memory. 

It especially aims to provide higher performance than traditional RAM technologies. Until DDR4, the RAM technologies revolved around improving power consumption and other aspects. While DDR5 prioritized increasing bandwidth along with other features. Here is a quick glance over the DDR RAM modules over the generations and their respective improvement in memory bandwidth:

Is DDR5 Memory RAM Worth Buying?

DDR5 memory RAM is definitely worth buying if you want to upgrade to a high-performing PC. But DDR5 RAM compatibility with the CPU is not worth it. If you already own or want to upgrade to a highly efficient CPU core, like the currently available Intel 13th or 14th Generation Core, or an equal to it, such as AMD’s Ryzen 7000 8000 Series. DDR5 generation keeps transitioning to upgraded classes since its launch in 2020. Where DDR4 can support the data range up to 3200 MT/s, DDR5 offers 4800 base speeds for data transferring while it can reach up to 8400 upon overclocking. DDR5 is offering 2 times the bandwidth compared to its predecessor. Even DDR5-5600 CL46, it offers 17% higher performance than DDR5 4800 CL40, with even faster clock speed, although both have an identical architecture of 32-bit x 2 dual channels per DIMM.

On the other hand, DDR5 – 4800 CL40 offers 1.87x faster bandwidth and 1.5x faster speed than DDR4-3200 CL22. DDR5- 5600 CL46 delivers approximately 1.75X faster speed and 2x more system bandwidth. 

Here Is a Table Showing Detailed Comparison in DDR5 Modules

The table above perfectly denotes the difference between DDR4 and DDR5. Intel’s 12th Generation CPUs can easily support both DDR4 and DDR5. If we pay attention to newer CPU models, they support only one type of DDR technology at a time, because each of them requires their own slots in the motherboard. Make sure your motherboard has the designated slot for the type of RAM you are going to buy. If you have an older model of DDR4 laptop and you are trying to upgrade to DDR5, you need to have a motherboard that supports it; if not, you will have to make upgrades to a compatible CPU and motherboard.

DDR5 Memory: New Generation of DRAM Module Technology

We have heard that DDR5 is designed to offer new features of DRAM module technology; here are the details of those features:

DDR5 RAM Speed Performance:

DDR5 has the latest RAM technology with the highest speed, until DDR6 is released in the market. DDR5 frequency starts at 4800 MT/s, and later standards can reach up to 8800 MT/s with overclocking. 

Improved Power Efficiency

DDR5 consumes around 20% less power compared to its predecessor, DDR4. DDR5 works at 1.1V, while DDR4 works at 1.2V.

PMIC

DDR5 modules are based on Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC) that ensure proper power supply to the components.

Dual Channel Memory Module

DDR5 memory RAM comes with a dual-channel memory module that splits the 64-bit channel into 32-bit subchannels. These subchannels increase efficiency and help in reducing latency.

On Die ECC:

One of the best features in DDR memory RAM is ECC (Error Correction Code), which automatically corrects the bit errors with the chip and reduces defect rates.

CAS Latency in DDR5 compared to DDR4?

Column access strobe latency measures the delay in clock cycles. It measures duration and compares the delays for how much time it takes to perform the task on the controller’s request. When we compare CAS latency levels in DDR5 and DDR4, DDR4 modules have lower latency. Although higher latency means more clock cycles. A RAM model with C16 will perform faster than C40. However, DDR5 memory RAM has the same level of latency as DDR4; users are safe on the ground. However, in some modules of DDR5 RAM, higher latency is acceptable since they offer exceptionally high clock speeds that can cover the real-world performance of the RAM. That’s why DDR5 memory RAM offers better performance in bandwidth-intensive workloads like gaming, 3D rendering, and multitasking.

The basic DDR5 memory speed starts where the highest DDR4 clock speed ends at 4800 MT/s. The last standard of DDR5 memory RAM can offer up to 8000 MT/s clock speed with DDR5-8800 (PC5-70400).

Is DDR4 Better Choice Than DDR5 

Although DDR5 memory RAM is already available in the market, people are still using DDR4. Why is that? DDR5 is high-performing RAM, but you must have a compatible motherboard and CPU to upgrade to DDR5. If you have an older PC set up, then simply upgrading to DDR5 will not fix things; in that case, you should stick to DDR4. 

If your workload requires up to 16 GB of RAM, then DDR4 RAM would be the better choice. The majority of modern gameplays work perfectly with 16GB of RAM, which never pushes you to go for DDR5. However, if your workload requires more than 16 GB of RAM to smooth functions, then going ahead with DDR5 memory is a wise choice.

However, in terms of pricing, DDR5 is available at a more expensive market price than DDR4. In that way, DDR4 is ideal for an on-budget PC build with lower latency and systems suitable for running the majority of applications. On the other hand, DDR5, having future-proof technology with higher latency, can be expensive. But it has improved efficiency, best for high-performance PC builds with compact designs. It has a bigger capacity with dual-channel DIMMs.

Here are Some of the Best DDR5 Ram for Gaming 

Both DDR5 and DDR4 are good once well-suited with purpose, here are some of suggestions for the best ddr5 ram for gaming. 

Best ddr5 RAM for Gaming

Best DDR4 Ram for Gaming

Conclusion:

DDR5 memory RAM is a good choice for those looking forward to building a high-performing PC with future-proofing technology. Before going ahead with the upgrade, check DDR5 RAM compatibility with your motherboard and CPU. This blog is a quick guide to DDR5 RAM, which provides much-improved performance compared to DDR4. But DDr 4 is still an efficient option when it comes to an on-budget build.

FAQ’s 

When did ddr5 come out?

The DDR5 standard specifications were finalized by JEDEC in 2020. The first production of DDR5 chips was launched by SK Hynix in October 2020.

Can I use ddr5 ram on ddr4 motherboard?

Nope, you cannot use DDR5 RAM on a DDR4 motherboard because it has a different pin layout. You will have to get a motherboard that is compatible with DDR5. 

Can I use ddr4 ram in ddr5 slot?