DDR4 RAM vs DDR5 RAM: What’s the difference?

Overclocking has also improved, as Intel has updated XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) to version 3.0 for DDR5 memory. Where XMP 2.0 supported only two profiles, the latest version includes five profiles. Three are set by the memory manufacturer, with two others for you to tweak and modify your own settings. Intel Hosts spreadsheets with settings from popular manufacturers If you’re curious what those profiles look like.

You may have noticed that despite the generally higher clock speeds, latency on DDR5 memory is slightly slower than on DDR4. This doesn’t tell the whole story though, and As memory manufacturer Corsair explains“DDR4 memory typically has a CAS latency of 16, while DDR5 will have a CAS latency of at least 32. However, due to the higher clock speeds, the newer standard has better overall performance.” In other words, it takes more cycles to complete the task, but these cycles are much faster than before.

Real nerdy stuff

There are a few other changes made to the DDR5 standard that don’t really affect the type of sticks you put in your computer.

DDR5 memory should use less power overall than DDR4 memory, but not in a way that lets you get away with a smaller power supply. Instead, it gives manufacturers and overclockers more effort to push for higher speeds. Each DDR5 memory chip now also has its own power management chip, instead of the motherboard’s processing of power distribution. Again, this probably isn’t a big deal for most people, but it should lead to a more consistent experience when using XMP profiles.

You also get increased bandwidth thanks to a significant change in DIMM memory infrastructure. Where each DDR4 module relies on one 64-bit channel, DDR5 has two 32-bit channels. When combined with increased speed and efficiency, The manufacturer of Crucial Memory says “Users can get up to 2x the system bandwidth compared to DDR4 memory for next-generation multi-core CPUs.”

Mounting holes for computer chips with random access memory (RAM) are seen on a support board for a server system at Bull SA’s headquarters in Angers, France, Monday, June 23, 2014. Thierry Breton, CEO of software maker Atos, engineering a $620 million display Euros ($846 million) to acquire the computer company Bull, which he tried to revive two decades ago. Photographer: Balint Burniczi/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesPhotography: Balint Borniczy/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Some manufacturers also mention Error Correction Code, or ECC, which is now present on DDR5 memory. This is slightly different from ECC on DDR4, which was an additional module found on chips intended for business or server use. Instead of helping a group of different memory chips communicate reliably, it corrects errors on individual banks before sending them to the motherboard. Commercial memory maker ATP He has an in-depth explanation About the reasons for using this technology that go beyond the scope of what is required for your gaming PC, if that’s interesting.

Much to remember?

If you are Build a new computerIt is very likely that your motherboard supports DDR5 memory, so this is what you should buy. The only reason you’d need DDR4 memory for a new build is if you’re using older parts specifically to cut costs. You’re likely looking for DDR4 because you’re upgrading an existing system.

In the early days of launch, you may have paid nearly twice the price of DDR5 compared to DDR4, but prices have stabilized with more widespread adoption, and will look familiar to anyone who bought memory before the update.