DDR4 and DDR5 RAM: What’s the Difference?

Overclocking is also improved by updating Intel XMP (eXtreme Memory Profile) to 3.0 for DDR5. While XMP 2.0 only supports two profiles, the newest version boasts five. Three are set by the memory manufacturer, and two more are for adjusting and editing your own settings. Intel has spreadsheets with common manufacturers’ parameters if you are wondering what these profiles look like.

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

Real Nerdy Stuff

There are a few other changes to the standard for DDR5 that don’t affect what sticks you put in your particular computer.

DDR5 memory should consume less power than DDR4, although it won’t let you get away with smaller power supplies. Instead, it allows manufacturers and overclockers more voltage to achieve even higher speeds. Each stick of DDR5 memory has its own power management chip, not with the motherboard’s power distribution. Again, probably not something that will matter to most people, but should result in a more consistent experience when using XMP profiles.

You also get increased bandwidth thanks to a major change in the underlying architecture of the memory DIMM. While each DDR4 module references a single 64-bit channel, DDR5 has two 32-bit channels. Combined with increased speed and efficiency, says memory manufacturer Crucial “Users can experience up to 2x system throughput compared to DDR4 for next-generation, multi-core CPUs.”

Installation slots for random access memory (RAM) computer chips sit on a support plate for a server system at the Bull SA headquarters in Angers, France, Monday, June 23, 2014. Thierry Breton, the chief executive of software maker Atos, has offered 620 million euros ($846 million) to buy Bull, which he is trying to revive two computer companies. decades ago. Photographer: Balint Porneczi/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesPhoto: Balint Porneczi/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Some manufacturers also mention Error Correction Code or ECC, which is now available in DDR5 memory. This is slightly different from ECC in DDR4, which is an add-on module available on chips intended for server or commercial use. Instead of helping a bunch of different memory chips communicate reliably, it corrects errors in individual banks before sending it to the motherboard. Commercial memory manufacturer ATP has a deep explanation If that’s interesting, here’s the rationale for this technology, which goes beyond the scope of what you need for your gaming PC.

Too much to remember?

If you have setting up a new PCmost likely your motherboard will support DDR5 so that’s what you should buy. The only reason you need DDR4 memory for a new build is if you’re using old parts to keep costs down. Since you’re upgrading an existing system, you’re more likely to want DDR4.

In the early days of launch, you might have paid almost twice as much for DDR5 over DDR4, but with wider adoption, prices have stabilized and will look recognizable to anyone buying memory before the upgrade.