DDR4 has powered millions of computers over the past decade and continues to perform well. However, there is a new kid on the way: DDR5. AMD has switched to DDR5 for its new 7000 series processors, and Intel also supports DDR5 memory for its 12th and 13th generation processors (read the 13th generation Intel Core i9-13900K review). Undoubtedly, DDR5 is more forward-looking, but is it overall better than its predecessor? Let's have a match between DDR4 and DDR5 to find out if you should upgrade or not.
DDR4 vs. DDR5 : What's the difference and should you upgrade?
DDR5 is the 5th generation of SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory). It provides several new features, including Decision Feedback Equalization (DFE), which enables I/O speed scalability for higher bandwidth and improved performance. DDR5 RAM also offers increased memory capacity, higher speeds and reduced power consumption across the board – something gamers, creators and professionals will appreciate.
Let's explore the differences between the two memory standards. FeaturesDDR4DDR5Advantage of DDR5Speed1.6-3.2Gbps data rate800Mhz-1600Mhz clock frequency4.8-6.4Gbps data rate1600-3200Mhz clock frequencyHigher bandwidthI/O Voltage1.2V1.1VBetter power control PMMCal efficiency PMICB Single 64-bit channel (72 -bit for ECC) per DIMMTtwo 32- bit channels (40-bit with ECC) per DIMMHHigher memory efficiency, better performance on single DIMMBurst LengthBC 4, BL 8BC 8, BL 16Higher memory efficiency Maximum DIMM Capacity64GB512GBHigher capacity DIMMs
According to the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council, or JEDEC, DDR4 modules have data rates from 1600-3200 MT/s. The DDR5 standard, on the other hand, has specified data rates from 3200-6400 MT/s. DDR5 3200 MT/s are rare though, and you'll see DDR5 4800 MT/s as the base spec everywhere.
