DDR4 vs DDR5: How Do They Differ in Performance?

The introduction of DDR5 RAM can be seen as the gateway to a new era of computer equipment due to its clear speed advantage over DDR4. This means that computers using DDR5 RAM will be faster, both for gaming and specific tasks. If you’re currently in the market for a computer or laptop, you might need to think carefully. Should you wait for DDR5 to become more popular, or should you buy a computer with DDR4 now? The philosophy of “buy now, use now” versus “buy now, use later” is something to ponder. Let’s delve into whether you should rush to buy DDR5 and how it differs from DDR4.

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a crucial component of both desktop computers and laptops, as well as other portable devices like smartphones and tablets. Its function is to provide space for storing data before it’s processed by the CPU. The faster the RAM, the quicker it can fetch data from storage and send it for processing, resulting in faster processing of large tasks. Typically, CPUs already have high processing speeds, but slow loading times can occur if the RAM cannot send data to the CPU fast enough. When RAM speeds up, everything else speeds up too, making for a smoother overall experience.

So, how does DDR4 compare to DDR5 in terms of speed? Well, DDR5 is significantly faster (depending on the chosen Bus speed). If we compare them directly, DDR5 is much faster. DDR5 RAM has a starting Bus speed of 3200 MHz and can go up to 8400 MHz, with potential for even higher speeds in the future. On the other hand, DDR4 RAM tops out at 3200 MHz (excluding overclocking). Additionally, DDR5 RAM has lower latency, meaning it can send data more stably and quickly than before. One notable feature of DDR5 is the inclusion of On-Die ECC, which helps reduce errors that occur within the RAM due to the increased data transmission speed.

Can DDR4 Work with DDR5?

As for this question, DDR5 cannot be used together with DDR4. This is because they have different connector slot sizes on the motherboard, and the CPUs also have different compatibility requirements. For Intel, it must be a 12th Gen CPU or higher, while for AMD, it must be a 7000 series CPU to support DDR5. Therefore, if you’re currently using DDR4 RAM, you would need to change both the motherboard and CPU to use the new DDR5 RAM. Switching RAM types isn’t just a matter of swapping components; you also need to consider compatibility and hardware specifications.

Currently, the price of DDR5 RAM has come down to be close to DDR4 RAM. So, if you’re planning to build a new computer, you can use DDR5 in your specifications now.

Explore Blackberry RAM’s extensive range of competitively priced options in both DDR4 and DDR5 categories. With a diverse selection of designs and specifications, find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.