If we are going to compare DDR5 with the DDR4 we already know, I suggest that we get acquainted with the main innovations of DDR5. This will help us better understand the opposition between DDR5 vs DDR4.
- Memory Size: 16 GB
- Speed: 5600 MHz
- Memory Size: 16 GB
- Speed: 3200 MHz
- Memory Size: 16 GB
- Speed: 5600 MHz
- Memory Size: 16 GB
- Speed: 3200 MHz
Main DDR5 Features
The DDR5 standard for random access memory (RAM) specified by JEDEC is designed in such a way that the basic architecture allows the performance of the memory to be scaled without having to accept a loss of efficiency at higher clock rates. This was made possible by doubling the so-called “burst length” on the one hand and the number of memory blocks (RAM banks) on the other.
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Further features of the “Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory” (DDR-SDRAM) of the 5th generation are:
- “On Die ECC”: built-in error correction.
- Higher efficiency of only 1.1 volts
- Regulation of the voltage via chip on the DIMM
- Decision Feedback Equalization (DFE)
- Same Bank Refresh
Besides the new features, DDR5 offers a lower power supply with a quasi doubled memory clock.
What about DDR5 speed vs DDR4? The latencies on the other hand look significantly higher at first glance, but thanks to the increased memory clock, the memory bandwidth remains comparable or faster than DDR4 modules:
- DDR4-3200 CL16 has a latency of around 10 ns.
- DDR4-3200 CL15 has a latency of around 9.38 ns
- DDR5-8400 CL40 has a latency of around 9.5 ns
The two most important characteristics for the performance of the working memory are the clock frequency (MHz, the higher, the faster) and the latency (CL, the lower, the faster), while the capacity of the DIMM modules does not play too much of a role in the pure speed.
DDR5 RAM with RGB LED lighting
For a gaming PC, not only the pure specifications of the RAM are important, because the RAM should also look good. This is where the heatspreaders of the memory modules play a crucial role: they not only help to cool the RAM, but also look good. Many heat sinks are also equipped with colorful lighting in the form of RGB LEDs. And everyone knows: the more RGB, the more FPS!
For workstations or gamer PCs with extreme demands on the RAM, it is also possible to replace the heatspreaders with heatsinks for water cooling. Similar to SSDs, the memory modules of DDR5 DIMMs can lose performance under extreme load and heat development. What is not necessary for normal gamer PCs can enable stable performance in a high-end workstation.
Good to know: Why is Your Laptop So Slow and How to Fix It
DDR5 vs DDR4 Comparison Chart
Here you can see the DDR5 specifications according to JEDEC in comparison to DDR4:
| Features | DDR5 | DDR4 |
|---|---|---|
| Speed: | 3.200 – 8.400 MBit/s | 1.600 – 3.200 MBit/s |
| Capacity: | 8 / 16 / 24 / 32 / 64 GB | 2 / 4 / 8 / 16 GB |
| On The ECC: | Yes | No |
| Banks | 32 | 16 |
| Voltage: | 1,1 Volt | 1,2 Volt |
| Max-Voltage: | 1,8 Volt | 2,5 Volt |
| Burst Length: | 16 | 8 |
| DFE: | Yes | No |
| Same Bank Refresh: | Yes | No |
Final Word from WhatTDW.com:
Technical specifications show that in terms of the main indicators DDR5 is twice or more ahead of DDR4.
Is DDR5 faster than DDR4? Of course! This is undoubtedly a big step forward, which will be appreciated by both gamers and those who work with resource-intensive programs.
What about DDR5 vs DDR4 for gaming computers? And here we see the obvious superiority of the new product over the previous version. DDR5 will make your gaming desktop or laptop even faster and more awesome, allowing you to play more resource-intensive games.
