DDR4 vs DDR5: Tech Differences, Latency Details, Benefits & More (A Complete Guide)

Updated On 07 March, 2024 

DDR5, compared to its predecessor DDR4, the technology booming the gamers and market alike. Get into the tech details of DDR5 ram while comparing ddr4 vs ddr5 in detail.

DDR4 vs DDR5: Major Differences

Many gamers and enthusiast designers swiftly switched from DDR4 to DDR5 ram technology.

It is because DDR5 grants more power, efficient optimization, and increases productivity at a glance.

In gaming, DDR5 has performed outstandingly.

With ddr5 ram in place, gamers can get higher frame rates for games like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Cyberpunk 2077, and Watch Dogs: Legion games at an average of 170 in 1080p, 150 in 1440p, and 120 in 4K.

Read everything about DDR5 technology in this blog.

What Is DDR5 Technology?

DDR5 is the fifth generation of Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory also known as SD-DDR5 that incubates dual 32-bit subchannels to increase efficiency and lower the latencies of data accesses for the memory controller.

Being said that, DDR5 is designed with new features to submerge the limitations of DDR4 technology. The next-gen DDR5 RAM debuts at 4800 MT/s and consumes ~20% less power than DDR4 equivalent components at 1.2V.

In addition to the DDR5 technology, enhancement has been made in PMIC, SPD hub, bandwidth, latency, and On-die ECC.

Let’s read some of the innovative technology behind the DDR4 vs DDR5 development.

Bandwidth

In association with the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council, DDR5 technology offers multiplied bandwidth compared to DDR4 RAMs.

DDR4 modules have data rates ranging from 1600 — 3200 MT/s. The DDR5 modules have data rates ranging from 3200 – 6400 MT/s but you often see 3200 MT/s DDR5 in the market.

The DDR5 4800 MT/s from Kingston and Crucial RAMs are common in the market.

Power Architecture

We have noticed some significant change in power architecture as well. The new DDR5 uses less power than DDR4 (1.1 volts vs. 1.2 volts).

Additionally, there is change in onboard PMIC or Power Management Integrated Circuit, concluding 12V PMIC on server-grade DRAM DIMMs and 5V PMIC on consumer-grade DRAM DIMMs.

This new enhancement is brought to improve power management efficiency and help motherboard manufacturers not to worry about power management.

On-Die ECC

Many of you don’t know about on-die ECC, it stands for Error Correcting Code which is responsible for preventing data loss or corruption.

In DDR4 vs DDR5 technology, this feature was seen as optional. But all DDR5 RAM onboard with ECC features is pivotal.

Burst Length

DDR5 comes with significant changes in burst length characteristics. Basically, burst length helps DDR read and write effectively.

The DDR5 burst length observed was double i.e. eight and sixteen, respectively compared to DDR4, incorporating burst length in four and eight, respectively.

This change optimally allows a single burst to access up to 64 Bytes of data which boast read and write efficiency at increased rate, resulting in high performance.

Bit Channel

The DDR5 RAMs possess new bit channel alignment representing two independent 32-bit channels, offering impeccable loads of performance for your tasks such editing, rendering, and sharing.

Basically, the single stick of DDR5 ram is already configured and optimized to run dual-channel mode. This new feature eliminates adding more slots of RAM to get more feasible results, like it happens with DDR4 RAM.

Thank god… it’s gone now! Right?

Capacity

In the battel between DDR4 and DDR5, the later has a maximum memory capacity of 512 memory. Meaning, the limit of expanding memory up to 64GB is gone. With DDR5 in use, gamers can boast memory size up to 512GB.

This innovation converges chip manufacturers to take advantage of the total bandwidth and capacity of the DDR5 standard.

Compatibility

There is a saying ‘new innovation calls new things’ and it is exactly what happened with the launch of DDR5 technology in the market.

For a new memory standard, new hardware is required. With DDR5 modules, you may require a new motherboard.

For example, AMD switched to DDR5 with their Ryzen 7000 series processors. While the Intel 12th and 13th gen chips support DDR4 and DDR5 memory.

You are in luck if you have a motherboard above AMD’s 5000 series CPUs and Intel’s 11th-gen Core processors.

Insights Into DDR5 Latencies

Sneak peek into the DDR5 latency test result, from DDR5 3200 to DDR5 6400. The result will surprise you.

The accuracy of DDR5 latency is not particular in nature. These may change overtime as you can see from multiple test scenarios.

Is DDR5 RAM Better Than DDR4 RAM Technology?

Yes, DDR5 memory is the latest invention in the house of DDR technology.

The fifth generation technology is designed to provide improvised results by bringing higher performance, lower power, and more data integrity.

The only limitation with DDR5 memory is with the motherboard compatibility. If you’re AMD users, you need 7000 series or above, or Intel users require 12th Gen and further.

DDR4 vs DDR5 Gaming Performance

For gamers, DDR5 ram is the go-to destination for top notch performance and sleek-peek gaming experience.

The DDR5 technology scored an impressive number in benchmark, offering gigantic results in frame rates.

Following are some tested benchmark stats for DDR5 vs DDR4:

• First, we have tested Assassin’s Creed Mirage, noticing 13% greater performance and 1% lows at 1080p, with a 7% boost to the average frame rate.
• Second, we tested Cyberpunk 2077, in which a noticeable advantage with DDR5 emerges at higher frame rates.
• At last, Watch Dogs: Legion also performed excellently in 1080p, 1440p, and 4K while noticing 14% increased efficiency at 1080p.

Final Thought On DDR4 vs DDR5

From our test results and research, we come to know that DDR5 memory optimally performs better, best, and brilliantly.

Those who are thinking of upgrading from DDR4 to DDR5 can do so confidently. Priced at utmost in the equivalent category, it is worth upgrading in 2024.

That’s all in DDR4 vs DDR5 blog guide. Thanks for reading 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ddr4 vs ddr5?

DDR4 vs DDR5 comparison, wins by DDR5 technology as it comprises better power management optimization, higher capacity, ECC feature, and 1.1V power consumption.

When was ddr5 technology introduced?

The DDR5 technology was introduced in 2021, and it is the most recent generation of memory technology.

How much better is ddr5 vs ddr4?

DDR5 is much better compared to DDR4 and later technology. DDR5 aims for higher performance and unthrottled gaming experience.

How much faster is ddr5 vs ddr4?

DDR5 debuts with 3200MT/s speed of bandwidth that goes up to 6400MT/s which is incredibly amazing and more than double compared to DDR4 memory.

What is the price of ddr5 ram?

Many chip making companies are designing DDR5 memory for gamers. Brands include Crucial, Corsair, G Skill, A-DATA technology, and many more offer DDR5 memory. Visit their respective website to check pricing details.

Can I upgrade my CPU from ddr4 to ddr5 ram?

If you are in the upgrading process, do check compatibility first. Most motherboard manufacturers do provide support for DDR5 memory expansion and utilization.

Which is the best DDR5 memory?

The G. Skill Trident Z5 Neo is the best DDR5 memory for gaming and most of the tension work things. It features up to 6,000MT/s for high data access, write, and copy speeds.

What games can be played using ddr5 ram?

Most recent game development for desktop can be played with DDR5 vs DDR4 technology.