The Memory DDR4 RAM (random-access memory) is considered to be the standard component in most computers since 2015, but it has finally been superseded by Memory DDR5 RAM the latest. DDR 5 RAM is the next generation of double data rate memory that offers improved data transfer rates, clock speeds, efficiency, and slightly lower power consumption. In addition, DDR5 memory modules also have a higher die density. This means that there will likely be sticks of DDR5 larger than 64GB apiece in the near future.
However, the DDR5’s improvements sound great but there are several reasons you should not upgrade to the new memory technology for now. Here is a look at why you still need to stick with your DDR4.
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DDR5 RAM Price
The main reason you should not go for DDR5 right now is that it is expensive. Kits of 16GB or 32GB of DDR5 RAM generally have an MSRP of $300 – $400, which is more than double what most DDR4 RAM equivalents cost. That is not even taking scalper prices into account. DDR5 RAM kits are being resold anywhere between $500 and an eye-watering price of $1,000 or more.
Additionally, you would also have to fork over money for a new DDR5-compatible motherboard, too (not to mention an Intel 12th Gen CPU like the Intel Core i5-12600K as well). Compared to even the best motherboards that work with DDR4 and 12th Gen Intel, most DDR5 motherboards have a price markup of around $100 or more. That alone isn’t too much of a setback but combined with the crazy prices of DDR5 RAM itself.
The cost of having DDR5 is simply way too expensive right now. Spending this much on RAM is near-impossible to justify. These prices will go down over time — they always do with new generations of tech — but currently.
Availability
Another issue you may have with DDR5 is that there is barely any of it in stock. Manufacturers have not been able to make as much DDR5 as they would like, which has resulted in these new memory modules being pretty scarce. When new DDR5 RAM becomes available, it usually gets snatched up by scalpers using bots. Like with GPUs, these scalpers are then reselling the DDR5 on consumer-to-consumer marketplaces like eBay for exorbitant prices.
As we all know whenever new tech is released, experts are always on the guide. Experts say that the global chip shortage’s end is in sight, with many predicting that markets will begin to recover at some point between late 2022 and early 2023. When this happens, DDR5 will likely be easier to buy directly from manufacturers for MSRP. Until then, you probably should not bother with Memory DDR5 RAM unless you are willing to pay expensive prices — especially since there is plenty of DDR4 in stock at most retailers.
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DDR5 RAM Performance
The DDR5’s RAM performance score compared to DDR4 is minimal, at least for now. As tests from Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 and XPG Lancer DDR5 reviews show, DDR5 mostly only offers a slight performance advantage over DDR4 in both gaming and productivity workloads due to the higher latency of DDR5 at launch. These results can also be observed from tests conducted by other various reputable outlets, such as Linus Tech Tips.
There are some cases where DDR5 offers a considerable leap in performance, but they are few and far between, and in some cases, DDR4 even comes out on top. As DDR5 progresses past its infancy and modules with lower latency are developed, the performance gap between DDR5 and DDR4 will widen. Until that happens, DDR4 offers much more bang for your buck.
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