The fifth generation of RAM is here, so you can already put in a new bar of RAM when building a gaming PC. But before that, it is important to understand how fast and expensive this memory is. Today we will talk about just that.
DDR5 RAM is already out. Intel's 12th generation chips, codenamed Alder Lake, support DDR5, and the first RAM modules have already begun to appear on store shelves.
In a few years, DDR5 will surely take over the world and be installed in every modern computer, which is good enough. First experience with the new memory on consumer PCs shows that the RAM is much faster than DDR4.
However, how fast is it and how much does it cost compared to DDR4? Should I try to get a DDR5 module right now? Below we will answer all the questions...
DDR5 is faster than DDR4
It is logical that each new generation of RAM is faster than the previous one, but this is far from the only change.
The frequency of RAM is usually the main indicator of the performance of RAM. In the case of DDR5, it is incredibly high.
Immediately upon release, DDR4 memory clocked out at 2133 MHz. Then it increased to 3600 MHz and even higher in the case of high-performance modules.
The DDR5 base frequency is twice as high at 4800 MHz, and the highest performing models boast an incredible 6400 MHz!
These are not just numbers, since the frequency indicators significantly affect the speed, because the coolest DDR4 RAM sticks have a maximum frequency of 5000 MHz (however, they are hard to find, and the price is quite high).
In addition, DDR5 frequency is expected to rise to 8400 MHz in the coming years, which is unimaginable at this stage. And no one even knows the limits of the new technology!
Frequency is not the only improvement. It's also worth noting the lower power consumption, as DDR5 lowers the chip supply voltage from 1.2V to 1.1V. with motherboard. This is a serious architectural change, thanks to which, actually, the developers have achieved such a high increase in frequency.
Also, the memory capacity should also be mentioned. DDR5 significantly improves this component. In the case of DDR4 on one DIMM module, the maximum was usually 32 GB. Thus, 128 GB of RAM could be achieved on the motherboard with four DIMM slots.
However, on DDR5 modules are capable of processing up to 64 Gbps. Thus, now one plank can have a capacity of up to 128 GB each!
It tells us that in a fully equipped system with four slots you can achieve incredible 512 GB of RAM, which is four times more compared to DDR4! However, the question arises: what can be done with such a large amount of RAM on the usual PC?
Honestly, we do not know. However, the fact remains a fact - now you can equip your PC such a memory.
Price?
When searching for the DDR5 RAM bar for its new system, you must take into account the price. Of course, a little later, the cost will noticeably decrease (when DDR5 becomes more massive technology), but at the time of the exit, the price difference between DDR5 and DDR4 is very sensible.
As an example, we will look at the price of G. Skill's RAM - the planks of this company, as a rule, are the optimal value for money, and is also one of the most popular brands in the market.
At the time of this writing, a set of G. Skill Ripjaws V DDR4, 32 GB with a frequency of 3200 MHz will cost 6,300 rubles. The model with a frequency of 3600 MHz is about 7,400 rubles.
The last price for the kit Ripjaws S5 DDR5 with a volume of 32 GB and a frequency of 5200 MHz was 45 thousand rubles! In addition, the product enjoys incredibly great demand, so finding it at a regular retail price - the task is complex.
And this we have not mentioned DDR5 with RGB illumination! Ordinary Planks of RAM and so hit the wallet, and with highlight it is still worse! So, for example, a set of G. Skill Trident Z5 on 32 GB in Europe costs 900 euros (75 000 rubles)!
In addition, with accessibility also problems here. These transcendental prices are primarily associated with great demand and low offer. All this is due to the lack of the above-mentioned PMIC power controllers, since their delivery time has increased significantly, which causes delays in the entire supply chain.
Is it worth buying DDR5 at this stage?
Of course, DDR5 offers serious improvements in comparison with previous generations of RAM, but the feeling that all these upgrades we simply impose. So the question arises: Do I need to buy DDR5 memory at all if you want to collect a completely new PC?
No. At least for now.
At the time of writing the article by single processors that support the DDR5 memory are the 12th generation Intel under the code name of Alder Lake.
However, even if you buy the 12th generation processor for your new assembly, you will not necessarily need RAM DDR5. There are motherboards with support for DDR5 on the market, however, you can still purchase a motherboard with DDR4 slots, which will be quite enough.
In addition, when choosing Ryzen or older Intel chips, you will only be limited to DDR4.
However, after a few years, the situation will certainly change. Now we are in the "transitional period" between DDR4 and DDR5. Manufacturers of processors will support both technologies for several years.
But after some time, the use of DDR4 will be discontinued. It is most likely to happen immediately after the prices of DDR5 will start falling.
should not also forget that some PCs still work on DDR3 RAM (and this is a second, two generations back!), Therefore, it is not worth waiting for the instant transition to DDR5.
If you are wondering, choose DDR5 or DDR4, then at the moment we recommend the last. All these ultra-fast speeds are not worth more money. Not to mention all those accompanied by the purchase of DDR5, as they will repeat, the market formed a deficit - to purchase a new RAM bar is almost impossible.
Results: Quickly, but expected
, the DDR5 RAM issues a lightning speed that twice the previous generation of DDR4 RAM. But this is a new technology, and new technologies are always road. A more reasonable solution will wait a bit and go with DDR4 on DDR5 later.
