Differences between DDR4 and DDR5

Is your system running out of space? Your system might require a storage upgrade. Here’s a guide to understand the difference between DDR4 and DDR5 and choose the right memory for servers, laptop or desktop systems.

What is DDR5?

Each generation of DDR comes with newer upgrades and features. DDR5 is the latest memory module that offers high-performance levels followed by higher storage capacities. DDR5 SDRAM begins at 4800 MHz to 5600 MHz, it is further expected to increase up to 6400 MHz Further, DDR5 memory modules consume less power as compared to the previous versions of DDRs. Further, DDR5 consists of 64-gigabit memory chips. The storage capacity per stick ranges up to 128GB. Also, this drive consists of an error-correcting code (ECC). This memory with all the advanced features that help with performing highly-intensive tasks such as video editing, and scientific computing. computer-aided design, and more.

What is DDR4?

DDR4 – Double Data Rate 4 is an upgrade from DDR3, as these SDRAMs are capable of achieving higher efficiency and speed followed by enhanced data transfer speed ranging from 2133MT/s to 4266 MT/s but consumes less power. DDR4 also allows hardware manufacturers to enhance the battery life of their devices. Also, DDR4 memory offers clock speeds ranging from 800 MHz to 1600 MHz followed by storage capacities that go from 4GB to 128GB. Moreover, DDR4 RAMs come with 288 pins on a regular DIMM and 260 pins on a SO-DIMM.

DDR5 vs DDR4: What’s the difference

With every new version, there are upgrades and new features that make them stand out and rule the market. Similarly, DDR5 is the advanced version of DDR4 SDRAM and compatible with different processors and motherboards. However, DDR4 RAM even after the launch of DDR5, is still relevant and used by consumers. To understand the performance of these memory modules, it is necessary to be familiar with a few terms to get better insights and to be able to differentiate between DDR4 and DDR5.

For instance, the speed is measured through data rate and clock rate, and these rates are represented in MT/s (mega transfers per second). These terms are usually associated with the memory type like “DDR4-3200MHz”. This number represents the informal measurement of the data rate that a user may be looking for.

For instance data rate for DDR4 ranges from 1600MHz and 3200MHz, whereas the clock rate ranges from 600MHz to 1600MHz. The bus is transferring on either end of the cycle. However, DDR5 offers enhanced data rates as compared to DDR4 which ranged from 4800MHz to 8400MHz, and clock rates ranged from 1600MHz to 4800MHz which is further expected to increase as the technology matures.

Here is the comparison of bandwidth, transfer speed, and more, which represents a clearer picture of the differences between DDR4 and DDR5.

Specifications	DDR5	DDR4
Max UDIMM (Unbuffered Capacity	128 GB	32 GB
Bandwidth	38400–57600 MB/s	12800–25600 MB/s
Transfer Rate	4800–7200 MT/s	1600–3200 MT/s
Base Frequency	2400–3600 MHz	800–1600 MHz
Effective Frequency	4800–7200 MHz	1600–3200 MHz
Voltage	1.1 V	1.2 V
On-die ECC	YES	NO

There are further differences between the two memory modules, for instance;

Capacity, channels, and efficiency

Every DIMM (stick of RAM) has a bunch of separate ICs (integrated circuits) or dies that depend on the RAMs capacity. DDR4 RAM has a maximum IC density of 16GB whereas, DDR5 RAM can cater to up to 64GBs. This clarifies that DDR5 offers more storage capacity, which can match the need for increasing demand for storage. Further, the data width for DDR and DDR5 is the same, but the channel architecture for DDR5 RAM has changed. Every DIMM consists of two channels which result in enhanced performance of the CPU by enabling it to use the same RAM stick more than once. In comparison with DDR4, the DDR5 memory is combined with the dual-channel nature of every DDR4 DIMM. Moreover, the power in DDR4 is managed through the motherboard, whereas. The power for DDR5 is managed through the power management integrated circuit (PMIC) that is built on the RAM stick. This helps with ensuring that DDR5 consumes less energy compared to DDR4.

Compatibility, availability, and pricing

As far as the compatibility is concerned, DDR5 RAM is compatible with Intel’s 12th Gen “Alder Lake” processors, which include Intel Core i5-12600K, Intel Core i7-12700K, the Intel Core i9-12900K, and other counterparts, but DDR4 RAM is also compatible with these motherboards but only one RAM can be catered at one time. Also, it is necessary to be mindful of the fact that the sockets of the CPU are different, so the processors like 12th Gen Intel chips need to update the board.

Moreover, as far as the prices are concerned, DDR5 RAM is comparatively more expensive and requires more budget but DDR5 RAMS are not expected to be readily available. However, if the budget is not sufficient for DDR5 then you can opt for DDR4 for the 12th Gen Intel setup.

Also Read:

What is the Difference Between DDR3, DDR4 and DDR5 RAM?