DDR3 vs DDR4 vs DDR5 RAM – Which One Do You Need? –
Are you confused about what the different RAM generations stand for and which one best suits your needs? Do you really need to go for the latest one, or are earlier versions just as capable in performance? What does DDR even mean!? These are some common questions that circulate in the head of anyone who has tasked themselves with building their new rig. After you finish this article, you will better understand what RAM is, what it does, and what differences between its different generations you should care about.
What is DDR3?
DDR3 is a type of RAM generation that was released in 2007. It maintains a voltage of 1.3-1.5V, and its bandwidth is 17 GB/s. DDR3 has a prefetch of 8n which means that it can process 8 units of data simultaneously. As it is a rather old RAM generation today, DDR3 doesn’t hold up too nicely compared to newer generations. And while it is still available to purchase, there aren’t really many uses where it can outshine newer hardware.
What is DDR4?
DDR4 is a type of RAM generation that was released in 2014. It maintains a voltage of 1.2V, and its bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s. Prefetch-wise, DDR4 is the same as DDR3, but other significant differences between the two should be noted. Currently. DDR4 is the most widespread RAM generation, mainly because it is the mass public’s latest generation release. Most new motherboard models only support DDR4, so when we talk about compatibility, DDR4 definitely trumps over DDR3.
What is DDR5?
Finally, DDR5 is the latest RAM generation, released in 2019. It maintains a voltage of 1.1V, and its bandwidth is 32 GB/s. Compared to previous models, it is definitely the fastest and most powerful choice. However, more power doesn’t necessarily equal good things. One reason for this is that the high, supported voltage can take a toll on your electric bill and can make your rig more prone to overheating. A big jump that DDR5 makes compared to earlier generations is its prefetch. DDR5 has a prefetch of 16n, which makes it twice as efficient as DDR4. A big problem that DDR5 faces are that currently, it isn’t produced everywhere, making it harder to purchase, as only a few companies manufacture it. Of course, this takes a toll on its price as well.
Which DDR Do You Need?
Currently, DDR4 is the obvious choice of the three, as it is commercially available and offers better performance than DDR3. However, your choice depends on what you are looking for, as there are some (few) cases where DDR3 is a better choice, or you might be willing to wait for DDR5 to become more widespread.
There are several things to keep in mind when you are making your choice, and the first has to be the motherboard. Different motherboards have different dual in-line memory module slots, which means the RAM you buy needs to be compatible with it. You can always check your motherboard’s specs and recommendations to stay on the safe side.
Another thing you have to make sure of is what is the maximum amount of RAM your OS allows for. The storage amount differs between operating systems, with older Windows OS supporting max 8GB RAM and newer ones going up to 512GB.
Take a moment to also think about what you will primarily use your new rig for. Will you be doing hardcore gaming with triple-A titles that came out in 2020? Then you probably should try to get your hands on a DDR5, as otherwise, your game will lag, which I am sure isn’t the experience you signed up for. If you are going to do only admin work, like sorting documents and using less demanding applications, 8GB RAM is perfect for your needs (DDR4 or even DDR3).
FAQ
Is DDR3 Right For Me ?
Most probably – no, you don’t. DDR3 is very outdated , and it doesn’t support many modern applications. Unless you will be using your computer for very basic browsing or data processing, no, you don’t need DDR3.
Is DDR4 Right For Me ?
DDR4 is currently the most widespread RAM generation that offers stable performance. There are very few cases where you wouldn’t need it, and you would go for one of the other RAM generations. If you use your computer for work but also do gaming or image/video processing software – DDR4 is a safe choice.
Is DDR5 Right For Me ?
DDR5 is a monster when it comes to performance and capabilities, but… is still very difficult to obtain. Since very few manufacturers produce it as of the time I am writing this article, likely, it won’t be available for at least 4-5 more years. In theory – yes, you need it (especially if you are gaming), but the likelihood of you getting your hands on DDR5 are currently very slim.
Conclusion –
In summary, there are several points to keep in mind when you are making your choice between DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5.
If you want to get your hands on the big guns, which is DDR5, you have to be patient for a while, as there is still some time before it becomes widely accessible and more stable. Sure, performance-wise, it is the superior choice of the three, but do you really want to wait this long?
If you have an older computer to start with, you might be forced to settle for DDR3 or DDR4. DDR3 is a pretty worn-out generation of RAM these days, so there is no solid reason to be looking its way unless you are specifically looking for low-latency RAM.
All in all, DDR4 is still the most viable and stable option you can currently get. This will likely be the case for several more years to come, so this is the one I recommend getting.