Overclocking has also been improved with Intel updating the eXtreme Memory Profile (XMP) for DDR5 to 3.0. XMP 2.0 only supported two profiles, but the latest version boasts five. Three are set by the memory manufacturer, and two allow you to adjust and edit the settings yourself. Intel hosts a spreadsheet using the generic manufacturer’s settings if you’re curious what that profile looks like.
You may have noticed that the latency of DDR5 memory is slightly slower than DDR4, despite the overall higher clock speeds. But this doesn’t tell the whole story, as memory manufacturer Corsair explains: “The CAS latency of DDR4 is typically 16, while the CAS latency of DDR5 is at least 32. However, the newer standards perform better overall because they have faster clock speeds.” This means that more cycles are needed to complete the task, but those cycles are much faster than before.
Really geeky stuff.
There are a few other changes to the DDR5 standard that won’t really affect locking the slot to your specific PC.
DDR5 memory uses less power overall than DDR4, but not in a way that allows it to use smaller power supplies. Instead, it gives manufacturers and overclockers more voltage headroom to push higher speeds. Each stick of DDR5 memory now has its own power management chip, rather than the motherboard handling power distribution. Again, this probably won’t be a major issue for most people, but it will provide a more consistent experience when using the XMP profile.
Additionally, the basic architecture of memory DIMMs has changed significantly to increase bandwidth. While each DDR4 module relies on a single 64-bit channel, DDR5 has two 32-bit channels. When combined with increased speed and efficiency, memory manufacturer Crucial says, “Users can increase system bandwidth by up to 2X compared to DDR4 for next-generation multi-core CPUs.”
Installation slots for random access memory (RAM) computer chips lie on a server system support board at Bull SA headquarters in Angers, France, Monday, June 23, 2014. Thierry Breton, CEO of software maker Atos, has made a bid of 620 million euros ($846 million) to acquire Bull, the computer company he tried to revive two decades ago. Photographer: Balint Porneczi/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesPhoto: Balint Porneczi/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Some manufacturers also mention error correction codes (ECC) that are present in current DDR5 memory. This is slightly different from DDR4’s ECC, which is an additional module present in server or commercial chips. Instead of helping the various memory chips communicate reliably, they correct errors in individual banks before sending them to the motherboard. Commercial memory manufacturer ATP has an in-depth explanation of this technology that goes beyond what’s needed for a gaming computer, if you’re interested.
Too much to remember?
If you’re building a new PC, there’s a very good chance that your motherboard supports DDR5, so you should buy DDR5. The only reason you’d need DDR4 memory in a new build is if you’re using particularly old parts to save money. You’re more likely to find DDR4 because you’re upgrading an existing system.
You may have paid almost twice as much for DDR5 than DDR4 at launch, but prices have stabilized with wider adoption and will be noticeable to anyone who bought the memory before the update.
