Whether for gaming or office use, find the right DDR4 and DDR5 RAM in a range of configurations.
DDR5 and DDR4 RAM
RAM – Random Access Memory – is temporary memory used by the processor for fast access to data. Depending on your platform, either DDR4 or DDR5 RAM will be suitable for your PC setup.
Both RAM generations are available in different configurations, including various memory speeds, capacities and CAS latencies.
DDR4 vs DDR5: What Are the Differences?
While DDR4 is the older generation and offers lower speeds, DDR5 provides higher speeds, greater bandwidth and improved energy efficiency.
| Feature |
DDR4 |
DDR5 |
| Memory Standard |
Older generation |
Newer generation |
| Typical Data Rates |
2133 to 3600 MT/s and higher |
4800 to 8400 MT/s and higher |
| Operating Voltage According to JEDEC |
1.2 V |
1.1 V |
| Motherboard Platforms |
AMD AM4, Intel LGA 1200, Intel LGA 1700 (DDR4 variants) |
AMD AM5, Intel LGA 1700 (DDR5 variants), Intel LGA 1851 |
| Compatible CPU Generations |
AMD Ryzen 1000 to 5000, Intel Core 10th to 14th Generation |
AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000G and 9000, Intel Core 12th to 14th Generation and Core Ultra 200S |
Find Out More
Want to know whether DDR4 is still worth buying in 2026 and how it compares to DDR5 in gaming? In our blog, we compare the two RAM generations.
DDR4 vs DDR5 Blog
How Much RAM Do I Need?
How much RAM you need depends on what you use your PC for.
- 16 GB: Everyday tasks, office work and less demanding games
- 32 GB: Modern gaming PCs, multitasking and streaming
- 64 GB: Video editing, 3D rendering and content creation
- 96 GB or More: Memory-intensive workstation applications and running multiple virtual machines simultaneously
How Do RAM Speed and CAS Latency Affect Performance?
RAM speed and CAS latency (CL) affect how quickly your memory can transfer data and respond to memory access requests. Higher speeds provide greater memory bandwidth, while CAS latency indicates the number of clock cycles between a read request and the availability of the requested data.
For example, DDR4-3200 with CL16 has an actual CAS latency of 10 nanoseconds. DDR5-6000 with CL30 also achieves 10 nanoseconds but offers significantly greater memory bandwidth. A lower CL value therefore doesn't automatically mean better performance. Read more about CAS latency in our blog.
UDIMM, SO-DIMM and RDIMM
| RAM Type |
Features |
Applications |
| UDIMM (Unbuffered DIMM) |
Unbuffered memory in a standard DIMM form factor |
Desktop PCs and gaming PCs |
| SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM) |
Compact form factor for space-saving systems |
Laptops, mini PCs and compact systems |
| RDIMM (Registered DIMM) |
Registered memory with a register to reduce the load on the memory controller |
Servers and professional workstations |
AMD EXPO and Intel XMP
AMD EXPO and Intel XMP allow you to overclock your RAM using preconfigured memory profiles. These contain optimised settings for memory speed, timings and voltage, which you can enable in the BIOS/UEFI. While AMD EXPO RAM was primarily developed for compatible AM5 systems, Intel XMP is mainly designed for Intel systems. DDR4 supports XMP 2.0, while DDR5 RAM supports EXPO and XMP 3.0.
RAM FAQ
What Happens If My PC Doesn't Have Enough RAM?
If your RAM capacity is insufficient, your PC has to move data to the SSD or hard drive more frequently. This can lead to longer loading times, delays when switching between applications and stuttering in games. Adding more RAM can improve performance if your existing memory capacity isn't sufficient.
Which Is Better: Single-Channel or Dual-Channel RAM?
On compatible systems, dual-channel RAM provides greater memory bandwidth than single-channel RAM. This usually involves installing two RAM modules in the designated motherboard slots. It can have a positive impact on performance, particularly in games and memory-intensive applications.
Can I Combine Different RAM Modules?
Under certain conditions, RAM modules with different speeds, capacities or timings can be combined. However, this may reduce memory speed or cause stability issues. DDR4 and DDR5 cannot be combined. For the best possible compatibility, a matched RAM kit is recommended.
Can I Easily Upgrade My RAM?
Many desktop PCs allow you to upgrade the RAM by installing additional or higher-capacity memory modules. Your motherboard must support the RAM type and desired capacity. For laptops, upgradeability depends on whether they use replaceable SO-DIMM modules or soldered memory.
What Is the Difference Between RAM and an SSD?
RAM is volatile memory that temporarily holds data for running programs and processes. An SSD, on the other hand, provides permanent storage for the operating system, games and files. While RAM loses its data when the PC is switched off, data stored on an SSD is retained.
What Is ECC RAM and When Do I Need It?
ECC RAM (Error Correcting Code) can detect and correct certain memory errors. This makes it particularly suitable for servers and professional workstations where data integrity and reliability are important. Both the processor and motherboard must support the relevant ECC memory type.
