DDR5 memory is the next generation of RAM (random access memory) that is starting to come to the consumer PC market in 2022 and 2023. DDR5 promises big performance improvements over the previous DDR4 standard, but the key question for many gamers is whether upgrading to DDR5 will provide noticeably better gaming performance and be worth the higher cost compared to staying with DDR4.
What is DDR5?
DDR5 is the fifth generation double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory. It succeeds the previous DDR4 RAM standard that has been widely used since 2014. Some of the key improvements with DDR5 over DDR4 include:
- Higher memory bandwidth – Up to 2x the peak transfer rate per module compared to DDR4
- Higher module densities – Up to 64GB per DIMM module allowing greater capacities
- Two independent 32 bit channels per module – Improves efficiency
- On die ECC (error correction code) – Improves reliability and stability
- Improved power efficiency – Reduces voltage from 1.2V for DDR4 to 1.1V for DDR5
The major memory manufacturers like Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron started rolling out DDR5 RAM modules in 2021 and 2022. However, adoption has been slowed due to supply constraints and the need for new motherboards and CPUs designed for DDR5.
DDR5 Release Timeframe
| Year | DDR5 Developments |
|---|---|
| 2021 | DDR5 specification finalized and manufacturing begins |
| 2022 | Intel’s 12th gen Core CPUs and compatible motherboards released, first to support DDR5 |
| 2022 | AMD’s Ryzen 7000 CPUs and AM5 motherboards released, adding more DDR5 support |
| 2023 | DDR5 pricing expected to decline, adoption increases |
As of late 2022, DDR5 availability is still fairly limited and pricing is high, with a 16GB DDR5 module typically costing over $150 USD compared to around $50 USD for an equivalent DDR4 module. However, availability and affordability of DDR5 RAM is expected to improve significantly over 2023.
DDR5 for Gaming – The Pros
Upgrading to DDR5 should provide some noticeable gaming performance benefits compared to DDR4, but the extent of the gains can vary depending on other system components. Some of the key advantages DDR5 will offer for gaming include:
Higher Memory Bandwidth
One of the headline improvements with DDR5 is significantly higher per module memory bandwidth compared to DDR4, up to 2x higher. Having more available memory bandwidth can help remove bottlenecks, allowing the GPU to access data from memory faster to render graphics and textures more quickly. This can lead to higher average framerates as well as smoother gameplay with fewer spikes and stutters.
Allows Higher System Memory Capacities
The maximum capacity supported per DIMM module is increasing from 16GB with DDR4 up to 64GB with DDR5. This means high end gaming PCs will be able to utilize much greater total system memory capacities of 128GB or 256GB. While 16GB is still sufficient for the majority of games, having massively higher RAM capacity provides more headroom for running demanding games that utilize memory more heavily.
Faster Load Times
The combination of greater bandwidth and higher memory capacity with DDR5 can help accelerate loading times in games. Load times are dependent on how quickly the system can transfer data from storage into memory. So the improved memory speeds of DDR5 ensure less time spent waiting at loading screens when booting up games or fast traveling between zones.
Enables Better Multi-Tasking Performance
For gamers who also like to stream, record gameplay or run other applications simultaneously alongside their games, DDR5’s extra bandwidth will help minimize performance impacts. The faster memory speeds ensure the CPU has plenty of bandwidth available to handle gaming, streaming software and background processes without as much slowdown.
Some Current Examples
Some benchmarks have indicated DDR5 can provide a 10-20% or more increase in average FPS in games compared to equivalent DDR4 configurations:
| Game | Resolution | DDR4 FPS | DDR5 FPS | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTA V | 1080p | 128 | 155 | 21% |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 1440p | 67 | 79 | 18% |
| Assassins Creed Valhalla | 1440p | 76 | 89 | 17% |
These examples demonstrate the type of FPS boosts we can expect to see in some games by upgrading from DDR4 to DDR5 RAM. The gains will vary across titles and resolutions but show the gaming benefits DDR5 can provide.
DDR5 for Gaming – The Cons
However upgrading to DDR5 memory currently also comes with some notable drawbacks and limitations for gaming performance:
Expensive Initial Pricing
The most obvious downside to DDR5 is the considerably higher cost compared to DDR4 RAM. In late 2022, 16GB DDR5 modules are retailing above $150 USD while 16GB DDR4 can be found for around $50 instead. This means upgrading an entire system to DDR5 could add over $500 to the total build cost, a difficult price premium for many gamers to justify.
Requires Compatible Components
To utilize DDR5, you need a CPU and motherboard specifically designed to support it. Intel’s 12th gen and AMD’s Ryzen 7000 CPUs are the first desktop processors to work with DDR5. Most gamers on older systems won’t be able to simply swap their RAM to DDR5 without also upgrading their CPU at minimum.
Early Adopter Issues
As with any major new technology launch, being an early adopter of DDR5 could mean dealing with limited availability, high costs, and some instability or compatibility issues. It may take months for supply to improve, prices to normalize, and firmware/software to mature. For a smooth experience it can be better to wait for adoption to grow.
Minimal Real-World Improvement in Many Games
While benchmarks show DDR5 can provide double digit FPS gains, in many real world gaming scenarios the improvement may be less noticeable or significant, depending on your setup. If your GPU is already the primary system bottleneck, upgrading to DDR5 alone may not boost FPS much. Memory speed matters more at 1080p than higher resolutions.
DIMM Supply Issues in 2022 & 2023
Even for those who want to adopt early, getting your hands on DDR5 modules has been difficult due to supply constraints. Major memory suppliers like Samsung have warned that DDR5 supply will remain tight through 2023. This shortage makes actually buying DDR5 at reasonable prices challenging.
Should You Upgrade to DDR5 for Gaming?
Whether it’s worth upgrading your system to DDR5 memory currently comes down to a few key factors:
1. What resolution and graphics settings do you play at?
If you mainly play at higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, are using maxed graphical settings, and your performance is already GPU limited, DDR5 may provide little real world improvement. The faster memory speeds will be less beneficial if the GPU is the primary bottleneck.
However for competitive gamers who favor high FPS over resolution and graphical fidelity, the extra performance from DDR5 could help push framerates higher at 1080p.
2. What other components are in your system?
To fully utilize DDR5 you’ll need a processor and motherboard that supports it, like Intel’s 12th gen Core or AMD’s Ryzen 7000 series. If you aren’t planning to upgrade those components soon, it likely isn’t worth upgrading your RAM to DDR5 independently.
Also consider whether your GPU will be leaving significant performance still on the table. If your graphics card is already maxed out in the games and resolutions you play, even DDR5 may not boost FPS much.
3. Is your current RAM speed/capacity limiting performance?
Compare benchmarks of your current setup with the FPS others are getting with the same system/resolution/settings combo. If your RAM speed seems to be limiting framerates significantly already, DDR5 may provide a more worthwhile upgrade.
Likewise if you’re commonly maxing out your current RAM capacity and needing extra overhead, the higher capacities of DDR5 could help.
4. Are you building a new system soon?
If you’re planning a completely new build, going with a DDR5 platform may make more sense, rather than needing to upgrade again later. Getting DDR5 capabilities with your CPU and motherboard choice ensures you’re ready for the latest memory technology.
5. Is future-proofing important?
DDR5 will become the new standard over the next few years. While DDR4 systems won’t become obsolete anytime soon, upgrading to DDR5 future-proofs your setup to some extent. You likely won’t need to change RAM again for 5+ years.
6. Can you afford the DDR5 pricing premium?
Given the major cost increase, for many budget and mid-range gamers DDR5 simply won’t make sense yet. But if you’re running an already high end system and budget isn’t as much of an obstacle, the performance benefits may justify the price.
Conclusion
DDR5 brings promising bandwidth and capacity improvements that should provide a moderate performance boost in many games compared to DDR4 RAM. However, the higher expense, supply limitations, and the requirement for a compatible platform means it isn’t necessarily an urgent or practical upgrade for all gamers yet.
For those playing at 1440p or 4K resolution, running GPU heavy graphical settings that limit framerates already, or trying to upgrade RAM independently, DDR5 may not be worth the high price of entry in 2022 & 2023.
But if you’re wanting to maximize 1080p frame rates, building a new high end gaming PC, or have budget flexibility, the next generation DDR5 RAM can offer enough extra gaming performance to make it a justifiable upgrade over still reliable DDR4 memory.