The DDR5 standard for RAM is becoming more and more popular among users. At the start, its cost was very high, and performance was not alway...
The DDR5 standard for RAM is becoming more and more popular among users. At the start, its cost was very high, and performance was not always optimal. But now the situation has changed for the better. When choosing DDR5 RAM, you need to pay attention to several important factors, which we will discuss in this article.MEMORY
The amount of RAM required to build a computer depends on its purpose. For an office, 8 GB is the minimum required to perform basic tasks such as web surfing and office programs. For a gaming build and normal operation in undemanding photo editors, you need at least 16 GB, and 32 GB is a more comfortable amount for games. Specialized software may require 64 GB or more.
While many AAA games run comfortably on 16 GB, there are a growing number of projects that require more memory. The amount of video memory offered by high-end video cards has not increased, which can lead to an increase in the load on RAM. Most models still offer 8GB of VRAM. To make matters worse, DDR5 gaming builds should ideally start with 32GB of RAM to handle the increased workload.HOW MANY PLANKS TO INSTALL
The DDR5 standard introduces two 32-bit channels per stick instead of DDR4's one 64-bit channel, allowing a single DDR5 board to operate in dual-channel mode. However, it is important to note that the channel width remains the same - 64 bits.
When it comes to DDR5 memory, the same rule applies as for DDR4. One card will give you the least performance, while two cards are the best because they use the same dual channel mode. But programs like CPU-Z can show four channels for two dies.
For desktop processors, four bars will perform on average the same or slightly worse than with less overclocking potential and lower operating frequencies. Four will show maximum performance only when paired with a four-channel controller, which is usually installed only in server models. In the DDR5 standard, there is a difference in performance between one and two dies of the same total volume, but sometimes it is insignificant. This means that when building a PC from scratch, you can work with only one for a while, and later purchase a second one. Although a set of four sticks is quite acceptable, it does not provide fundamental advantages for desktop processors.
SINGLE OR DUAL-RANK MEMORY
Memory modules come with one or two ranks. The first option has 64 bits, and the crystals are usually located on one side. Dual-rank RAM has 128 bits and memory dies are located on both sides of the bar. Theoretically, having more ranks can improve performance. For example, two dice with two ranks can be faster than a pair of peers. However, the difference in performance can be minimal and often unnoticeable in games. The main advantage of two-rank models is manifested when using specialized software, where the performance gain can reach 5-10%. In addition, dual ranks do not require high frequencies to achieve maximum effect.
MEMORY FREQUENCY
When it comes to RAM frequency, it is important to understand that there is an effective and real frequency. Effective is the one that is indicated on the packaging or in online stores, and the real one is half effective. For example, if the effective frequency is 5600 MHz, then the real frequency is 2800 MHz.
The base frequency for JEDEC DDR5 modules is 4800 MHz, which is 50% higher than that of DDR4 modules. This means that if you insert DDR5 into the motherboard without additional settings, then the RAM will run at this frequency. The companies also offer enhanced performance modes. The XMP (Intel) and EXPO (AMD) profiles allow you to increase the frequency up to 8200 MHz and can change the voltage and timings.LIMIT ON OTHER COMPONENTS
First, you need to check the maximum supported frequency of the motherboard in accordance with the JEDEC standard. This is the frequency at which the RAM will not have problems. In addition, most motherboards specify the frequencies at which overclocked memory will work, but for this, you need to enable the appropriate profile in the BIOS.
If the motherboard only supports frequencies up to 6400 MHz, there is no point in trying to overclock the memory to higher frequencies. However, you can manually overclock your RAM to exceed this limit. The processor itself can also act as a limiter. For example, in AMD Ryzen 7000, the limitation of the Infinity Fabric bus affects RAM performance. In some cases, XMP for DDR5-6000 provides better performance than the higher DDR5-6200 frequency.FREQUENCY GAIN TO COST RATIO
The difference in performance between DDR5-5600 MHz and DDR5-6400 MHz will depend on the range of tasks performed. In synthetic tests, the performance gain reaches 15% when using higher frequencies, which is important for demanding programs such as photo editors. However, in games, the difference can be only a couple of frames per second. It may be more profitable to buy DDR5 with slightly lower frequencies and manually overclock it to improve performance. A comfortable frequency range for DDR5 is 5200-6400 MHz, and you should not chase frequencies of 7000-8000 MHz.
TIMINGS
MEMORY CHIP MANUFACTURERS
DDR5 RAM may have memory chips from different manufacturers, but it is difficult to determine the brand before buying unless it is indicated on the package. This is important since the overclocking potential largely depends on the manufacturer. Micron and SpecTek are budget options, while Samsung and SK Hynix are preferred due to their overclocking potential. It is also important to consider the type of chip. For example, Hynix A-Die chips have the highest overclocking potential (up to 7200 MHz).
DESIGN FEATURES
Most DDR5 boards come with a heatsink to help dissipate heat, but some RAMs are sold without one. Under heavy loads and during overclocking, RAM temperatures can reach 70-85°C in poorly ventilated cases. High temperatures accelerate chip degradation.
The die height varies from 32 mm to 45 mm. It is important to make sure that high modules will not interfere with the CPU cooler.
When it comes to backlighting, RGB is configured to display one color at a time, while ARGB (addressable RGB) is considered more advanced and allows you to control each individual LED. However, ARGB RAM backlighting is less common.
