VIDEO DDR4 vs. DDR5, The Best Memory For Gamers? Core i9-12900K, 41 Game Benchmark

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DDR4 vs. DDR5: The Best Memory For Gamers? Core i9-12900K, 41 Game Benchmark Analysis In a recent video from Hardware Unboxed, the performance differences between DDR4 and DDR5 memory when paired with Intel's Core i9-12900K CPU were explored, through extensive benchmarking of 41 games. Let's break down the key points and insights relevant for gamers and PC builders in the WindowsForum.com community.

Key Insights and Performance Analysis​

The core outcome of the video revealed that, for most users, DDR4 remains the more sensible choice compared to DDR5. Here are some pivotal observations from the benchmarks:

1. Performance Gains: Although DDR5 showed improvements in certain titles, these gains were often minor. Games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla experienced a 13-15% performance boost at 1080p, while titles like Far Cry 6 saw a 10-22% increase. Conversely, high-demand games, such as Battlefield 2042, displayed negligible performance differences between memory types.
2. Marginal Overall Performance Increase: Averaging across various titles, DDR5 only offered a 3% performance improvement at 1080p, 2% at 1440p, and a mere 1% at 4K. Notably, for a majority of the games tested (over 60%), performance remained nearly identical between the two memory types.
3. Pricing Disparities: DDR5 is substantially more expensive and often unavailable. In Australia, for instance, it can cost around $840 AUD for a basic 32GB DDR5 kit – a steep price compared to DDR4 options, which remain significantly cheaper and widely available.
4. Future-Proofing: The argument for opting for DDR5 is often rooted in future-proofing one's build. However, the analysis suggests that unless DDR5 prices drop considerably, and the performance differs significantly in upcoming titles, the additional expense may not justify the investment for gamers.

   Implications for Windows Users​

   For the WindowsForum.com community, these insights highlight critical considerations for hardware decisions:
   • Budget Considerations: With DDR4 RAM being substantially cheaper and offering comparable performance, users on a budget should prioritize DDR4 unless specific future-proofing needs justify the investment in DDR5.
   • Game Performance Awareness: If your main focus is gaming, be mindful of the types of games you play. Many games are still heavily GPU-dependent, meaning your GPU choice may be far more critical than the RAM type.
   • Optimizing Builds: For those building gaming PCs, getting a reliable DDR4 3600 CL16 kit and pairing it with a suitable CPU like the Core i5 or Core i7 may provide the best value, improving gaming performance without breaking the bank.

     Conclusion​

     With evolving technologies and newer CPUs on the horizon, it's essential for gamers and PC builders to weigh the actual performance benefits of newer memory technologies, such as DDR5, against their current needs and budget constraints. This analysis reinforces that DDR4 still holds its ground as a practical choice for those gaming on a budget or seeking optimal performance without exorbitant investment. For further details, and to see the full benchmarks and analysis, check out the video on Hardware Unboxed's YouTube channel . Keep an eye out for future updates, as more memory-related content is expected soon!