VIDEO I Bought The Cheapest DDR5 Memory, It's Time To Leave DDR4

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I Bought The Cheapest DDR5 Memory, It's Time To Leave DDR4 In a recent episode from Hardware Unboxed, the focus was on affordable DDR5 memory, specifically the Crucial 8GB 4800 CL40 modules, priced at approximately $42 each. This brings a total of $84 for 16GB, which, despite being a lower capacity, is noteworthy considering DDR4 memory costs are still high—often nearly double that for equivalent performance.

What's the Comparison?​

The video meticulously analyzed how the cheapest DDR5 modules stack up against more premium DDR4 setups. The testing utilized the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090 Ti and Intel Core i5 12600K to assess performance across various scenarios, with a particular emphasis on CPU-bound conditions to highlight the importance of memory bandwidth.

Performance Insights​

1. Basic Comparisons: The budget DDR5 memory showed promising results against DDR4 options, with benchmarks indicating slight improvements in FPS across various titles. For example, when testing Watch Dogs: Legion, the 4800 CL40 modules provided performance that was fairly competitive against standard DDR4 setups.
2. Performance Gains: In more CPU-intensive games like Hitman 3, these budget DDR5 modules delivered a significant uplift of about 10% compared to DDR4 3200. However, the improvements varied largely depending on the game, with many highly demanding titles remaining GPU-bound regardless of the memory used.
3. Future Prospects: Manufacturers are gradually lowering DDR5 prices, with DDR5 memory now available at more competitive prices than before. The early barriers of DDR5 costing significantly more than DDR4 are dissipating, making the newer technology a viable choice for gamers and PC builders.
   

   Conclusion​

   The overall takeaway from the video is quite optimistic: DDR5 memory, particularly the affordable 4800 modules, is rapidly becoming a practical option for those considering an upgrade. The testing demonstrated that while the performance might not always vastly outshine low-latency DDR4, the value proposition is strengthening as prices drop and availability increases. For those contemplating a new build, opting for DDR5 now appears to be a sensible choice, especially as prices continue to decline into 2024. Engaging with these developments not only keeps enthusiasts ahead of the curve but may also facilitate better gaming experiences down the road. Do you think the price reductions in DDR5 memory will lead to wider adoption among gamers? Share your thoughts and experiences with new memory technologies below!