DDR4 VS. DDR5 | WHAT SHOULD BE YOUR AMD RYZEN’S RAM?

When building a powerful PC, especially one centered around AMD’s Ryzen processors, choosing the right RAM can make a world of difference in performance. RAM, or Random Access Memory, acts as your system’s short-term memory, and having the right capacity, speed, and timings can boost everything from gaming frame rates to video editing render times.

But with so many options on the market, picking the best RAM for your AMD Ryzen build can be overwhelming. This guide will break down the key factors to consider and highlight two of the top contenders for the title of “best AMD RAM” in 2024.

DDR4 vs. DDR5: 

Before diving into specific kits, let’s address the elephant in the room: DDR4 vs. DDR5. DDR5 is the latest generation of RAM, offering higher speeds, lower power consumption, and improved efficiency. However, it’s also more expensive and currently has limited compatibility with older motherboards.

For most Ryzen builds, especially budget-conscious ones, DDR4 remains a fantastic choice. It offers excellent performance at a much more affordable price point. However, if you’re building a high-end rig with a Ryzen 7000 series processor and an AM5 motherboard, DDR5 is the future-proof option.

Factors to Consider:

• Capacity: 16GB is the current sweet spot for most users, especially gamers. However, content creators and heavy multitaskers may benefit from 32GB or even 64GB.
• Speed: Measured in MHz (Megahertz), higher speeds generally translate to better performance. For DDR4, aim for 3200MHz or higher; for DDR5, 5200MHz or higher is ideal.
• Timings: Timings represent the latency between the CPU and RAM. Lower timings indicate faster communication and improved performance. Look for kits with CAS (Column Address Strobe) latencies of CL16 or lower for DDR4 and CL18 or lower for DDR5.
• Compatibility: Ensure your chosen RAM kit is compatible with your motherboard and CPU. Check the manufacturer’s website or use tools like PCPartPicker for compatibility verification.

DDR4:

G.Skill Trident Z Neo DDR4 3600MHz CL16 (2x8GB)

This kit offers a great balance of speed, timings, and affordability, making it a popular choice for Ryzen gamers and enthusiasts.

Crucial Ballistix RGB DDR4 3200MHz CL16 (2x8GB)

This value-oriented kit delivers solid performance without breaking the bank. Its RGB lighting adds a touch of flair to your build.

Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 3600MHz CL14 (2x8GB)

This high-performance kit boasts tight timings and excellent overclocking potential, ideal for pushing your Ryzen rig to its limits.

Pros:

• Lower entry point and generally cheaper kits.
• Works with most modern motherboards and CPUs.
• Stable and well-understood by manufacturers and users.
• Can be pushed beyond stock speeds for performance gains.

Cons:

• Slower speeds and bandwidth compared to DDR5.
• Maximum module size reaches 64GB, potentially limiting future scalability.
• DDR5 will eventually become the norm, leaving DDR4 behind.

DDR5:

ADATA XPG Lancer DDR5 5600MHz CL38 (2x16GB)

This premium kit delivers top-tier speeds and performance for the latest Ryzen 7000 series CPUs. Its sleek design and optional RGB lighting add a touch of style.

Kingston Fury Beast DDR5 5200MHz CL40 (2x16GB)

This value-focused kit offers decent speeds and performance at a more budget-friendly price point.

G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 6000MHz CL36 (2x16GB)

This top-of-the-line kit pushes the boundaries of DDR5 performance, ideal for hardcore gamers and overclocking enthusiasts.

Pros:

• Significant speed and bandwidth boosts, especially in the future.
• Supports modules up to 256GB, ideal for demanding workloads.
• Latest technology, ensuring compatibility with upcoming processors and motherboards.
• On-DIMM voltage regulators and error correction features.

Cons:

• Higher cost per kit compared to DDR4.
• Currently only works with AM5 motherboards and Ryzen 7000 CPUs.
• May require better cooling solutions in high-performance systems.
• On-DIMM voltage regulators limit overclocking headroom.

Comparison Table:

Feature	DDR4	DDR5
Generation	Fourth	Fifth
Maximum Speed	4800MHz	8400MHz (futureproof)
Bandwidth	38.4GB/s	68.2GB/s (futureproof)
Timings	CL14 (high-end)	CL36 (high-end)
Capacity per Module	Up to 64GB	Up to 256GB
Power Consumption	Lower	Higher (currently)
Cost	More affordable	More expensive
Compatibility	Wider motherboard and CPU compatibility	Limited to AM5 motherboards currently
Overclocking Potential	Moderate	Lower (due to on-DIMM voltage regulators)

Advanced Considerations:

Sub-timings: Beyond CAS latency, other sub-timings like tRP, tCL, and tRFC can also affect performance. While not as crucial for most users, tightening these sub-timings through manual overclocking can offer a slight performance edge, especially for memory-intensive applications.

Voltage and Overclocking: For adventurous users, DDR4 RAM often offers some overclocking headroom, allowing you to push the speed beyond its default setting. This can boost performance even further, but be careful: exceeding safe voltage limits can damage your RAM or CPU.

RAM Ranks and Dual/Single Rank Kits: RAM modules come in single-rank or dual-rank configurations, affecting performance and compatibility. Dual-rank kits may offer slightly better performance under certain conditions, but they may not be fully compatible with all motherboards. Research to ensure your chosen kit pairs well with your motherboard.

Memory Profiles and EXPO Technology: Both AMD and major RAM manufacturers offer pre-configured memory profiles like XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) for DDR4 and EXPO (Extended Profile for Overclocking) for DDR5. These profiles aim to simplify overclocking by providing safe and tested settings.

Cooling and Aesthetics: While not directly impacting performance, consider RAM cooling solutions like heatsinks or fans for high-performance systems or overclocking endeavors. Additionally, RGB lighting options can add aesthetic flair to your build.

Balancing your choices is key. Prioritize factors like capacity and speed within your budget, and only go into advanced areas like overclocking if you’re comfortable with the risks and potential rewards.

Furthermore:

Research Reviews and Benchmarks: Look for reviews and benchmarks of specific RAM kits you’re considering to see how they perform in real-world scenarios.

Warranty and Customer Support: Choose reputable brands with solid warranties and good customer support in case of any issues.

Future-proofing: If you plan to upgrade your system in the future, consider opting for DDR5 if your budget allows, as it’s the future of RAM technology.

With careful consideration of these factors, you can pick the perfect AMD RAM to unleash the full potential of your Ryzen build and take your PC performance to the next level. Good luck!

Remember, these are just a few recommendations and comparison, and the best RAM for your AMD build will depend on your specific needs and budget. Do your research, consider the factors mentioned above, and then pick.