Current setup options: DDR4 vs DDR5. Any noticeable distinctions?
Current setup options: DDR4 vs DDR5. Any noticeable distinctions?
I'm considering upgrading my i7-2700K and RTX 3090 into a SFF case. I need to choose between two RAM options: two 64GB DDR4 32GB 3600 CL18 sticks or two 64GB DDR5 32GB 5600 CL36 sticks. My workload includes gaming, AAA open worlds, competitive shooters, MMOs, UE5 development, Blender modeling, and Adobe Photoshop editing. I'm wondering if switching to a Z790 board with DDR5 makes a difference or if a Z690 with DDR4 would suffice.
I can't discuss precisely what you're doing. Generally speaking, timing plays a big role in RAM speeds. You're using a 3600 CL18 for DDR4 and a 5600 CL36 for DDR5, which suggests lower latency according to the screenshots you shared. Based on those, the DDR4 version would likely offer better performance. If future compatibility isn't important, I'd choose DDR4. It's usually more affordable, and since you've worked with an LGA 1700 SFF board recently, a compatible Z690 motherboard should be available at a reasonable price. Just remember, performance differences might be minor without expert testing.
The Gigabyte board and a budget option are the only DDR4 choices available. However, I’m not too concerned about budget pricing; future-proofing isn’t a big issue for me. More focused on avoiding unnecessary performance drops and the hassle of disassembling a SFF in the long run. Thanks!
The delay gap between DDR4 and DDR5 will mostly disappear for everyday PC use. Buildzoid offers a clear breakdown: for UE5 and open-world titles with frequent data swaps, I’d recommend DDR5 due to its better speed. Still, the variation usually stays around a few percent most of the time.
Adjust the settings and you’ll notice the impact. For a game that performs well with RAM latency and bandwidth, adding the last two values helps. DDR5 should handle them equally. Check your GPU capabilities before deciding.