DDR4 vs DDR5 for i7 12700K? ( creative work )
DDR4 vs DDR5 for i7 12700K? ( creative work )
Currently, performance won't change much even with DDR5 nearly doubling in cost. You might still use this memory setup for a few years before DDR4 reaches its peak. The decision really depends on how much you're prepared to spend for what's ahead. It's not as shocking as the 12th generation launch when DDR5 is three times more expensive than DDR4, but there are still factors to consider.
The decision mainly hinges on budget and required memory capacity. For 16GB RAM, opt for DDR4 as 128GB setups are more practical compared to DDR5’s limitations. If you need 128GB, DDR4 remains a solid choice due to better compatibility with controllers and motherboards. For 32GB or 64GB, the cost difference becomes less significant; DDR4 is considerably more affordable. DDR4 offers better value for money, while DDR5 provides higher performance at a premium. Unless your software demands extreme memory bandwidth (like Adobe), the performance gap won’t justify the price. If you’re aiming for top-tier speed—such as with a 3600 CL16 DDR4—consider DDR5 for its faster speeds and better value, though overclocking may be limited. Keep in mind that workload needs also play a role; the Adobe suite handles memory bandwidth reasonably well, so switching to DDR5 isn’t always necessary. Just remember to wait for the 13th generation release before committing to the 12700K, as it should offer noticeable improvements and more cores.