DDR5 for gaming – a definite yes or no.
DDR5 for gaming – a definite yes or no.
Seeking opinions on this setup, especially if you’ve upgraded before. I reduced my previous system (32GB at 2666MHz) to 16GB DDR4 3600MHz and it’s performed perfectly—no games or apps have ever slowed down because of memory issues. Right now, upgrading seems unnecessary since the price is higher and a new board would be needed. My sources suggest it’s not worth it unless I really need more speed. Perhaps wait until 16GB becomes a limitation. Is this a good idea? DDR5 is affordable too—around £100 for about 32GB (see link below). Would it really boost gaming performance? This machine is purely for gaming.
Remember DDR5 is only available on 12th to 13th generation Intel and 7000 series AMD systems. It won’t be a minor upgrade. If this applies to a platform change, the feedback is accurate. Most current titles don’t fully utilize the bandwidth that DDR5 provides at present. Surprisingly, the typical cost for a 5600C36 setup is around average. For better performance focused on raw speed, consider 6200/6400C40 models instead—they prioritize access times over raw throughput.
Thanks! I think I will do the upgrade to motherboard and memory in about 12 months time. Seems very cheap. Just a shame my motherboard doesn't support it.#heres also the issue of power as ddr5 is more power hungry than its predecessor. My PSU is already probably just at its limit so will need to potentially swap it as well. So to get the ddr5 I would potenitally need the memory itself (definite) and new board (definite) and a probably a new PSU (Currently 750watt running 5900x rtx 4080 combo) which makes it less appealing right now
You're right about pushing those clocks over 3200. Even low-end Hynix options can hit that speed. Dual-rank processors will likely surpass your current setup significantly, especially if they run at 3200 or 3000. Don't waste time unless you're targeting DDR5—stick with the 5600C30 or 6000C32 for better long-term support. If you really need DDR5, go for the 8000+ models or at least the 5600C32 to protect your Hynix investment (~7200 capability). Otherwise, opt for DDR4 instead.
For historical context, 2666 reached its top speed, making it wise not to attempt excessive overclocking. To explore such performance, you might consider using specialized tools like HWMonitor or Speccy for monitoring, and XcodeGems or Cygwin for development environments.
They're still looking for better software RAM boosts, so you'll need to work inside the BIOS. That's why some folks warn against it. For me, it's best to steer clear, especially with newer IMCs that only support Zen 3 and older ones with Zen 4.
That's why I inquired since boosting overclock wasn't feasible and no suitable tools existed. It was either 2133 (baseline) or 2666. Those were the only choices. I thought it would be wiser to prioritize fewer RAM chips but a higher clock speed. That advice seemed reasonable, especially for gaming.
Occasionally I overlook the complexity some people claim to avoid when they haven’t tried it themselves. Their advice can really confuse those who aren’t sure what they’re dealing with. It’s not my fault, just the individuals who share this without understanding. Things like certain overclocking parts can handle more than expected—many good chips run smoothly beyond 2 volts, and safety margins are better than most assume. Voltage settings vary by chip, and you can push performance as long as your components and cooling allow. Most 8GB RAM sticks should work at least around 3200, even the lower-end ones. I’ve only worked with DDR2 and DDR3, but I’ve seen some 1333 chips reach 2200, and others go up to 2200 again. Some 1333 chips push past PSC limits to 2200, while others hit 2040 with a 1600 chip. CPU performance is limited, and these are relatively mild RAM models—things get more interesting above 2800. All of this depends on the specific boards and parts you have.