DDR4 vs. DDR5 RAM: What’s the Difference?

Most computer standards change quickly, with manufacturers adopting new ports, cables, and form factors as soon as they release. Along with a slightly updated form factor, DDR5 raises the total possible capacity and top speed of your memory, adds in some new functionality for overclockers, and reduces its overall power usage. Capacity and Form Factor Samsung Electronics Co. 8GB Double-Data-Rate 4 memory modules are arranged for a photograph in Seoul, South Korea, on Tuesday, July 9, 2019. Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images Photograph: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg/Getty Images The first thing you’ll likely notice when shopping for DDR5 memory, at least for consumer options, are higher base capacities. Don’t expect to put memory like that in your gaming rig any time soon though; most consumer DDR5 RAM tops out around 6,400 MHz.