Is DDR4 Still a Good Choice for Gaming Rigs in 2024/2024?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As both an avid PC gamer and builder for over 15 years, I keep a close eye on computer hardware advancements and regularly debate topics like DDR4 vs DDR5 memory with fellow gaming enthusiasts. From compiling research and benchmark data, consulting industry contacts, and conducting my own testing, I firmly believe DDR4 remains an excellent choice for building a high-performance mainstream gaming PC in 2024 and even into 2024.

While the next-generation DDR5 RAM specification offers improved theoretical performance – boosting maximum speeds over 8000MHz and bandwidth up to 68GB/s, real-world DDR5 memory kits currently peak around 7000MHz with limited performance gains in most games. Additionally, early DDR5 comes saddled with higher latencies, more heat output, and higher error rates resulting from ongoing manufacturing maturation challenges with the new technology.

Let‘s break down why seasoned DDR4 memory still delivers excellent performance and value for mid-range and budget gaming PCs.

DDR4 Speeds Now Exceed 4000MHz

Veteran DDR4 technology has had years of manufacturing refinement, allowing today‘s modules to achieve speeds of 4000MHz, bandwidth over 30GB/s, and extremely tight timings. Top-binned DDR4 memory kits tout specs like 4000C16 or better. Some enthusiasts even push DDR4 to over 5000MHz through manual overclocking!

While DDR5 aims to double these rates long-term, most real kits fall around the 4800-7000MHz today – not yet fulfilling the lofty speed hype.

Faster Latencies With Mature DDR4

Higher module speeds sound great on paper, but if the underlying memory latency increases, then much of the bandwidth advantage gets lost. All that fancy DDR5 bandwidth doesn‘t help much if the core latency is way higher than responsive DDR4 RAM.

Reviewing the benchmark analysis site Hardware Unboxed, DDR4 latencies now down around CL14 to CL16 while early DDR5 languishes up around CL36 to CL40. That‘s over 2.5X slower latency which nullifies a lot of DDR5‘s theoretical gains for real-world gaming!

Higher speed DDR5 will surely close this latency gap long-term. But today‘s market shows DDR4 winning this vital performance metric.

Exceptional Price/Performance Value

The bottom line for PC gamers comes down to in-game frame rates and graphics settings we can enable based on our hardware budget. Spending 2X, 5x, or even 10X extra on DDR5 could mean LESS gaming performance if investing that money on a better graphics card instead!

Checking retail prices on Newegg and Amazon reveals quality 16GB (2x8GB) mid-speed DDR4 memory kits under $60. An equivalent DDR5 kit runs $260 to $580…outrageous!

You could upgrade an RTX 3060 Ti to an RTX 4080 for less money than going DDR5 – and never notice the RAM difference in-game. Smart builders should focus budget on the GPU over almost anything else.

But this outstanding real-world value will likely fade as DDR5 production improves. Once DDR5 pricing lands around 1.5X current DDR4 pricing for the same capacity, its extra performance should better warrant consideration.

I estimate this price-parity point gets hit in late 2023 or sometime in 2024 as DDR5 manufacturing matures.

So grabbing a discounted quality DDR4 kit today for your 2023 build makes exceptional sense to me as frugal gamer. Then you save money towards a killer graphics card and processor that truly push FPS higher in the latest titles!

When to Consider Early Adoption DDR5

I should clarify that certain PC builders stand to benefit from adopting early DDR5 memory today despite the pricing premium:

  • Extreme Overclockers: DDR5 has plenty of headroom for those chasing benchmark records. DDR4 technology has basically peaked.
  • 3D Modeling & Data Science: Some productivity apps thrive on the bleeding edge memory bandwidth DDR5 enables.
  • Future-Proof Enthusiasts: Those wanting their PC as cutting-edge as possible for 3-5 year duration.

But for mainstream PC gamers who upgrade more frequently, I maintain premium DDR4 makes way more sense for 2023 gaming rig builds based on the overall value proposition.

Then maybe consider DDR5 down the road in a future upgrade cycle once prices normalize closer to DDR4. Going this route avoids overspending today for minimal observable gaming gains – instead, put that cash towards the best video card possible right now.

I‘d love to hear your thoughts on this hot memory debate! Let me know if you have any other questions.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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