There are plenty of reasons to praise Intel’s 13th gen processors, but the decision to include support for both DRR4 and DDR5 memory has to be towards the top of the list. Despite the potential impact this decision could have caused for the overall performance of the Raptor Lake CPU line-up, Intel took the consumer-friendly approach and gave consumers the option to choose whether to upgrade to DDR5 RAM or stick to DDR4.
Whilst this is a massive win for existing PC builders looking to save money while upgrading their CPU, it has left new builders with another choice to make. Both DDR4 and DDR5 options will provide enough performance for most modern systems, but this cost does have an affect on the cost and performance of a PC.
In this article, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know about the differences between DDR4 and DDR5 RAM, which will lead to a final verdict on which is the best choice to go alongside an Intel’s generation of CPUs.
Why Is RAM Important?
In order to appreciate the differences between DDR4 and DDR5 kits, it is important to know the role of RAM within a PC, as well as what factors can influence how well it performs. The easiest way to describe RAM -short for random access memory- is by referring to it as a computer’s version of short-term memory. In a similar way to the human brain, short-term memory is used to store all the information required during a specific task, and is then forgotten when it is no longer needed. This helps to alleviate some of the stress put onto the CPU or external storage for each task, which helps to increase the overall speed and efficiency of a system.
Gaming is a good example of how RAM works within day-to-day use. When opening up a game, the RAM will be used to load up textures, environments, HUD data, and other information that needs to be processed quickly. This reduces the workload of the CPU and storage, letting them focus on the information that is required in the long-term.
Like any component, there are a number of key factors which determines how well the RAM kits performs. The first thing to consider when looking at RAM is the capacity, as this will determine the amount of tasks your memory can take on at once. Because of this, a higher capacity is more desirable for those looking to run lots of games and apps at the same time.
However, it is also important to consider the speed, as this will impact the performance of your system. RAM with higher speeds will respond to read and write tasks faster, which leads to better frame rates and loading times.
Intel 13th Gen Specifications
When looking for RAM to go alongside your CPU, it is important to know the performance boundaries of your processor. Intel’s 13th generation of processors will support all DDR4 and DDR5 memory kits, but some combinations will struggle to work well with each other, as the difference in speed and processing power will fail to achieve the desired synergy between the CPU and RAM.
For example, pairing a high-end i9 13900K CPU with a cheap 8GB DDR4 kit isn’t the best idea, as the RAM won’t have the capacity or speed to provide the CPU with the required support. As a result, the system will become rather slow when running intense tasks or vast amounts of software, and could even start to crash.
CPU | Base Clock Speed | Boost Clock Speed | Total Cache | Max Memory Speed | Memory Capacity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
i9 13900K | 5.8GHz | 3GHz | 68MB | 5600MT/s (DDR5) 3200MT/s (DDR4) | 128GB |
i7 13700K | 5.4GHz | 3.4GHz | 54MB | 5600MT/s (DDR5) 3200MT/s (DDR4) | 128GB |
i5 13600K | 5.1GHz | 3.5GHz | 44MB | 5600MT/s (DDR5) 3200MT/s (DDR4) | 128GB |
i5 13400F | 4.6GHz | 2.5GHz | 29.5MB | 5600MT/s (DDR5) 3200MT/s (DDR4) | 128GB |
i3 13100F | 4.5GHz | 3.4GHz | 17MB | 5600MT/s (DDR5) 3200MT/s (DDR4) | 128GB |
DDR5 vs DDR4 – What’s the Difference?
Now that we’ve explained the role of RAM and the key features to look out for, its time to compare DDR4 and DDR5 memory. Will be considering how the features of two options differ to determine the strengths and weaknesses of both, whilst accounting for factors such as budget and upgrade potential.
Capacity
When it comes to capacity, the options for both DDR4 and DDR5 are quite similar. For modern systems, 8GB of memory is considered the absolute minimum, with 13th-gen CPUs supporting up to 128GB RAM kit. The standard capacity on current DDR4 and DDR5 kits range from 16GB to 64GB, and are fairly easy to find. However, larger capacity DDR4 kits are more accessible than DDR5 alternatives, making it a better choice for those using their system for intensive tasks such as streaming and video editing.
Speed
Whilst the difference in capacity of RAM is limited to set intervals, the variations in the speed of memory is much greater. Due to the older technology used in in DDR4 RAM kits, DDR5 memory supports greater speeds. This means DDR5 has the ability to run tasks faster, which reduces loading times and offers smooth gameplay. However, the increased speed from DDR5 memory is only significant when paired with a high-end CPU like a Core i7 13700K or i9 13900K.
CAS Latency
Something that goes hand-in-hand with memory’s clock speed is CAS latency. This refers to the time – measured by number of clock cycles- it takes for RAM to execute a task after it has been sent, which means a balance of high clock speeds and low latency will provide optimal performance. Whilst DDR5 is capable of higher clock speeds than DDR4, the increased latency hinders the potential improvements to performance, closing the gap between the two generations.
Value for Money
Arguably, the most important part of a discussion like this one is to weigh up whether the improved performance from the latest technology is worth the cost required to upgrade. Memory is a great example of how complicated this decision can be. DDR5 does offer a boost in performance and will save consumers from an upgrade in a few years time. However, DDR4 is significantly cheaper and offers enough performance to support Intel’s 13th generation processors.
RGB
If you are spending a lot of money on a new PC or upgrades, chances are that you want the components in your system to look as good as they perform. RGB lighting is a great way to enhance the aesthetics of a build, and RAM has a key part to play. Lots of memory options include a strip of RGB on the top of each DIMM, which truly makes the internals of any PC look great, but this usually come at an extra cost. For builders that value both style and substance, a DDR4 kit with RGB may be worth the hit to performance.
Final Verdict
After considering all of the strengths and weakness of DDR4 and DDR5, we find ourselves leaning towards DDR4 memory as the best choice for Intel’s 13th-gen CPUs. Whilst the improved speed of DDR5 will benefit high-end gamers, the increased price and issues with latency makes it hard to recommend over DDR4.
In relation to each of the CPUs from the Raptor Lake line-up, the choice between DDR4 and DDR5 is more of a mixed bag. Budget and mid-range gamers that are picking up an i3 or i5 processor should definitely stick to DDR4, as the funds saved from this would be more effective on upgrades elsewhere. However, DDR5 is arguably a better choice for those that can afford the latest components, as it enhances the performance capabilities of a system and ensures it will last for years to come.
Recommendations
Hopefully, this article has helped you decide which RAM you are going to pick up to go with your 13th-generation Intel CPU. But now, the next step is to choose a specific model. Here are some suggestions of the best RAM for Intel’s 13th-gen processors, include both DDR4 and DDR5 options.
Best Budget DDR4 Option – Corsair Vengeance LPX
Those looking for RAM that offers the best value for money can’t go wrong with Corsair’s Vengeance LPX. For a fraction of the price of other kits, this 16GB DDR4 RAM boasts a reasonable speed of 3200MHz and CAS latency of CL16, which will be more than enough memory for budget and mid-range systems.
Buy the Corsair Vengeance LPX on:
Best DDR4 Option – Corsair Dominator Platinum
Another Corsair product to feature on this list, the Dominator series of memory is a popular choice amongst builders for combining stellar performance with unique aesthetics. With a distinct RGB lighting effect, 3600MHz memory speed, and CL18 latency, this 16GB RAM is a great all-rounder.
Buy the Corsair Dominator Platinum on:
Best DDR5 Option – G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB
We’ve picked the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB, as this RAM is one of the fastest DDR5 options available on the market. This 32GB kit features a CL28 latency that is more competitive with DDR4. On top of this, the Trident Z5 has a memory speed of 5600MHz, making it a perfect choice for high-end gamers.
Buy the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB on:
Best Design – ADATA XPG Spectrix D60G
Last but not least, we have the ADATA XPG Spectrix D60G. This DDR4 RAM heavily relies on RGB lighting to provide a crystallised look that is designed to dazzle and delight. Whilst the aesthetic is certainly the main selling point of this 16GB memory, the CL16 latency and 3200MHz speed provides enough performance to satisfy the needs of most gamers.
Buy the Corsair Vengeance LPX on: