Memory Bandwidth
A primary difference between DDR4 and DDR5 RAM lies in speed. While DDR4 is typically capped at an effective speed of 3200MHz (up from its initial 2133MHz), DDR5 can operate at much higher speeds, reaching up to 6400MHz. Moreover, memory manufacturers are already exploring even faster bandwidths, such as 8000MHz or more, which could further enhance performance.
Voltage
DDR4 uses a voltage of 1.2v for its modules, while DDR5 reduces this to 1.1v per module. This decrease in voltage is achieved through the integration of PMICs (Power Management Integrated Circuits) directly into each DDR5 module, allowing for improved power efficiency and regulation. However, this lower voltage also means that DDR5 modules generate more heat compared to DDR4. To mitigate this, high-quality cooling solutions are essential, such as the CORSAIR DHX cooling technology found in the DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB DDR5 line.
Capacity
In terms of capacity, DDR4 is currently limited to 32GB per module, though only a few high-end kits reach this threshold. DDR5, on the other hand, has the potential to increase this to an impressive 128GB per module—four times the current density of DDR4. This greater capacity could allow users to handle larger, memory-intensive tasks and enhance gaming experiences significantly.