DDR4 vs DDR5 Memory: Which One Should You Buy?
If you are building a new PC or thinking about an upgrade, you have almost certainly hit this question: DDR4 or DDR5? This guide lays out the difference in plain terms so you can choose correctly.
The core difference
DDR5 is the newer generation of memory, and it beats DDR4 on speed, bandwidth, and power efficiency. That said, DDR4 remains an excellent, cost-effective choice for most systems in use today.
Speed and performance
- DDR4: commonly runs at 3200-3600MHz — more than enough for gaming and everyday use.
- DDR5: starts at 4800MHz and reaches 6000-8000MHz and beyond, giving higher performance in heavy workloads, content creation, and newer games.
Worth knowing: in games, the gap between fast DDR4 and DDR5 can be small depending on the CPU and the title. In productivity and heavy multitasking, the difference is far more visible.
Compatibility (the part that actually decides it)
This is what settles your choice, because the memory has to match your CPU and motherboard:
- DDR5 works with current platforms: Intel 12th/13th/14th gen and newer, and AMD socket AM5 (Ryzen 7000/8000/9000).
- DDR4 works with AMD socket AM4 (Ryzen 5000/3000) and older Intel platforms.
Important: no single slot takes both — a motherboard is either DDR4 or DDR5. Before you buy any memory, confirm which type your board supports.
How much capacity?
- 16GB: the sweet spot for gaming and everyday use.
- 32GB: best for modern games plus streaming and content creation.
- 64GB and up: for workstations, professional video editing, and heavy workloads.
Always fit memory as a two-stick kit to enable dual channel and get the extra performance.
Which should you pick?
- Building new (2024/2025+): go DDR5 for headroom and the highest performance.
- Already on a DDR4 board: DDR4 is still excellent and saves you real money at strong performance.
The bottom line
The rule is simple: your motherboard decides your memory type. DDR5 for new builds and future headroom; DDR4 for value. At SQUADRIG you will find both as Open Box from Corsair, Kingston, G.Skill and Crucial — tested, warrantied, and priced below new.
Browse memory now, and if you are building a system also see motherboards, or explore the full store.