Is It Dead: DDR4?!

With more manufacturers making the switch to DDR5, is it still worth upgrading to DDR4 or is this standard nearing the end of its lifespan?

In this blog post, we’re taking a deep dive into DDR4, examining whether it’s still useful and why you should upgrade to DDR4.

What is DDR4?

DDR4 is the fourth generation of DDR computer memory. Expanding on the limitations of DDR3, DDR4 has been fine-tuned to deliver high capacities, improved data integrity, and reduced power consumption. With up to 50% more performance and bandwidth than DDR3, DDR4 is perfect for ensuring ultra-fast loading times with near zero latency.

DDR4 is a standard of RAM. Want to learn more about RAM and it’s place within your gaming PC? Check out our ultimate guide to memory.

Is DDR4 Still Useful?

With base clock speeds starting from 2133MHz, DDR4 provides all the power you need to unlock seamless multitasking. Boasting capacities as high as 512GB, you can reap all the benefits of a high-capacity RAM kit, at a much more budget-friendly price point than DDR5.

What’s more, most modern motherboards and processors still support DDR4 RAM. This means you can still upgrade to the latest gen such as Intel 14^th CPUs without also having to purchase a new memory kit or motherboard (existing hardware depending).

If you’re looking for a RAM kit that features a low power consumption but don’t have the space in your budget for DDR5, DDR4 is still a fantastic option. It is far more efficient than DDR3, requiring 40% less power and only 1.2V per module. This makes it great for gamers or streamers looking to create a more energy-efficient PC without compromising on performance.

Why You Still Want DDR4

If you’re looking for more reasons as to why you still want DDR4, we’ve listed all the pros and cons below.

Pros

Budget friendly – better price to performance point.
Efficient.
High capacities.
Fast clock speeds starting from 2133Hz.
Still supported by the latest gen of hardware, such as Intel 14^th CPUs.

Cons

Some limitations to speeds, especially when compared to the max rates of DDR5.
Less variety – more manufacturers are making the move to DDR5, making high-quality DDR4 kits scarce.

Looking to Upgrade to DDR4?

If you’re looking to boost your gaming or creative workflows with a DDR4 RAM kit, at Overclockers UK, we’ve got plenty of high-quality kits boasting a range of capacities and speeds. Here are some of our top picks for you below, but you can also shop the full DDR4 range by clicking the button.

Shop DDR4