What is DDR5 Memory?



Pin and Blue neon lighting on RAM

It’s not often that we see big changes to RAM, but after 4 years the time is finally here! Whilst whispers around DDR5 RAM have been around for some time, we are finally beginning to see DDR5 memory rolling out across manufacturers such as Corsair, HyperX and Kingston...so it won’t be long before you’re deciding whether to buy DDR4 or DDR5.

Wondering what DDR5 memory is? Don’t panic, as in this blog, we’ll explain what DDR5 memory is and what you can expect from it. 

Whilst this Blog is packed with currently available information, we will upgrade it regularly when more information and products are available. 


What is memory?

Before we get into DDR5 memory, it might be a good idea to refresh your memory on what RAM is. RAM (or Random Access Memory), is your PCs short term data storage, which temporarily stores the information your computer is actively using so that it can be accessed with speed. This could include applications you are running, games you’re playing or having multiple windows open at once.

RAM is volatile memory, which means if your computer is switched off or crashes for any reason, anything stored on your RAM will be lost. To save files or documents for the long-run, non-volatile memory such as an SSD, HDD or flash drive is recommended. 

When you open something on your computer, such as the web browser or an application, it is loaded from the hard drive and placed into RAM so that it can work at a higher speed. Then when you save something, such as your games progress, it is usually saved back onto a Hard Drive or SSD for long term safekeeping.


What is DDR5? 

DDR5 is the next generation of PC memory. It has a focus on improving the user experience and overtaking DDR4 in a range of ways, from specs to bandwidth and even power efficiency too! 


How much more bandwidth can DDR5 give me?  

Whilst there aren’t huge amounts of data available to us yet, component manufacturer ‘Micron’ states that they have seen a 36% increase in bandwidth from a DDR5 module when compared with a DDR4 module at the same data transfer rate. There are also talks that DDR5 will have double the performance of its predecessor, DDR4. 


How much will DDR5 RAM cost? 

As with all new technology, we can expect a significant price jump from DDR4 to DDR5, especially in the initial launch stage, however, this is likely to decrease over time. As soon more information on piercing becomes available, we will update this section.


What capacity will be available on DDR5? 

Whilst with DDR4, we could only expect up to 32GB. Meaning a PC with 4 memory slots will be able to handle up to 128GB. However, with DDR5 you can reach up to a mega 512GB! 

Now, we’re not sure 512GB is needed for most users when it comes to PC  gaming, intense applications or video editing. However, 512GB may be a better choice for servers, rendering, simulations and more.


Can I use DDR5 memory on my existing PC setup? 

Unfortunately not, as it is likely you will need a new CPU and motherboard dor DDR5 RAM.


Where can I buy DDR5 memory from? 

You will be able to buy DDR5 memory online from Box.co.uk, where we have a range of great deals on components. 


When will more DDR5 memory be released?

DDR5 Memory is set to be released in the last few months of 2021, so watch this space! 


Thanks for reading our blog on DDR5 memory, we hope you have found it helpful. For more similar content, head over to Box Blogs where we have articles such as 'Motherboard buying guide 2021' and 'Windows 11 best features explained'. 


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