DDR5 vs. DDR4 in Gaming: Does It Really Matter?

Let’s talk RAM — the one component nobody flexes on, but everyone secretly wonders about.

DDR5 has been out for a while now, prices have settled, and every hardware forum has at least one heated DDR4 vs DDR5 thread per day. So what’s the real story? Does DDR5 give you more FPS, or is DDR4 still “good enough”?

Let’s break it down as simply and honestly as possible.

DDR4: The Old Reliable

DDR4 has been powering gaming rigs for years. It’s stable, cheap, easy to pair with tons of CPUs, and honestly? It still handles most games just fine.

If you already have a DDR4 motherboard, sticking with it is the sane option. You don’t rebuild your whole house just because there’s a new type of insulation.

DDR5: The New Hotness

DDR5 brings:

• Higher bandwidth
• Faster speeds
• Better efficiency
• Higher capacity per stick

You’ll notice the benefits more in:

• CPU‑heavy games
• High‑refresh 1080p/1440p scenarios
• Newer engines that love memory bandwidth
• Systems built around the latest CPUs

And let’s be real — DDR5 feels faster. Windows boots a touch snappier, apps open instantly, and multitasking is smoother.

Which One Gives More FPS?

If we’re talking pure gaming performance:

• DDR5 can boost FPS in CPU‑bound games and competitive titles
• DDR4 is totally fine for most mainstream gaming

The gains aren’t earth‑shattering, but they exist.

If you’re building a new PC in 2026, choosing DDR5 is the obvious move.
If you’re upgrading an older PC? DDR4 is still a smart, budget‑friendly choice.

What I Tell Friends Who Ask

• Building new? DDR5. No question.
• Upgrading old system? DDR4 until you switch platforms.
• Chasing FPS in esports? DDR5 helps.
• Playing AAA games at 1440p or 4K? GPU matters way more.

Simple, right?