RAM, one of the core components in a PC, is crucial for optimal performance. While capacity is essential, RAM speed, defined by frequency, latency, and channels, also plays a significant role. The emergence of DDR5, boasting higher speeds than DDR4, raises the question of whether RAM speed truly matters.
RAM speed is influenced by three key factors: frequency, latency, and channels.
Frequency, or clock speed, directly affects performance – higher frequency equals faster performance. It increases memory bandwidth, the data transfer rate. Overclocking RAM works similarly to overclocking CPUs and GPUs.
Latency, conversely, affects the time it takes for the CPU and RAM to communicate. Lower latency reduces this time, but increasing frequency often comes at the expense of higher latency. XMP profiles, available in the BIOS, optimize frequency and latency for your specific RAM.
Memory channels are determined by your CPU and the number of RAM sticks. Most mainstream motherboards offer two channels, with two or four sticks running in dual-channel mode and a single stick running in single-channel mode. Single-channel mode significantly impacts memory bandwidth.
Faster RAM enhances performance by providing the CPU with quicker access to data. While the CPU has its own cache, it relies on RAM for larger data sets. Faster RAM reduces bottlenecks, leading to smoother operation.
Benchmark tests reveal the impact of RAM speed on real-world performance. Ultrabook Review tested the Asus Zephyrus G14, highlighting the performance drop when switching from dual-channel to single-channel memory. Shadow of the Tomb Raider, for example, experienced nearly a 20% performance decrease.
Hardware Times compared 2400MHz single-channel to 2400MHz dual-channel RAM using a Ryzen 9 3900X CPU. Dual-channel performance significantly surpassed single-channel, even exceeding 3600MHz single-channel RAM in Assassin’s Creed Origins.
Techspot evaluated the impact of frequency and latency on DDR4 and DDR5 RAM using Intel’s 12th-gen Alder Lake CPUs. While a noticeable performance difference existed between slower and faster RAM in Adobe Photoshop, most games exhibited minimal variation. Cyberpunk 2077 and Hitman 3 were exceptions, showcasing a significant performance boost with 6200MHz DDR5 RAM.
Hardware Times also compared DDR4-2400 to DDR4-3600 RAM, finding a substantial improvement in both average and minimum frame rates with the faster RAM.
Despite the variations in performance gains, investing in fast RAM remains beneficial. Currently, the price difference between a 32GB DDR5-6000 and a 32GB DDR5-4800 kit is negligible, making the faster option more attractive. Higher frequencies, like DDR5-7200, are also becoming more affordable.
Ultimately, dual-channel mode is the most crucial factor affecting memory performance. Easily implemented with two or four RAM sticks, it significantly boosts performance. Frequency and latency, while important in specific scenarios, often have a minimal impact. As RAM prices have become more competitive, choosing a faster kit for future-proofing is a worthwhile investment, particularly for those building high-performance PCs.
