DDR4 vs DDR5: The Ultimate Performance Test on Gigabyte Z790 AORUS Elite AX
What To Know
- DDR5 has a slightly higher power consumption than DDR4, with a maximum power consumption of 1.
- The DDR4 version is a more affordable option that provides sufficient performance for most users, while the DDR5 version offers the latest memory speeds and capacities for enthusiasts and high-performance systems.
- DDR5 may provide a slight edge in certain games, but the difference is not significant enough to warrant the higher cost for most users.
When building a new PC, choosing the right motherboard is crucial for compatibility, performance, and future-proofing. The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is a popular choice for enthusiasts, and it comes in two variants: DDR4 and DDR5. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the key differences between the two versions and help you determine which one is the better choice for your needs.
DDR4 vs DDR5: Key Differences
Memory Speed and Capacity: DDR5 offers significantly higher memory speeds than DDR4, with speeds ranging from 4800MHz to 6400MHz compared to 2133MHz to 3600MHz for DDR4. DDR5 also supports higher memory capacities, with capacities up to 128GB per module compared to 32GB per module for DDR4.
Power Consumption: DDR5 has a slightly higher power consumption than DDR4, with a maximum power consumption of 1.2V compared to 1.1V for DDR4. However, this difference is relatively small and shouldn’t be a major concern for most users.
Cost: DDR5 is currently more expensive than DDR4, especially for high-capacity modules. This price premium is expected to decrease over time as DDR5 becomes more widely adopted.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between DDR4 and DDR5 depends on your specific requirements and budget.
DDR4:
- Suitable for budget-conscious users
- Ideal for mainstream gaming and productivity systems
- Offers sufficient performance for most applications
- More affordable than DDR5
DDR5:
- Ideal for enthusiasts and high-performance systems
- Supports the latest memory speeds and capacities
- Future-proofs your system for future upgrades
- More expensive than DDR4
Detailed Comparison of Features
| Feature | DDR4 | DDR5 |
| — | — | — |
| Memory Speed | 2133MHz – 3600MHz | 4800MHz – 6400MHz |
| Memory Capacity | Up to 32GB per module | Up to 128GB per module |
| Memory Channels | Dual-channel or quad-channel | Dual-channel only |
| Power Consumption | 1.1V | 1.2V |
| Cost | More affordable | More expensive |
| Support for Overclocking | Yes | Yes |
| Number of DIMM Slots | 4 | 4 |
| PCIe Slots | 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x16 | 2 x PCIe 5.0 x16, 1 x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| M.2 Slots | 3 x PCIe 4.0 x4 | 4 x PCIe 4.0 x4 |
| USB Ports | 10 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 | 10 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2×2, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 |
| Audio Codec | Realtek ALC1220 | Realtek ALC4080 |
| LAN | 2.5GbE | 2.5GbE + 10GbE |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 |
Performance Benchmarks
In real-world performance benchmarks, DDR5 typically offers a small but noticeable performance boost over DDR4, especially in memory-intensive applications such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. However, the performance difference may not be significant enough to justify the higher cost of DDR5 for casual users.
Recommendations
The Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is an excellent motherboard for both DDR4 and DDR5 systems. The DDR4 version is a more affordable option that provides sufficient performance for most users, while the DDR5 version offers the latest memory speeds and capacities for enthusiasts and high-performance systems. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements and budget.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which version of the Gigabyte Z790 Aorus Elite AX is better for gaming?
A: Both DDR4 and DDR5 versions offer excellent gaming performance. DDR5 may provide a slight edge in certain games, but the difference is not significant enough to warrant the higher cost for most users.
Q: Can I use DDR4 memory in a DDR5 motherboard?
A: No, DDR4 memory is not compatible with DDR5 motherboards.
Q: Will DDR5 memory become more affordable in the future?
A: Yes, the price of DDR5 memory is expected to decrease over time as it becomes more widely adopted.
