DDR4 vs DDR5: which RAM to choose in 2026 for your gaming PC?

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To begin with, here is a clear RAM comparison between DDR4 and DDR5:

👉 What to remember:

• DDR5 = more speed and more bandwidth, ideal for the coming years.

• DDR4 = lower latencies and above all much cheaper.

The real question is what it changes in gaming. TechSpot published a very comprehensive test in 2024, based on an RTX 4090 and several generations of Intel processors.

Here are some tests conducted by TechSpot:

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TechSpot.

Here is a summary comparison DDR4 RAM vs DDR5 in gaming :

👉 Conclusion : the DDR5 really makes a difference in modern games s. The gains are sometimes enormous ( up to 30% more FPS ), especially on 12th generation Intel processors. For competitive games like CS2, the difference is minimal, but on recent AAA titles like Cyberpunk or Watch Dogs, the switch to DDR5 changes the game.

DDR4 remains unbeatable in terms of budget:

• 16 GB DDR4 → €50 to €70

• 32 GB DDR4 → €90 to €120

DDR5 prices have surged since late 2025 due to global AI memory demand:

• 16 GB DDR5 → €150 to €200

• 32 GB DDR5 (6000 MHz CL30/32) → €350 to €450 (surge due to AI demand)

👉 If you want a Cheap gaming PC , the DDR4 RAM remains the logical choice But if you're building a new setup on AM5 or the upcoming Intel platforms, investing directly in DDR5 is more cost-effective in the long run.

• AMD Ryzen 7000/8000/9000 (AM5) → DDR5 only.

• Intel 12th to 14th generation (LGA1700) → DDR4 or DDR5 motherboards, but you have to choose one or the other at the time of purchase.

• Intel Arrow Lake / Arrow Lake Refresh (LGA1851) → DDR5 only.

👉 In plain language: if you build a new gaming PC in 2026, you no longer really have a choice — it's DDR5 RAM mandatory DDR4 only remains relevant for upgrading an existing LGA1700 or AM4 configuration.

DropReference gives you real-time access to all RAM stocks in the country you are in. You can compare everything in the blink of an eye:

• Choose DDR4 if you want : a cheap gaming PC, upgrade an existing setup, mainly play in 1080p or with a mid-range GPU.

• Choose DDR5 if you want : prepare your PC for the future, enjoy better FPS in recent AAA games, or if you are building a PC with an RTX 5070/5080 or a future GPU from the 5000 series (or future 6000 series).

👉 The difference between DDR4 and DDR5 is now real, especially in modern gaming. In 2026, DDR4 remains interesting for tight budgets, but DDR5 is clearly the RAM of the future.