DDR5 in Budget PC Builds
The article begins by discussing the evaluation of the cheapest DDR5 memory available, assessing its impact on gaming performance. The findings were surprisingly positive, suggesting that DDR5 offers good value, leading to a recommendation for builders to consider moving from DDR4 to DDR5 for new PC builds.
Misconceptions Clarified
It clarifies a common misconception from a previous review, emphasizing that while DDR5 may not always offer the best value for money, it doesn't necessarily mean those using DDR4 should switch. The focus is on new PC builds rather than upgrading existing ones.
The Case for DDR5 in New Builds
Opting for DDR5 in New PCs
The article advises that for new PC builds requiring a new motherboard and memory, opting for DDR5, particularly affordable 8GB modules, is a wise choice. These modules offer a good starting point with the potential for future upgrades as DDR5 becomes more mainstream.
Testing and Practical Recommendations
The testing involved the budget-friendly Crucial 8GB DDR5-4800 modules paired with the Core i5-12600K and a Z690 motherboard. Despite the motherboard's high cost, the DDR5 memory's price point suggests that the memory cost isn't a significant factor in this setup.
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DDR5 for Budget Gaming CPUs
The Core i3-12100: A Value Proposition
The article focuses on the Core i3-12100, considered the best value budget gaming CPU. It examines the CPU's performance with DDR5-4800 and DDR5-6400 memory, along with various DDR4 configurations to compare speed and efficiency.
Motherboard Considerations
When choosing motherboards, the MSI Pro B660M-A stands out as a great value option, available in both DDR4 and DDR5 versions. The DDR5 version, however, comes at a premium, highlighting the cost differences between DDR4 and DDR5 compatible motherboards.
Comprehensive Testing and Benchmarks
Testing Methodology and Disclaimers
The testing methodology includes using high-end graphics settings to force CPU-bound scenarios, which may not reflect typical gaming conditions but helps in highlighting memory performance differences.
Game-Specific Performance Analysis
Different games respond differently to memory types. Single-player titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider or Cyberpunk 2077 often emphasize GPU over CPU performance, whereas competitive esports shooters like Rainbow Six or Fortnite are more CPU-reliant.
Benchmark Results
In games like Watch Dogs Legion, the DDR5-4800 memory performed comparably to the DDR4-4000 memory. However, the article notes that DRAM latency plays a significant role, with DDR4-3200 CL14 outperforming both DDR5-4800 and DDR4-4000. Additionally, dual-rank DDR4-3200 configurations showed improved performance, rivaling that of DDR5-6400 memory.
