Carryover DDR4 or Upgrade to DDR5 (for i7-12700k)

itsTrickAF · November 20, 2023

Hi guys,

I just picked up an i7-12700k to upgrade my computer for the first time since 2016. I saw that DDR5 is out now, but Intel motherboards for the recent generations still have DDR4-supported versions. I've been watching videos and reading about it, and it seems to me that it wouldn't be too bad to just carry over my 32 GB of 3200 MT/s CL16 DDR4. Am I wrong in thinking this? Would sticking with DDR4 hinder me in any significant way? DDR5 doesn't seem super expensive, so I wouldn't mind buying it. I'm just not sure if it's necessary given that I already have a supported memory kit, and am looking for other's opinions.

Thanks for the help/suggestions in advance.

RONOTHAN## · November 20, 2023

If you were going to upgrade capacity at the same time, I'd say go DDR5, but since you have a decent kit already you might as well just transfer it over. DDR5 helps more on 13th gen than it does on 12th gen, so while it is a performance uplift it's not that big a performance uplift.