What's the deal with DDR4?

[CliffTerios]

Heyo, 

 

I'm wondering if an upgrade from 1600 MHz DDR3 to higher clocked DDR4 makes much of a difference in daily usage, gaming or anything else really. On the same note, does anyone know if my ASUS M5A99X EVO R2.0 motherboard is even compatible with DDR4 memory? Because I kind of doubt it. 

[WoodenMarker]

No, it's not compatible. DDR3 and DDR4 have different key notches and need and appropriate slot.

[ThinkWithPortals]

 

Basically no performance difference, and that board is not compatible.

[MLG Doge]

No and no

[ilikemacandpc]

DDR4 is faster and allows for more bandwidth. 

 

Your motherboard and entire platform are wholly incompatible with ddr4. 

[Gikero]

DDR4 requires a different chipset. You would need to upgrade your CPU, motherboard and RAM. As far as the performance benefit, they are minimal atm. But, it is more "futureproof" as it will only become more common over time. I maxed out my motherboard's RAM now because I new upgrading later would be more costly, once DDR3 starts jumping in price due to rarity.

[CliffTerios]

Well that was answered reasonably quickly. Thanks for the info yall!

 

On another note, funnily enough some 2400 MHz RAM happens to be cheaper than 2133 MHz. Would it make sense to get the 2400 and underclock it or is it not compatible if my board doesn't support it?

[PrimeSonic]

Well that was answered reasonably quickly. Thanks for the info yall!

 

On another note, funnily enough some 2400 MHz RAM happens to be cheaper than 2133 MHz. Would it make sense to get the 2400 and underclock it or is it not compatible if my board doesn't support it?

 

Check the RAM specs. Some offer multiple rated operating speeds.

While generally any RAM should be able to safely underclock, I would recommend you try finding the same brand and model of RAM you're currently using, unless you were planning on replacing all the DIMMs.

Compatibility can be weird sometimes so just make sure you're aware of the return policy before you buy. That's all I can add.

[CliffTerios]

Check the RAM specs. Some offer multiple rated operating speeds.

While generally any RAM should be able to safely underclock, I would recommend you try finding the same brand and model of RAM you're currently using, unless you were planning on replacing all the DIMMs.

Compatibility can be weird sometimes so just make sure you're aware of the return policy before you buy. That's all I can add.

 

Yeah I wanted to replace mine with some higher clocked ones and put my old ones in my brothers build since I don't need more than 16 gigs. 

[PrimeSonic]

Yeah I wanted to replace mine with some higher clocked ones and put my old ones in my brothers build since I don't need more than 16 gigs. 

Just looked up the motherboard specs.

 

If you want to pick up a 16Gb dual-channel kit of 1866Mhz RAM, that might be the best option.

1866 tends to be the DDR3 sweet spot between speed and latency.

That's just my recommendation.

 

If you're still set on going for the cheaper 2400Mhz kit and having it underclock to 2133Mhz,

consider if the price difference is enough to make up for the potential time you might lose between returns and replacements if compatibility turns out to be an issue.

[CliffTerios]

Just looked up the motherboard specs.

 

If you want to pick up a 16Gb dual-channel kit of 1866Mhz RAM, that might be the best option.

1866 tends to be the DDR3 sweet spot between speed and latency.

That's just my recommendation.

 

If you're still set on going for the cheaper 2400Mhz kit and having it underclock to 2133Mhz,

consider if the price difference is enough to make up for the potential time you might lose between returns and replacements if compatibility turns out to be an issue.

 

1866 MHz you say? I'll definetly keep that in mind when making my choice. Thanks a bunch. 

[PrimeSonic]

1866 MHz you say? I'll definetly keep that in mind when making my choice. Thanks a bunch. 

The typical latencies you find 1866 RAM at give it just that bit more of an edge.

 

Most of the time though, don't worry about it. RAM speeds only affect a very select few types of tasks and not the kind you'll run into often in your day to day.