Explainer · 1 min read
DDR4 vs DDR5: which RAM should you buy?
Your motherboard decides, not the price tag. Here is how to check in two minutes.
QASWATEC Team · 18 Sept 2026
DDR4 and DDR5 do not fit in each other's slots. The notch is in a different place, so the real question is which one your motherboard supports.
Check your motherboard
- AMD AM5 boards (B650, X670): DDR5 only.
- AMD AM4 boards (B450, B550): DDR4 only.
- Intel 12th–14th gen boards: either, depending on the exact model. "D4" in the name means DDR4.
Is DDR5 faster?
Yes, by roughly 5–15% in games and more in video editing, mainly on new CPUs. On an older platform, buying fast DDR4 is the sensible upgrade.
How much?
16 GB (one stick) for office use, 32 GB (two sticks) for gaming and creative work. Two matching sticks run in dual channel, which matters more than a small speed difference.
