John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
Russel Collins
For a lot of people, a new GPU generation means that their PC needs to be upgraded. But what happens if there isn’t enough space on the motherboard? This could lead to some problems such as overheating GPUs or not being able to run all of the features required by modern games at high resolutions since it would overheat the GPU. Fortunately, there are several options available when it comes to upgrading your computer’s hardware without having to upgrade its entire chipset. One option would be adding more RAM but which one should you choose?
For the RTX 3090 TI, there are 2 different types of RAM options that we recommend, they are DDR4 or DDR5. As you may guess from the names, the DDR5 provides higher speed modules, increases frame rates, provide smoother gameplay, and helps boost overall system performance when compared to the DDR4, however, they’re also more expensive.
In addition to increasing processing speeds, it also helps optimize graphics cards. When using multiple monitors, the number of video signals needed increases, so additional RAM allows the card to handle more than one signal source without slowing down. If you’re looking for a great way to improve your gaming experience, here is our list of the best RAM sticks for your GPU, we will provide you with both, DDR4 & DDR5 Options so you can choose depending on your budget.
Top 4 Best RAM For RTX 3090 TI – DDR4 & DDR5 Options
Why is RAM Important
The main reason why RAM is important is that it acts like a storage space where programs and files are loaded during runtime. It holds everything from instructions processed by the CPU up until they get executed. That’s why faster processors need more RAM since they need more time to process every instruction before getting executed.
If you don’t have enough RAM installed on your current machine then you’ll soon notice that performance becomes slower. Not only does that slow down the processor itself but it can also negatively impact other parts of your PC. You might see a drop-off in framerates even though you’ve got plenty of FPS left in the game.
This is mainly due to increased latency caused by limited bandwidth. With less RAM free, the bottleneck shifts further away from the CPU and towards something else.
As we mentioned earlier, it impacts many other components too. By installing more RAM you reduce bottlenecks within your existing setup and make sure your PC runs smoothly regardless of whatever task you’re trying to accomplish.
How much RAM is recommended for gaming
Since most people play online games nowadays, the number of active players and their actions directly affect your frames per second (FPS). A fast internet connection plays a major role in delivering smooth gameplay, especially considering that online multiplayer games require constant communication with others.
Therefore, you want to install as much RAM as possible in order to keep those players happy. However, you shouldn’t go overboard and buy anything above 32GB just yet. There’s no hard rule stating how much is suitable for specific tasks, but generally speaking, 8-16GB works fine for gamers.
Difference between DDR4 and DDR5 RAM
As mentioned previously, DDR stands for Double Data Rate. These newer versions were released back in 2011 and improved upon previous generations’ technology to deliver greater efficiency and stability. In fact, the DDR3 operates at an average of about 1600MHz while the DDR4 average is around 2333Mhz.
For example, DDR4 operates at lower voltage levels compared to older models, requiring fewer power supplies and heat sinks. While DDR3 requires two different voltages, VCCQ1 +2V, making them bulkier and harder to fit onto smaller motherboards. Another thing to consider is that DDR4 uses 20% less energy than DDR3. So although prices have dropped over recent years, DDR4 remains a slightly better value for money.
Although DDR5 wasn’t launched till 2017, it offers significant improvements over DDR4. Firstly, it delivers twice the bandwidth and half the error correction capability of DDR4. Secondly, it supports 64bit wide bus lanes, allowing for greater transfer sizes, thus improving load times and reducing stuttering. Lastly, it consumes 15% less energy.
Nowadays, most CPUs support hyperclocking which essentially overclocks your clock multiplier. Since DDR4 was introduced, manufacturers began introducing chips supporting quadruple channel memory configuration, which includes four sticks of RAM arranged side by side. Quad Channel Memory is beneficial in terms of boosting throughput and maintaining consistent temperatures across all channels.
When comparing the benefits of quad-channel vs standard configurations, quad-channel tends to offer better consistency, reliability, and low noise. Furthermore, quad-channel systems take advantage of PCIe Gen3 X16 slots. Although 32 GB of QDR memory still costs quite a lot of cash, chances are you wouldn’t find yourself needing so much anyway.
So whether you prefer to stick with DDR4 or DDR5, it all depends on what kind of gamer you are. Most importantly, however, always ensure that you pick the right type for your desktop.