DDR4 is indeed considered better for gaming compared to DDR3 due to its higher transfer speeds. The increased transfer speeds of DDR4 allow for faster data access and retrieval, resulting in improved performance and smoother gameplay. This is especially noticeable in games that require large amounts of data to be processed and loaded, such as open-world games or games with high-resolution textures.
One significant advantage of DDR4 over DDR3 is its higher memory bandwidth. DDR4 RAM modules can achieve higher data transfer rates, typically ranging from 2133MHz to 3200MHz, while DDR3 modules usually range from 800MHz to 2133MHz. This means that DDR4 RAM can deliver data to the CPU at a much faster rate, allowing for quicker processing and reducing the occurrence of bottlenecks.
In terms of latency, DDR4 also has an advantage over DDR3. DDR4 RAM modules have lower CAS (Column Address Strobe) latency compared to DDR3, resulting in reduced delays in accessing data. Lower latency ensures that the CPU can retrieve the required data more quickly, leading to improved responsiveness in games.
Furthermore, DDR4 offers higher memory capacities than DDR3, allowing gamers to have more RAM available for resource-intensive games or multitasking. While DDR3 is typically available in capacities up to 16GB per module, DDR4 can go up to 64GB or even 128GB per module, depending on the specific motherboard and CPU compatibility.
It’s worth mentioning that the benefits of DDR4 for gaming may not be as noticeable if you have a lower-end system or if you primarily play less demanding games. In such cases, the performance difference between DDR3 and DDR4 may not be significant enough to justify the cost of upgrading.
When it comes to energy efficiency, DDR4 RAM is generally more power-efficient than DDR3. DDR4 operates at a lower voltage, typically around 1.2V, compared to DDR3’s 1.5V or 1.65V. While this energy-saving aspect is beneficial for overall power consumption and heat generation, the impact on gaming performance is minimal. Upgrading from DDR3 to DDR4 solely for energy efficiency reasons may not be a cost-effective decision if gaming performance is your primary concern.
DDR4 RAM offers higher transfer speeds, lower latency, and increased memory capacities compared to DDR3, making it a better choice for gaming. However, the actual improvement in gaming performance may vary depending on the specific system configuration and the demands of the games being played. Considering the cost of upgrading, it is essential to assess whether the performance gains justify the investment, especially if you have a lower-end system or primarily play less demanding games.