What’s the difference between DDR4 and DDR5?
These are the two newest RAM formats and the only two that get used (DDR3 is way outdated at this point). Essentially, DDR5 is better. It allows for faster data transfer and memory speeds and is more energy efficient as a technology. The problem is many older computers don’t support the new format—hence why DDR4s are still very popular for upgrades. Your motherboard either supports one or the other, so figure it out!
What’s the difference between SODIMM and UDIMM?
You’ll run into these terms when shopping for PC RAM. Simply put, SODIMM is the RAM form factor for laptops and smaller machines and UDIMM is the form factor for desktops. SODIMM kits are smaller and have fewer pins than UDIMM.
What’s a good memory speed?
It honestly depends on if you’re rocking DDR4 or DDR5 RAM. Between 3000 and 4000 MHz is a good range for DDR4, while something between 4800 and 6000 MHz is what you’re looking for from DDR5 RAM.
You can overclock your RAM to get faster speeds out of it, but that always comes with the risk of overheating your parts. With RAM especially we rarely find overclocking to be worth the effort for the average PC gamer.
Can I stack RAM?
Yes, you can place as many RAM sticks to your board as you have slots for. But it is recommended you use the same RAM in each slot. But if you have four slots and two are currently empty, you can add more of the same sticks to increase overall memory space. Just remember the RAM needs to be the same speed as what you are currently rocking. Computers will always run at the speed of the slowest stick of RAM installed, so remember to do that basic math before you purchase your upgrade.
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