Does anyone think DDR5 is useless for gaming, if DDR4 can actually provide similar frame rates? How come this reviewer's DDR4 and DDR5 gaming results don't show any significant difference?
Because for normies stock fast ddr5 will be better than stock ddr4. Some games prioritise latency, such as COD so DDR4 wins or is able to match. Other games prioritise bandwidth so DDR5 wins, such as Spiderman remastered. Some are completely GPU bound such that CPU/RAM perf does not matter at all other than for 1% lows. His comparison uses tuned DDR4/5. Well semi tuned, since he probably didn't touch tertiary.
Side note: not the best resource for OC content since he paywalls his "knowledge".
Fully tuned DDR4 Bdie in dual rank can match a fast DDR5 system. But not many know how to even tune DDR4, or even have the right kits to begin with, especially so in Singapore. Good bdie kits are rarely sold by local vendors due to cost.
4133C16-4200c16 tune needs the right ram (bdie with fully tightened timings), good mobo + bios version and good IMC of CPU to fully stabilise. On top of it all you'd need appropriate cooling as well since you'd need to run higher vdimm and SA. 4200c16 should roughly be around 42-43ns, 4133c14 around 41-42ns.
That said, fully tuning DDR5 is much harder since there's way more voltages and even now, board partners are adding extra parameters to tweak which can lead to instability. But a solid DDR5 tune, such as 6800c32 and up w/ tightened timings can get latency down to 50-52ns, 7000c30, 7200-7400c32. 7600-7800c34 around 47-48ns. The difference is bandwidth is almost doubled.
In terms of cost, DDR4 16x2 3200c14 samsung bdie kits go for USD$190-240, while DDR5 16x2 6000c40 Hynix m-die kits go for around USD$210 and up. Cost difference isn't too much right now if you're looking for peak ram perf.
My recommendation is:
-If you already own a good pair of DDR4 sticks, go DDR4 with ADL/RPL.
-If you have some CJR trash like 3600c18 SR or some nonsense like that then a decent pair of 6000 and up DDR5 kit will give you better perf, xmp wise.
-If concerns are only for cost, defo go for just a ddr4 board and whatever DDR4 ram you have obviously, since that will be most cost efficient.
-If you have money to burn but don't want to tune, you could ofcourse go for either top DDR4 XMP bins like some 3800c14/4000c16 bdie kits or the newer 6800-7200c34 a-die kits. Set and forget.
-If you are an experienced tuner, 3200c14 bdie DDR4 | 6000c40 m-die DDR5 | 6800-7200c34 a-die will give you a good platform to tune up.
DDR4 is already finalised and that's pretty much top end perf for the platform, while DDR5 will only get better over time. in a year we went from 5200c40 xmp to 7800c38 xmp. If your board is a great 1DPC board that has good ram OC built in mind, it could take advantage of better future kits if you desire it.
End of the day it's up to your wants. Gotta look at platform cost as well, as D4 boards are cheaper than D5 board equivalent. Additionally you'll have to factor your time as well if you are looking to tune, since you would need to acquire knowledge, spend time dealing with stability, etc etc.
IMO best value for money combo would be 13600KF w/ 3200c14 bdie tuned to 4100-4200 c14/16 on a decent ddr4 board such as the MSI A pro or Asus Strix D4.