Question DDR4 3200 CL16 or DDR5 4800 CL40?

[midnablack]

Hi, I'm making a computer for video recording/editing/streaming videogames at 1440p60. I think I've already decided on the cpu (i5-12600k) and gpu (7700xt), but I'm not sure which memory I should get. I'm still debating about overclocking or not, but for now, let's assume I won't be overclocking anything. So, with that in mind, my options boil down to either getting 32Gb of DDR4 3200 CL16 or DDR5 4800 CL40. Which do you guys think would work better for this application?

Here's my current part list, any other input is much appreciated!
PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/gPfxcx

CPU: Intel Core i5-12600K
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE 66.17 CFM
Motherboard: ASRock Z690 Steel Legend WiFi 6E
Video Card: RX 7700 XT 12 GB
Capture Card: AVerMedia GC571 Live Streamer Ultra HD

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

You should be looking at DDR5-6000MHz(or slightly higher) ram kits with tight latencies as that's the sweet spot for Intel's 12th/13th and 14th Gen and AM5 processors.

video recording/editing/streaming videogames
App's and game titles(with an etc in that sentence) you'd be taxing the system with?

 

[logainofhades]

You have to go with DDR5 with that motherboard. The sweet spot is ddr5 6000 CL30. Are you recording gameplay from the PC or from a console? I do not believe that you do not need that capture card, if you are only streaming PC games.

 

[midnablack]

You have to go with DDR5 with that motherboard. The sweet spot is ddr5 6000 CL30. Are you recording gameplay from the PC or from a console? I do not believe that you do not need that capture card, if you are only streaming PC games.

I know I can only use DDR5 with that motherboard, if I choose ddr4 I'll be using practically the same motherboard but with type DDR4 rather than DDR5. Perhaps it would be best to go DDR5 for futureproofing so I don't have to buy a new motherboard as soon... not sure. If you're confident that there would be a noticeable difference between DDR4 3200 CL16 and DDR5 6000 CL30 then I'll get that, I'm just skeptical as to whether it will be discernible (at the end of the day it's like $30).

One small concern: with your guys' experience, does using xmp with a motherboard and memory that supports it typically decrease the overall lifespan of the cpu, motherboard, or memory?

I have the capture card because I'll be recording/streaming video games on the pc as well as on consoles.

 

[midnablack]

App's and game titles(with an etc in that sentence) you'd be taxing the system with?

My bad; I forgot to mention this. Most games I play are indie title that aren't very taxing: Satisfactory, Celeste, Minceraft (forum doesn't let me spell it right?), Neon White, Terraria, etc.. Sometimes I play slightly more taxing games though like Monster Hunter Rise or GhostRunner 2. I don't really care about playing at the highest graphical settings, but I would like to maintain 1440p60 where possible. That's why the listed cpu and gpu may be slightly underpowered compared to usual recommendations.

 

[logainofhades]

If you care about future upgrades, you should be doing AM5, not Intel. XMP does not shorten the life of your hardware.

 

[80251]

How does anyone have a choice of DDR5 or DDR4 w/a given CPU? Is DDR4 even being manufactured anymore?

 

[geofelt]

I know I can only use DDR5 with that motherboard, if I choose ddr4 I'll be using practically the same motherboard but with type DDR4 rather than DDR5. Perhaps it would be best to go DDR5 for futureproofing so I don't have to buy a new motherboard as soon... not sure. If you're confident that there would be a noticeable difference between DDR4 3200 CL16 and DDR5 6000 CL30 then I'll get that, I'm just skeptical as to whether it will be discernible (at the end of the day it's like $30).

One small concern: with your guys' experience, does using xmp with a motherboard and memory that supports it typically decrease the overall lifespan of the cpu, motherboard, or memory?

I have the capture card because I'll be recording/streaming video games on the pc as well as on consoles.

DDR4 and DDR5 will perform comparably. The key is to get sufficient for your workload.
XMP is a short hand to specify the ram settings to let the ram perform as advertised. Profiles are embedded in the ram and selected by the motherboard bios. It is an Intel thing. The amd equivalent is EXPO
No big deal since one can also specify ram settings.

 

[Geef]

When I switched from a DDR4 board to a DDR5 board same processor I did 'feel' a difference. Didn't do benchmarks or anything but it was there.

For DDR5 I grabbed this C30 32GB set and it's been working well.

 

[logainofhades]

How does anyone have a choice of DDR5 or DDR4 w/a given CPU? Is DDR4 even being manufactured anymore?

12th-14th gen Intel can run DDR4 or DDR5.

 

[midnablack]

12th-14th gen Intel can run DDR4 or DDR5.

I think he's being facetious. Saying that the choice is so obvious that it isn't even worth considering.