RAM is one of the most important components on a computer. A computer can have different amounts of RAM, as well as, faster or slower RAM. In this article, I will cover if RAM can run faster than the CPU.
RAM can not run faster than the CPU. The RAM speed is matched to the CPU so that this is not an issue. DDR5 RAM is that faster type of RAM, and was released in 2020. It’s projected that DDR6 RAM will be released in 2025 or so. When this happens the only way to get DDR6 RAM will be to get a new CPU.
Below, I will explain:
- What happens if your RAM is faster than your CPU
- Does the CPU limit RAM speed
- Can you use faster RAM than your motherboard supports
Let’s go!
What Happens if Your RAM Is Faster Than CPU?
If RAM is faster than the CPU it won’t work. CPUs are only compatible with one type of RAM. Below, is a table that shows the different types of RAM, when they were released, and how they differ in speed.
| Type RAM | Year Released | Clock rate (speed) |
| DDR | 1998 | 200 MHz |
| DDR2 | 2003 | 533 MHz |
| DDR3 | 2007 | 1066 MHz |
| DDR4 | 2014 | 1600 MHz |
| DDR5 | 2020 | 3600 MHz |
Each new version of RAM is faster. And as you can see a new version is released about every 5 years. Every CPU is only compatible with one version of RAM. For example, a DDR4 motherboard (CPU) will only work with DDR4 RAM.
If you get the faster RAM DDR5 it won’t work when you plug it into your motherboard. All RAM has a RAM speed. There is a minimum value and a maximum value.
Most RAM is set to the optimum speed. But, if you feel like tinkering you can see what the maximum speed of your RAM is, and see if you can turn it up in the BIOS.
Does the amount of RAM affect the CPU
RAM, funnily enough, is incredibly simple. There is a recommended minimum amount of RAM you should have. Provided you have that, and the latest version of RAM such as DDR5, and soon to be DDR6 you are maxed out in terms of performance.
Here’s a table that shows the recommended amount of RAM based on what a computer is being used for.
| RAM | What the computer should be used for |
| 4 GB | Not recommended |
| 8 GB | Work, school, university, hobby gaming |
| 16 GB | Gaming and resource intensive apps like video editing software |
| 32 GB | Gaming and resource intensive apps like video editing software – more serious or professional |
READ MORE >> Can low RAM affect CPU usage
Virtually all motherboards have space for 32GB of RAM. But, for virtually everyone 32GB is too much. And the extra RAM will not be utilized. So, in effect it will be wasted. Getting 32GB has been argued to be future proofing your computer.
However, because a new RAM version comes out every 5 years on average. It’s important to time when you buy it, if you intend to do that.
More sticks of RAM is better than one big stick. It has been shown in independent tests that having multiple sticks of RAM provides better performance.
For example, it’s better to have two 8GB sticks of RAM than one 16GB stick of RAM. Ideally, you should get the smallest size RAM. However, before doing so ensure you have enough available RAM slots on your motherboard.
How much does RAM speed affect performance
Overall, RAM speed has virtually no impact on performance. The reason is a CPU can only support one version of RAM. Such as, DDR4 RAM. As a result, it’s not possible to get faster RAM for your computer.
The only option is to get more RAM. But, virtually everyone agrees that 8GB to 16GB is the perfect amount of RAM. And anything over 16GB is too much for most people.
The one way that you will see a noticeable difference when you get faster RAM is if you get a new CPU that supports faster RAM. But, the significant difference in performance is not due to RAM speed. Instead, it’s almost all because the CPU is newer – and as a result – is faster.
Does DDR5 RAM work with a DDR4 motherboard
DDR5 RAM does not work with a DDR4 motherboard. DDR5 RAM has a slightly different shape to DDR4 RAM. As a result, it won’t physically fit into the RAM slot on the motherboard. Therefore, it’s not possible to install DDR5 RAM on a DDR4 compatible motherboard.
The same is true for all versions of RAM. For example, using DDR3 RAM on a DDR4 motherboard won’t fit, or work.
Does CPU Limit RAM Speed?
The CPU does limit RAM speed. All CPUs are only compatible with one version of RAM. Such as DDR4 or DDR5. Each version of RAM is significantly faster than the previous version. However, the impact on computer performance is very small.
There are also settings in the BIOS on a computer that control the speed of the RAM. It’s possible to see what it is, and increase it if possible based on the specs of your motherboard and RAM.
Can You Use Faster RAM Than the Motherboard Supports?
It’s not possible to use faster RAM than your motherboard supports. It simply won’t work. Each different version of RAM such as DDR4, and DDR5 have a different shape to the slot that fits into the motherboard.
There is a square cut out about a ¼ an inch (0.5cm) in size. It’s in a different position for each different type of RAM. It fits into a corresponding groover. As a result, RAM only fits into a compatible motherboard.
As of late 2023, currently the latest 12th generation Intel i-series processors support DDR5 RAM.
Recently, I bought a new work laptop. But, I am also a semi-serious hobby gamer. I assumed it would have DDR5 RAM, since DDR5 came out in 2020. But, interestingly, it’s almost guaranteed any new motherboard you get will only support DDR4 RAM.