The most common question we get is some version of: "should I buy DDR4 or DDR5?" The honest answer is that for most people it isn't a choice at all — your motherboard decides for you. Here's how to work out what you have, and what actually matters once you know.
Step 1: your platform decides the generation
- Intel 12th–14th Gen (LGA1700) — boards exist in both DDR4 and DDR5 versions. Check your board's spec page; the two are not interchangeable.
- Intel Core Ultra (LGA1851) and AMD AM5 (Ryzen 7000–9000) — DDR5 only.
- AMD AM4 (Ryzen 1000–5000) and Intel 6th–11th Gen — DDR4 only.
- Laptops — broadly, 2016–2021 machines take DDR4 SO-DIMMs and 2022+ machines take DDR5 SO-DIMMs (when the memory isn't soldered — check before buying).
Not sure? Use the compatibility selector on our homepage, or ask us — we confirm compatibility for free.
Step 2: capacity matters more than speed
In 2026 our honest recommendations are:
- 8GB — the bare minimum for web and office work; fine for a NAS or a light-use machine.
- 16GB — the sweet spot for most people: smooth multitasking, comfortable gaming, no premium.
- 32GB — the right call for creators, heavy multitaskers, developers and anyone keeping the machine 4+ years.
- 64GB and up — workstations, VMs, video editing and servers.
Adding capacity transforms a slow machine; chasing speed adds a few percent. If your budget only stretches one way, always buy capacity first.
Step 3: speed and the dual-channel rule
Buy the speed your platform officially supports — typically DDR4-3200 or DDR5-4800/5600 — and, on desktops, prefer two matched modules over one big stick. Dual-channel operation roughly doubles memory bandwidth and is the cheapest performance win available.
So… DDR4 or DDR5?
Upgrading an existing machine? Buy whatever generation it takes — a £50 DDR4 upgrade beats a £600 platform swap every time. Start with DDR4 desktop or DDR4 laptop memory.
Building new? Go DDR5 — the platform has matured, prices have settled, and it's where all future development is. Browse DDR5 desktop memory.
Whatever you pick, every module we sell is sealed stock with the manufacturer's lifetime warranty, dispatched within 48 hours, with 30-day no-quibble returns — and free compatibility advice from a human before you order.