I'm new to custom PCs and am having a local business assemble a system for me. My budget is around £700 for the complete build, although I could spend a little more if moving to DDR5 would provide a meaningful long-term benefit.
This will mainly be a gaming PC. I don't usually play demanding AAA games—Red Dead Redemption 2 is probably the most intensive title I currently play—but I may try GTA 6. I don't need maximum settings or extremely high frame rates, though I'd like the system to handle newer games reasonably well.
A new DDR4 system would fit my budget more easily, while DDR5 would likely require buying some components second-hand. The system currently suggested by the builder includes a 6GB RTX 3060 and 16GB of DDR4, but the quoted price seems high to me, so I'm also considering sourcing the parts myself.
Would it be better to choose a cheaper new DDR4 platform that meets my current needs, or is a used DDR5 platform worth the extra cost for better upgrade potential? If buying used RAM or other components makes sense, what should I test before purchasing?
5 Answers
For a brand-new build, I’d lean toward a modern DDR5 platform if you can make the numbers work, ideally with 32GB of RAM. It doesn’t need to be the most expensive CPU or graphics card, and buying used memory after testing it is generally less risky than buying an untested used power supply or graphics card. However, don’t stretch the budget so far that the rest of the system suffers. A well-balanced DDR4 build is still a valid choice if DDR5 would force you into weak components or an overly expensive prebuilt.
The memory standard is tied to the platform, so decide on the CPU and motherboard first. DDR4 would generally mean an AM4 AMD system or a compatible older Intel platform, while DDR5 opens up newer options such as AMD’s AM5 processors. The newer platform is more attractive for long-term upgrades, but don’t sacrifice too much GPU performance just to get DDR5. For a gaming build around £700, a balanced system with 16GB or 32GB of RAM and a stronger graphics card may be better than spending the entire difference on newer memory.
If your priority is value today, a good DDR4 system can still handle your games very well. A Ryzen 7 5800X-based system, for example, can deliver excellent 1440p gaming performance when paired with an appropriate graphics card. The downside is that you should expect fewer straightforward CPU upgrades later, so DDR4 makes the most sense when it is substantially cheaper than the equivalent DDR5 build.
That level of performance would already be more than enough for me. I’m mainly trying to decide whether saving money now is worth giving up the easier upgrade path later.
Used DDR5 can be a perfectly reasonable purchase, particularly if you can test it before paying. Check that the system recognizes the full capacity, run a memory test, and make sure the modules are a matched kit if possible. Two sticks are usually preferable to one because dual-channel operation improves performance. I’d aim for 2×16GB if the budget allows, but 2×8GB can still work for a lower-cost build, with the option to upgrade later if the motherboard has free slots.
Try to compare complete CPU, motherboard, RAM, and graphics card combinations rather than judging DDR4 and DDR5 by themselves. DDR4 generally leads to cheaper systems, but most DDR4 platforms are effectively at the end of their upgrade path. DDR5 costs more, especially when buying 32GB, but gives you access to newer CPU platforms and a better chance of upgrading later. If the overall system prices are close, I’d choose the used DDR5 option—as long as the parts are tested and come from a reliable seller.
That makes sense. I initially assumed gaming would require lots of RAM, but it sounds like the CPU and GPU matter more for my use. I may be able to consider DDR5 if I compare the whole platform instead of just the memory price.
I understand the platform issue now. The extra cost isn’t really just for the RAM—it also means a newer CPU and motherboard, so I need to compare the complete builds.