The Best RAM: More memory is never a negative thing. Although there is a sweet spot for how much RAM you actually need, more memory will allow you to run demanding applications with ease while also making the overall desktop experience feel faster. The best RAM can provide you with the extra capacity and speed you require while also sprucing up your system.
However, not all RAM kits are created equal. Differences in timing and speed can contribute to improved performance and stability, thus it’s best to go with a reputed kit rather than the cheapest. We have alternatives for any build and purpose, from one of the fastest DDR5 kits on the market to a $50 kit.
Best DDR5 RAM: Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 5,600MHz
DDR5 memory is still relatively young and hasn’t yet grabbed the market by storm. Prices are costly, availability is patchy, and it is currently only supported by Intel Alder Lake processors. However, in a few years, most of us will be looking at some of the top DDR5 kits, eager to upgrade and get rid of our old DDR4 RAM. Instead of waiting any longer, you may get ahead of the curve and obtain that intensely scaled-up performance immediately.
The Corsair Dominator comes with 32GB of dual-channel memory, which translates to two 16GB sticks. When overclocked using one of the simple XMP 3.0 profiles, it reaches 5,600MHz. With such a frequency, it outperforms DDR4, offering you a whole new level of performance in gaming and many multitasking operations. This kit also has extremely tight timings of 36-36-36-76, which are also achievable with XMP 3.0.
While this RAM sounds like gaming bliss, it is not inexpensive. Not at all. It will, however, outperform the majority of the other kits on our list, and certainly all of the DDR4 alternatives. If you are going to construct a monster computer, you might as well load it up with some of the greatest RAM money can buy – as long as your budget allows.
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Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro LED 16GB 3,200MHz
Corsair’s Vengeance RGB Pro LED memory kits are the ideal compromise between its more visually spectacular Platinum series and its more demure LPX line. This model, like those kits, provides excellent performance and a wide range of customization choices. The 16GB (two times 8GB) 3,200MHz option is the best spot for us, providing outstanding bandwidth and reasonably tight timings for high-performance, low-latency memory that’s ideal for gaming and productivity workloads.
It’s reasonably priced, but it’s still fast enough for most people, making it extremely cost-effective. You don’t have to pay a fortune to upgrade to these, but there are lots of other possibilities if our selection isn’t what you’re looking for. If you need more bandwidth for gaming (AMD Ryzen CPUs benefit especially from faster memory), the Vengeance RGB series extends all the way up to 3,600MHz. Each kit includes XMP 2.0 profiles for easy overclocking, but if you know what you are doing, you can typically push them much higher manually.
They all work with Corsair’s iCUE software for precise RGB management. The Corsair Vengeance Pro model features updated LEDs for smoother lighting, optimization for the latest motherboards, and a new metal heat spreader to assist manage temperatures within your PC.
Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB 2,666MHz
Corsair’s Vengeance LPX line is the most subtle of the Vengeance line, and it reflects in its lower pricing. The LPX line, which lacks the LEDs of its fancier brothers, has the same high-performance, high-capacity capabilities as other Corsair memory kits, and there are a variety of alternatives. Direct kits with capacities of up to 192GB can be purchased for many thousand dollars, but this requires a gigantic CPU such as Intel’s Xeon W-3175x.
We chose the Vengeance 32GB LPX kit at a decent speed of 2,666MHz because few individuals can afford such a machine and even fewer have workloads that can benefit from it. If you require more storage space, you may purchase a 64GB kit for a few dollars less than two 32GB kits.
Of course, these days, there is a third option: upgrade to DDR5. New DDR5 memory has faster speeds and a larger capacity than this kit. However, it is unlikely to be as inexpensive as the Corsair Vengeance LPX. Consider this your entry point to having a lot of RAM without having to spend as much money as you would on a superior DDR5 kit.
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Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 16GB 3,200MHz
There are RGB LED RAM kits and this RGB LED RAM kit. Corsair’s Dominator Platinum RGB line is one of the most gorgeous we have ever seen, with unique lighting effects enabled by a combination of new LED technology and Corsair’s comprehensive iCUE software package.
The Dominator Platinum modules employ a novel “Capellix” LED packaging technique that enables denser LED packing. This results in brighter lighting without increasing power consumption, allowing for faster memory. We went with a midrange 3,200MHz kit and 16GB of RAM, which is reasonably priced while providing excellent performance and that lovely LED illumination. If you enjoy the crystalline aesthetic, G.Skill’s TridentZ Royal range is another option, although we like Corsair’s RGB lighting.
Best DDR4 RAM for gamers: G.Skill TridentZ RGB 16GB 3,200MHz
G.Skill produces some fantastic memory products, and their TridentZ line encompasses the entire spectrum, from the opulent, jewel-encrusted Royal series to the more streamlined gaming series. If you don’t need RGB illumination and your PC has enough capacity, the modules in the 16GB 3,200MHz kit are among the best available. They’re speedy and have reasonably tight timings, and XMP 2.0 profiles allow for quick and easy overclocking on Intel and AMD systems. Aluminum heat spreaders complete the look, which mixes functionality and style.
If you want more performance, the kits do get faster and the timings tighter if you shop about, but the G.Skill TridentZ RGB delivers incredible value for money and allows room in the budget for other vital components, such as a powerful graphics card. While the RGB LEDs on this unit look great, you can buy a non-RGB variant to save a little money.
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Best cheap RAM: Patriot Viper Elite 8GB 3,200MHz
In our opinion, the optimal RAM stick size is 16GB. However, for other people, 8GB is sufficient, especially if they are seeking a low-cost choice. The Viper Elite stick will significantly enhance your RAM and is also reasonably priced. It has a lot of speed, advertised at 3,200MHz, for such a low price. It’s even worth thinking about purchasing a second stick if you need extra storage in the future.
By changing your RAM, you can get the most out of your Viper Elite stick. Its base frequency is only 2,133MHz, so you’ll have to overclock it to get the stated 3,200MHz. The Patriot Viper Elite is sleek and appealing. It has a smooth black PCB and a silver heat spreader that will look great with a clear case.
Best DDR3 RAM: Patriot Signature 8GB DDR3 1,600MHz
Not everyone requires the best gaming PC money can buy. If all you need is some memory to get your computer to work at all, you can go with the out-of-date DDR3 RAM. It will still be enough for casual office work, web browsing, and other such tasks.
Patriot’s DDR3 RAM kit comes with 8GB of dual-channel memory, which means you can buy a second one if you decide to enhance it later. It only has a frequency of 1,600MHz, indicating that it has truly fallen behind modern technology. Yes, it’s not the quickest, but it’s dirt cheap and will let you build a PC even if you’re on a limited budget.
Keep in mind that only older motherboards support DD3 RAM these days, so make sure you check before purchasing this tiny kit.
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G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB Series 32GB 6,000MHz
This is the apex of RAM in 2022, or something close to it. Anything more than this and you’re in “so pricey it’s not even worth it” territory. This G.Skill RAM isn’t cheap, but it’s worth its weight in gold in terms of performance. If you need (or wish) to have the greatest PC money can buy, this is a good memory package to have.
You’ll get 32GB of super-fast DDR5 RAM. Keep in mind that DDR5 implies you’ll need to couple this with an Intel CPU from the 12th generation. If you’re an AMD fan, you can wait a little longer for Zen 4 later this year, and you’ll be able to use DDR5 with your favorite processor. Intel users will undoubtedly love the near-insane frequency of 6,000MHz combined with ultra-tight timings of 36-36-36-96 @ 1.35V till then.
Not every user will require the kind of power that this RAM kit provides, but if you consider yourself a true enthusiast, go ahead and get this one. It will undoubtedly protect your PC in the future.
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