More memory is almost always a good thing. While there’s a sweet spot for how much RAM you truly need, having extra memory allows you to run demanding applications effortlessly and makes your desktop experience feel significantly faster. The best RAM can provide the extra capacity and speed you need, giving your computer a much-needed boost. However, not all RAM kits are created equal. Differences in timings and speed can lead to better performance and stability, so selecting a reputable kit is crucial, even if it means spending a little more. We’ve compiled options for every build and purpose, ranging from one of the fastest DDR5 kits on the market to a budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank.
G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 6,000 MHz 32GB
Why you should buy it:
It’s fast, attractive, and affordable.Who’s it for:
Anyone building or upgrading a PC that uses DDR5 memory.Our thoughts:
If you’re looking for a straightforward, fast, visually appealing, and well-priced DDR5 memory kit, the G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB is the one to choose. The Trident Z5 is a renowned series of memory, and with 6,000 MHz speed and 32GB capacity, this kit offers the power, performance, and capacity you need to handle any task. Whether you’re playing high-end games, editing photos and videos, working on college projects, doing office tasks, or streaming videos, it’s ready for anything. It even comes with fancy RGB lighting, and at just over $100 for 32GB, it’s a fantastic deal. With memory prices expected to rise in the coming year, investing in a kit like this while it’s still affordable is a smart move.G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB 3,600MHz
Why you should buy it:
It’s one of the cheapest DDR4 kits with strong performance and capacity.Who’s it for:
Anyone building or upgrading an older DDR4 PC.Our thoughts:
G.Skill’s Ripjaws range is known for its value-oriented memory, and while this kit may not be the most expensive, it’s still impressively fast. With a speed of 3,600 MHz, this kit is about as fast as mainstream DDR4 memory gets. Sure, there are kits that go beyond 4,000 MHz, but in reality, they rarely offer a significant performance boost. In an AMD system, going over 3,600 MHz can become complicated due to the Infinity Fabric clock, making it not worth the hassle. This kit provides fast, decent-looking memory sticks with 16GB capacity, sufficient for most users, except for heavy gamers and video editors. All of this comes at a great price, making it an excellent value.Teamgroup T-Force Xtreem 32GB 8000MHz
Why you should buy it:
It’s about the fastest DDR5 memory you can buy.Who’s it for:
Overclockers and system tweakers who like to push their systems to the limit.Our thoughts:
If you want peak performance at a reasonable price, the Teamgroup T-Force Xtreem kit is the way to go. At 8,000 MHz, it’s hard to find kits that claim to be faster, and even if they do, their claims may not hold up in the real world. In reality, there’s not much benefit to going beyond 7,200 MHz for most PCs, but if you’re determined to maximize your system, this is the kit for you. You’ll need a high-end motherboard and be willing to spend time adjusting voltages and frequencies, but the result will be a seriously fast pair of memory sticks. They also have a fantastic, understated, sleek color scheme with no distracting RGB LEDs. This kit is available in 48GB and 64GB capacities if you need even more memory.Teamgroup T-Forze Xtreem ARGB 3,600 MHz 32GB
Why you should buy it:
It’s a super fast, high-end DDR4 kit.Who’s it for:
Those using older systems who want more and faster memory.Our thoughts:
If you’re running an older AM4 or LGA 1700 setup with DDR4 memory and want a larger or faster kit, or both, then the Teamgroup T-Force Xtreem 32GB kit with 3,600 MHz memory is tough to beat. While it’s slightly more expensive than our budget pick, the added capacity and improved performance make it a worthy investment. Even if you’re not a fan of RGB LEDs, you can turn them off and appreciate the smooth mirror-finish on these modules, making them visually appealing even in minimalist PC builds.Corsair Dominator Titanium 64GB
Why you should buy it:
These modules are extremely customizable, with heaps of options.Who’s it for:
Anyone who likes to tweak their system for looks and performance.Our thoughts:
Corsair’s Dominator Titanium RGB DDR5 memory kit is overkill for everyday use, but if you enjoy customizing your system, it’s a great choice. You can adjust the RGB LEDs or install custom top-bar modules onto the heatsink. These modules allow you to upgrade cooling, change the visuals, or add your own unique aesthetic touch to the design. The raw performance out of the box is excellent. While not quite the peak performance for DDR5, that’s where overclocking comes in. Beyond supporting XMP profiles for automatic overclocking, this kit is fantastic for tweaking and unlocking additional performance without any extra cost.Frequently Asked Questions
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What is DDR5 and how is it different from DDR4?
DDR5 is the latest generation of RAM, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and higher capacities compared to DDR4. However, DDR5 requires compatible motherboards and CPUs. For most users, the performance difference between DDR4 and DDR5 may not be noticeable in everyday tasks, but for demanding workloads, DDR5 provides a significant advantage.*
How much RAM do I need?
The amount of RAM you need depends on your usage. For everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing, 8GB is sufficient. However, if you’re a gamer or work with demanding applications like video editing, 16GB or more is recommended. Consider your future needs and the applications you plan to use when deciding on the amount of RAM.*
What are the best RAM timings?
Lower timings generally indicate better performance, but the difference may not be noticeable in everyday use. Look for kits with the lowest timings within your budget. The timings are often listed as CL16, CL18, etc., with a lower number being better.*
What is XMP?
XMP, or Extreme Memory Profile, is a technology that allows RAM to automatically overclock to its maximum rated speed. Enabling XMP in your BIOS can significantly improve performance.*
