Quick shopping tips:
- How to choose the correct memory: If you have a tight budget, go with 8GB. If you have a decent budget, start with 16GB. It’s enough for you to play almost any game title up to now.
You can experience any game with smooth speed and high resolution. Rarely some heavy tasks will require 32GB RAM, and it’s much more expensive than 16GB RAM. - Not every RAM is compatible with your computer system, so consider which type of RAM you should choose so that they can work at their highest performance. Search for more information to get knowledge before making a purchase.
- Want a high speed RAM? Consider ones that have a high frequency. Typically, a higher frequency will boost the performance since the data is processed faster.
However, don’t waste money to buy such RAMs if your motherboard or CPU doesn’t support that high frequency. - Just use a single kit for the desired capacity of your computer system. Don’t combine two or more memory kits because they may not create beneficial results, and you will have to tweak them to achieve stability.
- RAM can be upgraded easily. If you want to spend your money on other work but still want a larger RAM, you can try upgrading it. It requires a much smaller amount of money compared to buying a new one. Just spend your money on other vital components like CPUs or GPUs.
Best RAMs for Gaming
1. Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4 3200MHz
Best RAM for Gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
- Speed: DDR4 3200MHz
- Capacity: 16GB (2 x 8GB)
- Timings: 16-18-18-36
- Voltage: 1.35 Volts
TODAY’S BEST DEAL Buy from Amazon
REASONS TO BUY
- Higher bus frequency: over 3000Hz
- Lower power usage
- Greater heat dissipation: pure aluminum heat spreader
- Eight layer PCB: greater overclocking
REASONS TO AVOID
- No RGB
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4 3200MHz was tested many times, including performance and compatibility tests before being launched. It was announced to have several superior functions and features that can enhance performance.
The excellent overclocking capability will bring gamers the best gaming experience ever. Furthermore, Corsair Vengeance LPX is available in many different colors and matches nearly every motherboard on the market now.
The heat dissipation efficiency is also a strong point that we should mention here. The heat spreader made by pure aluminum increases the speed of heat transfer, keeping your RAM and system at a stable temperature for a long time.
In short, with the affordable price, Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4 3200MHz truly makes you have a different opinion about RAM. It will support you in processing the data quickly and deliver the best performance at a very affordable price.
Alternate choice: Crucial Ballistix 3200 MHz DDR4 DRAM
Buy from Amazon
(Image credit: Amazon)
2. CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB 32GB DDR4 3600MHz
Best RGB RAM for Gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
- Speed: DDR4 3600MHz
- Capacity: 32GB (4 x 8GB)
- Timings: 16-17-17-36
- Voltage: 1.35 Volts
TODAY’S BEST DEAL Buy from Amazon
REASONS TO BUY
- Custom RGB system: cool looking
- High frequency: better performance
- Large memory: 32GB
REASONS TO AVOID
- Expensive
The first thing of Corsair Vengeance that impresses anyone may be the dynamic RGB lighting. By using iCUE software of Corsair, you can adjust and tweak dozens of colors that you like. Additionally, you can use this software to control other components such as fans, keyboards, and mice.
The speed of processing data is an essential feature of a memory kit. Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB DDR4 3600MHz provides extremely high frequency performance and matches every latest motherboard of both Intel and AMD.
The overclocking capability is optimized to run the RAM faster. Furthermore, with a memory of 32GB, you can deal with any demanding games. Combining the two outstanding features (RGB lighting and high frequency), this memory kit can meet the requirements of any gamer: watching experience and gaming performance.
Alternate choice: G.Skill Trident Z Neo Series
Buy from Amazon
(Image credit: Amazon)
3. Crucial Ballistix MAX 4400 MHz DDR4 16GB Memory Kit
Best high-frequency RAM for gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
- Speed: DDR4 4400MHz
- Capacity: 16GB (2 x 8GB)
- Timings: 19-19-19-46
- Voltage: 1.35 Volts
TODAY’S BEST DEAL Buy from Amazon
REASONS TO BUY
- Anodized heat spreader: better heat dissipation
- Three color options to choose from
- RGB lighting: cool looking
- Extremely high speed: 4400MHz
REASONS TO AVOID
- Expensive
- Buyers should be aware of the compatibility with the motherboard
Crucial Ballistix MAX is tested and determined to be compatible with the latest Intel and AMD platforms. The fantastic overclocking ability can push the performance across the line, satisfying any irritable gamer.
With the support of XMP 2.0 and pre-defined profiles, your gaming sessions will become legendary. No one can deny the advantages of the high speed (4400Hz) and the large memory (16GB) that this RAM offers.
Last but not least, the anodized heat spreader made of aluminum enhances the heat dissipation efficiency, keeping the RAM work at a low temperature. Although the price may be challenging for some people, the benefits that Crucial Ballistix MAX brings to users are worth it.
Alternate choice: Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 16GB (2 x 8GB) 4400MHz
Buy from Amazon
(Image credit: Amazon)
4. Crucial Ballistix MAX RGB 4400 MHz DDR4 DRAM 32GB
Best high-frequency RGB RAM for gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
- Speed: DDR4 4400MHz
- Capacity: 32GB (16GBx2)
- Timings: 19-19-19-43
- Voltage: 1.4 Volts
TODAY’S BEST DEAL Buy from Amazon
REASONS TO BUY
- 16 RGB LEDs: best gaming experience
- Aluminum heat spreader: better heat dissipation
- Low-profile form factor: fit even small case
- High speed: 4400MHz
- Large memory: 32GB
REASONS TO AVOID
- Much more expensive than 16GB version
- Receive many negative reviews about RGB
As you can see on the Crucial Ballistix MAX 16GB review above, it is undeniable that the 32GB version will deliver much better performance. More outstanding features can be mentioned here besides excellent overclocking capability, extremely high frequency, and large memory.
The removable lightbar allows you to customize and adjust color, even create a 3D-printed lightbar. This functionality would make your gaming experience become the best.
The high-quality matte extruded aluminum heat spread optimizes thermal control and increases heat transfer, while the sensor on the DIMM enables real-time temperature monitoring.
The biggest drawback of this RAM may be its price. If you do not have much demand for heavy tasks, we recommend the 16GB version. However, believe it or not, the performance that Crucial Ballistix MAX 32GB offers is incredible.
Alternate choice: Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB DDR4 4400MHz 16GB (8GB x 2)
Buy from Amazon
(Image credit: Amazon)
5. Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 128GB DDR4 3200
Best high-end RAM for Gaming Beasts
SPECIFICATIONS
- Speed: DDR4 3200MHz
- Capacity: 128GB (4x32GB)
- Timings: 16-20-20-38
- Voltage: 1.35 Volts
TODAY’S BEST DEAL Buy from Amazon
REASONS TO BUY
- RGB lighting: better gaming experience
- High speed RAM: from 3200 to 4800 MHz
- Aluminum heat spreader: better heat dissipation
- Large storage capacity: 128GB
REASONS TO AVOID
- Very expensive
Vengeance Pro SL is optimized for both Intel and AMD processors. Using the software iCUE, you can easily control the RGB light and personalize it to fit your liking and gaming atmosphere. Moreover, you can also use it for other Corsair RGB products like keyboards and mice.
With the large storage capacity (128GB) and high speed (3200MHz), you will not worry about the performance that this RAM brings to your computer. You can play any demanding and competitive game as well as heavy tasks with Vengeance Pro SL. The aluminum heat spreader height is 44mm, thereby delivering the excellent performance of heat dissipation.
Buy from Amazon
(Image credit: Amazon)
Alternate choice: G.Skill 128GB (4X 32GB) DDR4 3200MHz
If 128GB of RAM is still not enough for you, have a look at CORSAIR Vengeance RGB PRO 256GB (8x32GB) DDR4 3200 (PC4-25600) C16 or G.Skill Trident Z NEO Series 256GB (8 x 32GB) 288-Pin SDRAM PC4-28800 DDR4 3600 CL18
FAQs
1. How much RAM do you need for gaming?
In short, you just need at least 8GB RAM to meet any minimum system requirements to play any games. With 8GB, your computer will run without any problems, though some newer game titles may require more graphics.
16GB is becoming the new sweet spot these days. You can play even the most demanding and competitive games without getting in any trouble. The price for 16GB RAM is not much higher than an 8GB one, while the jump from 16GB to 32GB will take a considerable amount of money.
2. Can RAM affect FPS (Frame per second)?
If you have low RAM (less than 4GB), adding more RAM will increase the framerate. In contrast, if you have decent RAM (from 8GB), adding more RAM will not increase the fps since your game is already played at the highest performance and settings.
In terms of speed, faster RAM CAN affect the frame rate, just like the previous situation when adding more RAM on a computer system. However, in this case, you have to consider carefully because a faster RAM can be much more costly than the slower one.
3. How do I know what RAM is compatible with my computer system?
The RAM must be compatible with your computer’s motherboard, or it can not run. You should base on the age of your computer to choose the fitting memory kit:
- SDR (single data rate) was used for systems manufactured before 2002
- DDR (double data rate) was used for system manufactured in 2002
- DDR2 (second generation double data rate) was used for systems manufactured from 2004
- DDR3 (third generation double data rate) was used for systems manufactured from 2007
- DDR4 (fourth generation double data rate) was used for system manufactured from 2014
Leave a Reply