Whether you're embarking on a new PC build or upgrading an existing system that was once a powerhouse gaming rig but now struggles with modern games, selecting the best RAM kit for your money relies on the chosen platform and intended workloads.
The challenge lies in determining if faster memory genuinely enhances your system's performance. For instance, running an Intel system with a top-tier graphics card may not yield a meaningful response to varying system memory speeds for most programs. However, certain workloads, such as specific games and software, benefit significantly from higher data rates – for example, file compression programs thrive on fast memory.
AMD's Zen-powered processors benefit more from higher memory frequencies, with increased speeds on AMD Ryzen and Threadripper platforms translating to real-world performance gains. In games, this results in higher frame rates at common resolutions like 1080p (1920 x 1080) and smoother performance at higher resolutions. However, the extra frames obtained with faster RAM can vary significantly from game to game; refer to our RAM hierarchy for benchmarks.
Memory speed becomes crucial when gaming with integrated graphics, whether on an Intel or AMD processor (compare standings in our CPU Benchmark Hierarchy). The graphics engine embedded in most top gaming CPUs lacks dedicated memory like discrete graphics cards, making faster RAM instrumental in improving performance. However, if the fastest RAM comes at a high cost, it's often more practical to opt for slower system memory paired with a discrete graphics card.
In summary, the best RAM is usually the fastest when gaming without a dedicated graphics card, running an AMD Ryzen system, and, in some isolated scenarios, with Intel chips. If you're not focused on squeezing the best performance from your hardware, DDR5-5200 is drop-in compatible with AMD's Zen 4 processors, while DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200 is suitable for Intel's 13th-Gen Raptor Lake CPUs.
Quick RAM Shopping Tips:
Consider 16GB: For many users, 16GB is the current sweet spot, catering to larger programs, higher-resolution videos, demanding PC games, and complex websites. While heavy multitaskers may need 32GB, 16GB is more affordable and sufficient for gaming and mainstream productivity tasks.
XMP Memory Speeds on AMD: Advertised XMP memory speeds might not always be achievable on AMD-based motherboards. Look for AMD EXPO-certified memory kits if you own a Ryzen 7000 (Zen 4) processor.
Dual-Rank Memory: Dual-rank memory performs better than single-rank memory on both AMD and Intel platforms.
Purchase a Single Memory Kit: Always buy a single memory kit for your desired capacity, avoiding the combination of two modules or kits from the same vendor and product line.
Plug-and-Play Compatibility: Opt for a memory kit aligned with the official memory frequency supported by your processor for a smoother experience. For example, DDR5-5200 is suitable for AMD's Zen 4 chips, while DDR5-5600 or DDR4-3200 is for Intel's 13th Generation Raptor Lake and 14th Generation Raptor Lake Refresh processors.
Raptor Lake or Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs: If you own a Raptor Lake or Raptor Lake Refresh CPU, remember that these processors natively support DDR4-3200 on Gear 1. DDR5 operates in Gear 2 by default, regardless of the frequency.
Best RAM For Gaming You Can Buy Today:
G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB DDR5-6000 (2 x 16GB): Best Performance 32GB DDR5 Kit for Zen 4. This memory kit offers superb performance, is AMD EXPO certified, and comes at a reasonable price.
G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5-6000 (2 x 16GB): An excellent performer with tight timings, good overclocking potential, and attractive aesthetics.
Samsung DDR5-4800 (2 x 16GB): Best 32GB DDR5-4800 Kit with good performance and Samsung B-die for substantial overclocking potential.
TeamGroup T-Force Xtreem ARGB DDR4-3600 (2 x 8GB): Best DDR4 Kit with superb performance, attractive aesthetics, and good overclocking capability.
Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-4400 (2 x 8GB): A high-performance DDR4-4400 kit that outperforms competing DDR4-4600 kits and comes at a reasonable price.
Patriot Viper RGB DDR4-3600 (2 x 8GB): A DDR4-3600 kit with excellent performance, overclocking capability, and RGB lighting features.
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