The Best RAM for Gaming

Are you experiencing stuttering issues while gaming on an RTX 3090 with a powerful Ryzen processor? There might be an underlying RAM speed issue that is bottlenecking your hardware. You need the best RAM to resolve the delay in communication between hardware. RAMs have become incredibly fast, but there is always a margin for improvement. Manufacturers are now offering overclocking capability in RAMs and providing large heatsinks to cope with the rise in chip temperature. When it comes to picking the right RAM, you first need to examine the specification of the motherboard and CPU. It will help you choose the correct RAM. Nobody likes their intense game moment to die down because of a frame loss caused by below-par RAM. While selecting the memory, you will first need to see if there are no hurdles in its installation. Air-based CPU coolers pose height limitations to DIMM slot components.

Buy the right RAM with speed and capacity for gaming. In gaming, a lot of data is stored in the RAM, and if that data is delayed for a fraction of a second, it will cause stuttering or framerate drop. For blazing-fast multi-core AMD processors, you will need the best RAM for Ryzen. The high rating generation of RAM is DDR4, and you need to ensure that you are buying the best DDR4 RAM for optimum operation. Since the launch of 12th Gen Intel processors and news on the next generation of Ryzen, the best DDR5 RAM has hit the market. However, we will focus on the DDR4 as it is the most developed and optimized for the current generation of processors. 16GB memory has been the best RAM for gaming. But the capacity depends on your preferences. Low capacity RAM keeps fetching data from the storage device and makes space for additional data; this causes the game to slow down.

Our top picks

Quick Shopping Tips:

RAM is complicated hardware, and we will try to make it understandable in our shopping tips, so have a look.

Form Factors: RAMs mainly come in two sizes, desktop, and laptop PCs. In contrast, when purchasing one, you need to be sure that you are buying a DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module) or SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM). If you own a desktop PC, then DIMM is the form factor you should buy, but if you buy it for a laptop, then SO-DIMM is the way to go.

RAM Generation: You will read the term DDR on multiple occasions within our review. It stands for Double Data Rate and means that two transfers are made in a single clock cycle. Right now, DDR is the latest and best technology in commercial computers. Generation of RAM is written as DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4, where the last one is the latest. DDR4 was introduced in 2014 and is still the top-performing RAM suitable for the latest Ryzen processors.

RAM Timings: Timings play a vital role in the performance of your RAM. Tighter timings will lead to better performance, but we need to know what each digit in timing means to conclude a RAMs performance. There are four digits in timing, and to simplify, they can be written as CL-TRCD-TRP-TRAS. CL means Cas latency is the time RAM takes to respond to the CPU. Rest are different timings through which your RAM responds to work. Users can improve them if your motherboard allows it.

RGB Lighting: Aesthetics play their part here too. RAMs now come with aesthetic aspects along with high-end performance. They no longer require an external power connection to ensure RGB is working. However, RGB lighting requires power provided through the VRM power phases on the motherboard. A high-quality motherboard with solid VRMs will stay longer and remain reliable.

The Best RAM for Gaming: First look

The Best RAM for Gaming: In-depth Review

TeamGroup is a world-class company that is turning the heads of gamers and tech enthusiasts worldwide. Their TeamGroup T-Force Xtreem ARGB DDR4-3600 (2 x 8GB) RAM has made headlines with its performance and premium aesthetics; thus, its CAS latency of 14 and tighter timings make it the best 16GB kit for Ryzen owners. The aesthetics are primarily based on RGB and mirror-like finishes. The complete body of RAM is illuminated due to the whole light penetrations. It uses the Samsung K-4A8G-085WB-BCPB integrated circuit, which is commonly called B-die. This IC has been tested under intense conditions, and it allows the best overclocking capability.

If we talk about overclocking, we need to talk about the PCB. The team uses a 10-layer printed circuit board (PCB) that is best for proper heat dissipation when overclocked. It supports the Intel XMP profiles for a single-click overclocking capability. The RAM is ARGB; thus, it allows motherboard sync software to be compatible with this product. We put it on the top slot because it is the best DDR4 RAM. The heatsink is made from aluminum allowing for heat dissipation. Considering the product overclocking capability, it works at a decent voltage, thus ensuring energy savings. The price is competitive compared to some leading RAM manufacturers. TeamGroup is the underdog of the RAM world.

Finding the right balance between timing and data rate is difficult but offers a wide variety of RAMs with different data rates and overclocking capability. Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-4400 (2 x 8GB) is their highest data rate RAM as per specs. The timing and data rate combination makes this product the best high-speed 16GB kit. It consists of two 8GB RAM modules that come with standard timings used by most manufacturers. With decent timing and a high data rate, this RAM rapidly communicates with the CPU. 6.8nanoSec is the latency calculated as per formula RL = CL *2000 / DR.

A similar solution is available in SODIMM configuration for laptops. Since there is no RGB on the memory module, it has sufficient space to install heatsinks. It has a large heatsink made from aluminum with a fin to improve the heat transfer surface. The lack of RGB can, however, be a deal-breaker for some. Viper has tested their 4400MHz data rate at 19-19-19-39, so running at its tightest timing might not be possible. Games like F1 2015 prove that it’s the best RAM since there are significant frame rate improvements with the XMP profile on this RAM. It leads its competition by 20fps. Its overclocking capability directly affects framerates in games.

Patriot has made two categories of RAMs. One is specifically designed for enthusiasts who like to tweak around with timings and data rates for a perfect fit. While the category for aesthetics is excellent at their tested frequencies, Patriot Viper RGB DDR4-3600 (2 x 8GB) lies in that category. It has a 10ns RAM latency, making it the best high-speed RGB 16GB kit. The performance of this RAM on both Intel and AMD platforms has been excellent. In terms of aesthetics, the RAM has five zones of RGB lighting compatible with any modern motherboard RGB sync for a homogenized and clean look.

It comes with a limited time 10-year warranty that provides us with confidence in the manufacturer’s device. The RAM is compatible with XMP 2.0 profiles that allow tweaking and overclocking this best RGB RAM with a single tap. It runs a tighter timing of 15 - 15 - 15 - 36 with its base frequency of 2133MHz; the latency reaches 14ns, higher than the overclock frequency. A non-ECC RAM allows it to be faster, but it would not have stability equivalent to server-grade memory. The JEDEC and XMP profiles are all preloaded into the RAM. Overall it’s a great package that provides looks with performance.

Some gamers prefer a minimalist look inside their PC and focus more on price/performance ratio than RGB lighting. Patriot Viper 4 DDR4-3400 (2 x 8GB) is a 3000MHz data rate RAM with an exceptionally low price for performance. Its tight 15-15-15-36 timings make it the best overclocker value 16GB kit that offers all the premium performance features of a powerful memory. The 1.35 working voltage of the RAM is low, making it energy efficient. Users have reported achieving 3200MHz on this same RAM kit. The calculated RAM latency reaches 10.6ns, which is excellent for a budget series product.

The height of the module is reasonable and fits under most air-based CPU coolers. They have added XMP 2.0 profile compatibility as a cherry on top that allows overclocking with a single click. It consists of large aluminum-based heat fins that ensure that the device’s operating temperature remains within limits, thus allowing higher overclocking potential in this best DDR4 RAM. The heat sinks have fins on the top that are slightly bent to increase heat transfer potential. The red and black combination is excellent for a contrast-based build with the black and red combination. It’s a non-ECC unbuffered DIMM.

Considering that the new Windows 11 completely occupies an 8GB RAM, owning a 16GB RAM seems enough, but if you are a streamer and gamer, you will need 32GB RAM. Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4-3200 (4 x 8GB) is a premium product with four memory modules making up 32GB of space. If you have 4DIMM slots available on your motherboard, then this is the best 32GB RGB RAM kit money can buy for your gaming requirement. The RAM has tight response times of 16 CAS latency and a data rate of 3200MHz, which is perfect for enthusiast gamers.

In terms of aesthetics, the RGB on this RAM is excellent; there is no visible shadowing on the light diffuser. The light is blended homogeneously along the top of this best RGB RAM. It is a 44mm height module, so we recommend using a liquid-based cooler. Air-based coolers will pose a limit, and check the RAM clearance (allowed height underneath your cooler) before purchasing. It is part of the iCUE ecosystem, which controls the RGB on top. It consists of a premium aluminum heat spreader and a customized PCB for a 4600+MHz overclocked data rate ideal for Ryzen.

Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-3200 (2 x 16GB) is ideal for users aiming for a PC build that users will potentially upgrade in the future. Its 3200MHz tested data rate is high and could go higher, crossing 4000MHz with looser timings. However, the tested timings give CAS latency of 10ns, making it the best two-DIMM 32GB kit, landing it in the premium high-speed category. There is no RGB which might appeal to some users. Its monochromatic color scheme will blend it into any PC build. The grey heat sink on the sides and black on the top are minimalist and appealing.

The heatsink is extensive and consists of fins to further improve surface area. Its fins are thick, which does not help heat transfer but provides safer installation due to well-rounded edges. The fins play a vital role in cooling as air cannot pass through the RAM modules it bases above them. Air passing between the fins improves heat transfer properties making it the best RAM with better overclocking opportunities. Users can improve frame rates by running at even the stock-tested overclock settings. The RAM can reach 4400MHz with Intel processor XMP 2.0 support. That’s pretty impressive, isn’t it?

Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-3600 (2 x 32GB) is designed for the ultimate powerhouse PC with no limitation to opening up any amount of software in the background. Opening up multiple software occupies space in the RAM, and while streaming, most games require anti-cheat software that also runs in the background to take up RAM space, but 32GB is enough to tackle such issues. As a user, you can upgrade from the best two-DIMM 64GB kit to 128GB if required. Just be sure that your motherboard has four slots that support the installation of 128GB RAM. If not, you may not be able to reap the benefits of this top-notch product.

Games do not fully utilize 64GB RAM. Still, when it comes to academic applications like performing iteration on multi variable equations for a solution or image processing/rendering, this is the best DDR4 RAM. However, any amount of RAM is not enough for this purpose. Faster results are obtained with larger RAM space. Suppose you buy this in combination with an Intel processor. In that case, you can utilize the XMP 2.0 to reach 4400MHz, allowing faster calculation than using a data storage device for temporary storage. There is no RGB, making it ideal for academic PCs where an extra buck for aesthetics is a waste of resources.

If a trendy and premium product is your choice, G.Skill Trident Z Neo DDR4-3600 (2 x 16GB) will serve the purpose entirely. The perfect blend of light on the diffuser and an aluminum spreader looks sleek with the brushed metal surface. Its black and white combination, and a heat spreader consisting of fins on the top, are ideal as it is the best high-speed 32GB kit for manual tuning. These RAMs are perfect for a Ryzen, and this 32GB kit mainly allows a 32GB space over two slots, thus allowing upgradability to 64GB on a four DIMM slot motherboards.

It has a blazing fast XMP profile with just 8.88ns CAS latency making it the fastest RAM on our list. G.Skill has led as the best RGB RAM in sales and performance due to its combined performance and aesthetics. It works on 1.2v out of the box without any overclocking, which is excellent for energy-saving and newbies to high-performance computation. The dual-channel capability allows it to work faster when combined, and the addition of one more kit will make your PC future-proof for years. If you have some bucks to spare, there is no better choice.

Final Words

Figuring out which one of the lots is the best RAM for your PC build is difficult. To summarize the complete review, we would recommend that you first pick a budget for your PC, and in terms of priority, we recommend you keep memory at the bottom of your list. Spend little on the RAM unless you want a build that speaks premium quality. The presence of RGB adds an extra cost that has no effect on the performance but adds to the energy consumption. If you buy standard RAM with no overclocking capability, you will lose 20-30fps while playing AAA games like The Witcher 3 and Metro Exodus. In an Intel CPU, XMP preloaded profiles provide an easy one-click solution to overclocking, ideal for gamers who don’t want to tweak around with voltage, latency, and frequency for best performance. For AMD, you can use the JEDEC profile or manually tweak the RAM from the BIOS if your motherboard supports it.

As a general rule, dimensions should also be considered when buying volatile storage for a PC that utilizes an overclocking capable air-based cooler for its CPU. These coolers are large and mostly hang over the DIMM slots leaving limited space underneath. As for liquid coolers, they do not flow air over the RAMs like an air-based cooler, so be sure you have a large heatsink RAM if you want to overclock your RAM. While buying RAM, look for frequency, timings, and voltages. They provide a comprehensive view of the RAM performance. Make sure the RAM is dual-channel as it is faster than a single-channel memory. Most RAMs are multilayer PCBs for good heat transfer, so you don’t need to focus too much on them. We hope you find the right product for your PC with the performance you need and the looks you desire. If that’s so, go for the item that pleases your taste right away!

Frequently Asked Questions