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Introduction

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is the most important component for gaming. Having more RAM space in your PC or laptop means that the system will perform better. But how much RAM for gaming PCs do you truly require? And what is the ideal speed? If you’re looking to construct one of the greatest gaming PCs conceivable, you’ll need at least 16GB of RAM. You won’t be happy with anything less than two 8GB sticks or one 16GB stick.

Memory speed is important when gaming with integrated graphics on an Intel or AMD CPU. This is entirely dependent on the condition of your RAM. A faulty RAM will usually be useless. It will very surely reduce the frame rate, and you may be unable to play games at all. As a result, the memory clock speed of any random access memory becomes critical. A RAM card that has a good clock speed is significantly more efficient to utilize.

If you want to create a new PC with one of AMD’s or Intel’s newest CPUs, we’ve tested and selected the best RAM for gaming PCs. It’s an excellent moment to get a DDR4-based PC upgrade. Most games won’t make use of 32GB or above, but if you’re into editing or working with large files, it can be a worthwhile purchase. When it comes to speed, current CPUs require DDR4 RAM that operates at roughly 3,600MHz/3,200MHz. This should provide your CPU with sufficient bandwidth to handle gaming and work-related tasks.

Another crucial metric to examine is CAS latency. When it comes to CAS latency, the lesser the better. Look for CL16/CL18 or greater kits, since these provide the responsiveness we need for gaming. DDR4 is unquestionably the go-to system RAM at the moment, but DDR5 is starting to creep in with some crazy speeds. So some of our best RAM’s are mentioned below.

Points to Consider When Choosing the Best RAM for Gaming

When searching for the best RAM for gaming, it’s essential to consider several key factors that can make a difference in your gaming performance. Let’s explore these factors below:

Capacity

The capacity of RAM determines how much data can be stored and accessed quickly by the CPU. For modern gaming, a minimum of 16GB is recommended, although 32GB is becoming the new standard for an optimal gaming experience.

Compatibility with Your Motherboard

Before purchasing gaming RAM, ensure compatibility with your motherboard. Check the motherboard’s specifications for supported RAM types, speeds, and capacity. Investing in RAM that is not compatible can lead to compatibility issues and suboptimal performance.

Overclocking Potential

If you are an advanced user and want to push your gaming performance further, consider RAM with good overclocking potential. Overclocking allows you to increase the RAM speed beyond its default specifications, but it requires a compatible motherboard and proper cooling to prevent overheating.

Heat Spreader Design

Gaming sessions can be intense and put a strain on your hardware, including the RAM. Opt for RAM modules with heat spreaders, as they help dissipate heat and keep the temperature in check during extended gaming sessions, ensuring stability and longevity.

Aesthetics and RGB Lighting

For gamers who love to personalize their setups, many RAM modules come with RGB lighting options. While aesthetics don’t impact performance, they can enhance your gaming environment and create a visually appealing atmosphere.

BEST GAMING RAM

1. Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB DDR4-3200MHz

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Overclocking headroom

Great iCUE software

Very bright Capellix RGB LEDs

CONS

Very Costly

Module height may arise clearance concerns

Corsair’s Dominator Platinum has long been regarded as one of the top gaming DDR4 RAM kits. The Dominator Platinum RGB maintains the original’s best-in-class performance while adding higher-clocked SKUs and 12 individually controllable Capellix RGB Lights. Its elegant design, unique DHX cooling technology, and unsurpassed performance have helped it establish itself as a formidable flagship throughout the years.

The pricing is acceptable for a premium Memory bundle, but the Dominator Platinum kit still has a costly air to it. Nonetheless, whatever ability you want, it will not disappoint or fail you down. The Dominator Platinum RGB, like the rest of the RGB family, is controlled by Corsair’s iCUE software package. You will be able to import and synchronise your lighting profiles across all devices if you have any other Corsair RGB products.

By manually overclocking the kit, we were able to easily attain a consistent 4,000MHz. We got upwards of 4,200MHz with a little more tuning and slight voltage spikes, which most competitor kits struggled with. Overall, the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB DDR4-3200MHz kit is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-performance memory that combines top-quality components, stunning aesthetics, and easy installation.

2. G.Skill Trident Z Neo 32GB DDR4-3600MHz

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Ryzen ready and Super Fast

High speed and high capacity RGB kit

Great XMP performance

CONS

Not suitable for intensive media editing

Small clock speeds and timings

If you have an AMD Ryzen gaming Computer, the G.Skill Trident Z Neo is an excellent fit. The Trident Z Neo, like the original Trident Z RGB series, features dazzling RGB lighting done in a very stylish manner. Each module has five independently controllable RGB LEDs that may elegantly illuminate any Computer design.The XMP timings of the Trident Z Neo memory modules are 16-19-19-39, which aren’t the worst in the memory market.

This G.Skill Neo RAM kit operates at 3,600MHz, which places it in the sweet spot for low latency operation in red team gaming Systems. As a result, this is a more affordable alternative for mid-range setups with some flare. The Trident Z Neo is available in a variety of speeds and combinations ranging from 2,600MHz to 4,000MHz. We recommend the 3,600MHz kit, however you may be able to locate faster ones for a little extra money.

You may improve performance by optimising the timings with patience and time. When it comes to the overall performance of a Ryzen PC setup, the Trident Z Neo provides excellent value. One potential drawback of the Trident Z Neo series is the price. These RAM kits are not cheap, and the 32GB DDR4-3600MHz kit is no exception. However, if you are willing to invest in high-performance RAM, then the Trident Z Neo series is definitely worth considering.

3. Kingston Fury Beast 32GB DDR5-6000 C40

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Perfect compatibility and Fancy RGB

Comes with both EXPO and XMP

Relative value for money

CONS

Expensive

Limited OC headroom

The Kingston Fury Beast is a stylish and powerful DDR5 RAM kit perfect for almost any Computer enthusiast. It has made a reputation for itself and backed it up with expertise and outstanding results. Kingston’s Fury Beast kit foregoes dazzling LEDs and massive heat sinks in favour of a more discreet and understated appearance. The Fury Beast DDR5 RAM modules contain a black PCB with a low-profile aluminium heat spreader.

The 6,000MHz speed is impressive, and this RAM achieves it with excellent timing (40-40-40-80). The Kingston Fury Beast kit’s greatest strength is its value for money. It was one of the cheapest 2x16GB 6000MHz kits on the market at the time of writing. Each RGB LED stick has 10 zones. The diffuser gently blends separate lights together, preventing any unsightly hotspots.

The default specifications are adequate, but there is room for manual improvement. When compared to the Fury Beast’s intended specifications, it confirms what we’ve been saying about DDR5 RAM for quite some time. If you value performance above glitz, this is a DDR5 kit worth considering.

4. Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-3600 32GB (16×2)

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Aluminium heat spreader

Competitive performance

Built for both Ryzen and Intel

CONS

Don’t expect to overclock with these

Some buyers want RGB

Viper Steel RGB DDR4 RAM is intended for exceptional performance and comes with wonderfully adjustable RGB lights to perfectly complement your entire Computer setup. The Viper Steel RGB line, designed for the newest Intel® and AMDTM processors, offers optimal performance mixed with aggressive radiating LED lights. This 32GB kit comes with two 16GB unbuffered DIMMS with DDR4 memory and a 3600 MHz clock speed with timings of 18-22-22-42. Moreover, XMP 2.0 compatibility allows for simple overclocking for maximum performance.

This dual-channel system operates at a mind-boggling 3600Mhz. That’s ideal for gamers, video editors, and home developers alike, especially at such a low cost. This RAM kit has a 288-pin interface, runs on 1.35V of power, and has an aluminium heatsink for effective cooling. Provide strong steel performance even in the most demanding situations.

The aluminium heatshield on the Viper Steel RGB allows for maximum heat dissipation while maintaining peak performance. In our fundamental performance-to-price comparison, its cheap price puts it considerably ahead of even the least costly competition. As a consequence, value shoppers in the performance PC market have a new champion.

5. Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB 5200MHz DDR5

SPECIFICATIONS

PROS

Great overclocking potential

Stellar performance

Excellent design and Quick frequency

CONS

Limited OC headroom

Extremely expensive

Corsair has been creating high-performance memory modules. If you’re looking for high-end gaming RAM performance for your Intel 12th gen-enabled machine, the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5-5200 has you covered. The black aluminium heat spreaders are hefty and sturdy. Even the typefaces on the sides are stylish, even if you’ll never see them incorporated into your setup. These heat spreaders would be excellent if DDR5 required extensive cooling.

We believe that 5200MHz is a decent sweet spot DDR5 kit for a standard 12th Gen system. Bespoke XMP 3.0 profiles included within the RAM allow you to rapidly adjust the factory to overclock settings, giving you an instant performance increase right out of the box. When everything is in sync, a Corsair case, RAM, cooler, and keyboard/mouse combo may look amazing.

The RGB may be tweaked as usual using Corsair’s proprietary iCUE software. Importantly, Corsair DDR5 charges a price that varies greatly depending on market. If you don’t mind paying a little more than a standard kit, the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB kit will suffice. In fact, when compared to some of the other alternatives available, it provides reasonable value for money.

Conclusion

Investing in the best RAM for gaming can significantly improve your gaming experience, providing smoother gameplay, reduced load times, and better multitasking capabilities. Remember to consider factors such as speed, capacity, compatibility, and aesthetics when selecting your gaming RAM. Now that you are equipped with valuable insights, it’s time to unleash the full potential of your gaming rig with the perfect RAM modules. Choose wisely and get ready to embark on unforgettable gaming adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the minimum RAM required for gaming?

While 8GB of RAM is the minimum requirement for many games, 16GB is recommended for a smoother gaming experience.

Q2. Is higher RAM speed always better for gaming?

Higher RAM speeds can improve gaming performance, but the actual gains may vary depending on other hardware components.

Q3. Can I mix different RAM modules in my gaming PC?

While it is possible to mix RAM modules, it is recommended to use identical modules to avoid compatibility issues.

Q4. How do I check my current RAM speed?

You can check your RAM speed through the BIOS or using various software tools available online.

Q5. Does RAM affect FPS in gaming?

RAM can have an impact on FPS (Frames Per Second) in gaming, especially when insufficient RAM leads to storage-based slowdowns.

Q6. Can I install more RAM on my laptop for gaming?

Most laptops have limited upgrade options, and not all laptops allow RAM upgrades. Check your laptop’s specifications and user manual to see if RAM upgrades are possible.