Adding RAM to a PC can get quite expensive pretty quickly, and with a variety of different technical specifications, knowing which kit is the best is incredibly tough.
Some of the technical specifications to look out for are the RAM capacity, speed, and timing. While the RAM capacity of each kit does vary, a 16 GB kit is usually the sweet spot for a gaming computer, while video editors and content creators usually for a 32 GB capacity.
The RAM speed is also incredibly important and is often correlated with the RAM timings. The speed can range from 3,000 MHz to upwards of 6,000 MHz, and the faster RAM is primarily used in video editing/rendering PCs.
RAM timing is a more technical specification related to how quickly each chip on each module responds to a request for information.
Let's dive into some of our top picks for RAM available right now, and if you're after something more specific, well the folks at Stealth Optional have their top picks for the Best RAM for Ryzen Processors right here, alongside everything you need to know about DDR5!
Best RAM
- PNY XLR8 Gaming EPIC-X RGB™
- Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 16GB 5200MHz
- Viper Steel Series DDR4 32GB 3600 MHz Module
- Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB RAM DDR4-4266 Kit
- OLOy DDR4 RAM 16GB Blade Aura Sync RGB RAM Kit
- Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB RAM DDR4-3200 Kit
- OLOy DDR4 RAM 64GB Warhawk Aura Sync RAM Kit
- Corsair Vengeance LPX 128GB DDR4 DRAM 3000MHz RAM Kit
Best RAM kit 16 GB single module - PNY XLR8 Gaming EPIC-X RGB™
click to enlarge
+ 8Adding RAM is an upgrade that many PC builders do to ensure that their systems can handle video editing, streaming, or games. Adding more RAM to a system is an easy task, to ensure that the RAM is performing to its highest ability, is a much tougher task.
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This PNY XLR8 module features RGB lighting, a maximum RAM speed of 3,200 MHz, and a capacity of 16 GB.
It features an aluminium heat spreader to ensure that heavy workloads don't overheat.
Best DDR5 RAM - Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 16GB 5200MHz
click to enlarge + 8If you're looking to upgrade with a standout DDR5 RAM, the Kingston FURY Beast could be the choice for you.
This RAM offers a solid 16GB of memory and a blistering speed of up to 5,200MHz, which should be excellent to take your gaming setup to the next level.
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This also features ODECC technology, which helps maintain data integrity even when you're performing complex and demanding tasks.
The Kingston FURY Beast is also Intel XMP 3.0-Ready and qualified by world-leading motherboard manufacturers.
Best RAM kit 32 GB single module - Viper Steel Series DDR4 32GB 3600 MHz Module
click to enlarge + 8Upgrading and fixing a PC is part of the reason many PC owners decide to build their own computer rather than buy a pre-built computer.
One of the easiest upgrades, for a majority of PCs, is adding an additional RAM module. It features a RAM capacity of 32 GB per module with a RAM speed of 3,600 MHz.
This Viper Steel Series DDR4 32GB 3600 MHz Module lacks any RGB but does feature support for the XMP 2.0 profile which allows for automatic overclocking and compatibility with both Intel and AMD motherboards.
Best RAM 16 GB kit - Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB RAM DDR4-4266 Kit
click to enlarge + 8Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB RAM DDR4-4266 Kit features two modules, both modules featuring 8 GB of capacity.
This RAM kit features a speed of 4,266 MHz, making it one of the fastest kits currently on the market. This faster speed may not be a crucial upgrade but can shorten loading times and potentially make your gaming experience better!
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The Timing and the speed may be just what your PC needs to speed up video renders or squeeze out all the performance possible while gaming!
Best RGB RAM 16 GB kit - OLOy 16GB Blade Aura Sync RGB Kit
click to enlarge + 8While this OLOy DDR4 RAM 16GB kit features a much more reasonable speed of 3,200 MHz, many more motherboards can easily support it.
This kit offers timings of CL 14, which is paired with the RGB LEDs located on the top of each module. Adding more RGB lighting that is customizable ensures your PC can be seen from far away.
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This kit features a capacity of 16 GB, which can work by itself or be perfect when added to your existing PC's RAM.
Best budget 16 GB RAM kit - Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB RAM DDR4-3200 Kit
click to enlarge + 8RAM prices vary greatly, sometimes they are on sale while other times the prices can be raised significantly. This kit may be a perfect choice for users looking to add more RAM without breaking the bank.
This Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB RAM kit features a much more common speed of 3,200 MHz with a timing of CL 16.
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To keep the costs low as possible while still offering good speed and timing, this kit forgoes any RGB lighting.
Best 64 GB RAM kit - OLOy DDR4 RAM 64GB Warhawk Aura Sync
click to enlarge + 8Video editors, serial PC upgraders, or content creators will know that more RAM is never a bad thing, so long as the speed and timings are still adequate for your PC's uses.
This OLOy DDR4 RAM 64GB kit offers some of the highest capacity, 64 GB in just two modules, saving space on the motherboard and allowing for even more expansion further down the line.
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This 64 GB kit offers a timing of CL 16, a RAM speed of 3,200 MHz, RGB lighting and an incredibly unique style. Perhaps even taking the title of most the attractive RAM!
Best 128 GB RAM kit - Corsair Vengeance LPX 128GB DDR4 DRAM 3000MHz Kit
click to enlarge + 8If you're looking to maximise your RAM, the Corsair Vengeance LPX 128GB could be for you.
For more demanding tasks, like high-end video editing and rendering, having 128 GB of capacity is incredibly important.
This kit features eight modules, with each module having 16 GB of capacity. These models feature no RGB lighting, instead focusing on providing a speed of 3,000 MHz.
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Since this kit features a maximum capacity of 128 GB, across eight modules, the motherboard that this kit is connected to will need to have enough slots for all the modules.
Frequently asked questions about RAM
Before deciding on which RAM to upgrade your PC with, there are a number of questions worth considering before proceeding with your purchase.
How many GB of RAM do I need?
The amount of RAM you need for your PC is dependent on your use.
We'd say if you're looking to play games on your PC you'd need at least 8GB of RAM to run most games on relatively low settings.
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For graphically intense gaming you'll most likely need at least 16GB but ideally 32GB if you're looking to max out on the latest AAA games.
If you're using your PC for extremely demanding tasks such as professional editing in 4K and high levels of multitasking, 64GB or more could be what you require.
Is DDR4 still good?
DDR4 Is still the standard used on most modern desktops and works effectively to provide you with fast RAM.
However, DDR5 is the latest technology for memory, and it offers greater capacity and bandwidth than DDR4.
With DDR5 being relatively new, it will currently set you back a lot more than DDR4 and so we'd say for those sticking to a budget, DDR4 is still a solid option.
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Which RAM is the fastest?
DDR4 is probably the fastest RAM out there, and it is commonly used by gamers and designers. The speed starts at 2400 MT/s and enables you to make full use of your system.