If you don’t want your PC or laptop to behave like an old lady crossing the road, — you need the right RAM. We’ve compiled the top 6 best RAM options to make your computer run as fast as a cat that accidentally touched a robot vacuum cleaner. The selected models are not only fast but also reliable. And they won’t hit your wallet too hard!
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We are guided by the principle: the bigger the better. 16 GB — this is the minimum that is suitable for office work or surfing the Internet. 32 GB — this is the golden mean, which will ensure comfortable gaming and stable work with media content. 64+ GB — this is the level of a professional, when your tasks are editing video in 4K, working with neural networks or running heavy games.
If you only plan to watch TV shows and work in Office 365, then why do you need 32 GB? Also, consider the possibility of upgrading in the future. If your motherboard still has free slots, you can start with 16 GB and add another slot later. It is advisable that the new slot(s) have identical specifications to the ones already installed.
Memory frequency directly affects the speed of data processing, so the higher the frequency, the faster your programs and games run. This is especially true in gaming and when working with graphics or video.
This is the delay between request and fulfillment. Imagine that you ordered a pizza: the faster it is delivered, the better. Timings work in the same way — the smaller the value, the faster your memory responds to CPU requests.
For example, CL16 is considered a good indicator for DDR4, and CL40 is the norm for DDR5, although high-speed models may have other values. High frequencies with low timings — the perfect combination to maximize performance.
However, you shouldn’t always go for the lowest timings, as the difference may only be noticeable in specific tasks, such as overclocking or professional gaming.
You should only upgrade to DDR5 if your motherboard and processor support it. If not — DDR4 is still a great choice with an excellent price-performance ratio.
Don’t forget to check what type of memory your system supports to avoid any unpleasant surprises when you upgrade.
One of the most important criteria. Your motherboard must support not only the type and amount of memory, but also the frequency and timings. Otherwise, it’s like trying to insert a VHS tape into a Blu-ray player.
Check the compatibility list on the motherboard manufacturer’s website. Some models may not work well with certain RAM strips, even if they nominally support them.
Also pay attention to the number of available slots and the maximum amount of memory supported by your system.
If you are planning to overclock or just want your memory to work stably under load, you should pay attention to models with efficient cooling. Heat sinks help to reduce temperatures and increase stability.
Some models are equipped with RGB backlighting — it doesn’t add to performance, but it looks very impressive. Although it’s a matter of taste, of course. Sometimes good looks are also important, especially if you have a case «aquarium».
For casual use, regular non-cooled bars will also work, but if you like overclocking and maximum performance — it’s better not to skimp.
When choosing RAM, pay attention to the manufacturer’s reputation. Brands such as Corsair, G.Skill, and Kingston are trusted for their product quality and reliability. Warranty — another important criterion: many manufacturers offer a lifetime or long-term warranty for their memory modules. This shows confidence in the quality of the product and gives you peace of mind as a buyer.
G.Skill Ripjaws S5 DDR5 2×32Gb — One of the market leaders in the high-performance PC memory market. Its 6400MHz clock speed are synonymous with fast performance for demanding tasks such as rendering, video editing, 3D graphics, and of course, gaming.
G.Skill Ripjaws supports modern Intel and AMD processors, as well as motherboards that support the DDR5 standard. This is important for those who plan to build a PC based on the latest technology, as DDR5 allows for better performance compared to the previous generation of DDR4.
The model has built-in radiators for better cooling, which is significant when working with high frequencies. There is no RGB backlight. On the plus side, the height is 33 mm, which can be important if you are building a mini-ITX build.
The price of this memory is higher (from 8694 to 13262 UAH) than the average, but it is a real choice for enthusiasts who do not want to compromise. It is ideal for users who want to get the best performance out of their system and are not afraid to invest in the best.
Kingston FURY 2×16GB — the best option for gamers who want high speed but are not ready to spend a lot of money. The 6000 MHz frequency is sufficient for most modern games, and 32 GB allows you to play comfortably, run other programs or stream without noticeable delays.
Models with EXPO technology do not require complex setup. They are automatically recognized by the motherboard, making them ideal for users who don’t want to spend time manually adjusting memory settings.
Kingston FURY 2×16GB is an excellent choice for future upgrades as well, as it offers good compatibility with new AMD and Intel platforms. You can easily upgrade other computer components without worrying about the RAM not meeting the requirements of new technologies.
Kingston is one of the most well-known and reliable brands on the market, which guarantees the high quality and durability of their products. They offer a lifetime warranty on this memory, which adds further confidence in its reliability. For the amount from 4814 to 5954 UAH.
Kingston Fury Beast DDR4 2×16Gb — a budget solution for those who want to get enough memory at a reasonable price. The 3200 MHz frequency and 32 GB capacity allow you to run most modern games comfortably, as well as work with everyday tasks.
The memory is based on the widespread DDR4 standard, which guarantees compatibility with most PCs that do not support newer standards.
It’s a smart choice for gamers who don’t want to run games at the highest graphics settings, but still want a good level of performance for everyday tasks.
Kingston Fury Beast DDR4 2×16Gb — an ideal choice for those who have a limited budget but want good RAM to run most games. Don’t forget about the affordable price tag from 2512 to 3660 levels.
GOODRAM IRDM DDR5 2×16Gb offers a frequency of 6000 MHz, which guarantees fast data exchange and improves overall system efficiency. This memory is ideal for demanding gaming, video editing, and graphics work.
The current DDR5 standard — means higher bandwidth and better energy efficiency than DDR4. In addition, IRDM modules have a stylish design with heat sinks for efficient cooling, which helps to avoid overheating even under heavy load.
However, DDR5 timings (values that indicate how long it takes to process data) are still slightly higher than top-of-the-line DDR4 modules, which can slightly affect speed in some tasks. Although this difference is often negligible in practice, it is noticeable to enthusiasts and those looking for maximum performance.
Price for GOODRAM IRDM DDR5 2×16Gb is not too high (from 4222 to 6486 UAH), and considering the future, an investment in DDR5, especially in a reliable and productive configuration (you’re building one, right?), looks very justified.
GOODRAM IRDM — is a great choice for those who don’t want to overpay but need stable performance for everyday tasks. The 3200 MHz frequency allows you to work with office applications, watch 4K videos, and run light games without any problems.
This memory supports the DDR4 standard, so installing it in most laptops will not be a problem. It works on the principle of «plug and play» without the need to manually configure timings.
GOODRAM is known for its reliability and stable performance. If you are looking for energy-efficient RAM, this model will be a great choice as it combines reliability and efficiency for a reasonable price of 1211 to 1745 UAH.
If your usage scenarios are web surfing, document work, and multimedia viewing, GOODRAM — is the right choice to speed up your laptop. It will provide you with it without overspending, which is important when you have a limited budget.
G.Skill Trident Z5 combines high performance with aesthetic design, ideal for gamers and enthusiasts.
This kit delivers high data transfer speeds, which significantly improves overall system performance, especially in demanding applications and games. Support for Intel XMP 3.0 makes it easy to customize memory for optimal performance without having to manually enter settings in the BIOS. Although experienced overclockers will be able to «squeeze» out of it even more!
Design Trident Z5 RGB features an elegant black matte finish aluminum heat sink with transparent RGB lighting that adds aesthetic appeal to your system. The backlight is compatible with popular RGB effect software, allowing you to synchronize it with other components.
It is worth noting that due to its high clock speed and low latency, this kit consumes more power (1.4V) compared to other DDR5 modules, which may require a more efficient cooling system.
Overall, G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 2×32 GB is an excellent choice for those looking for a combination of high-performance and stylish design for their system. The price for a set is from 10097 to 13306 UAH.