Not all RAMs are built alike. Random access memory is crucial for the Performance of Gaming systems. As a gamer, you simply cannot compromise on speed and performance. If you are confused about which RAM to choose, you have come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll help you acquaint yourself with the ins and outs of RAM, and also help you find a brand that meets your needs and budget.
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Best RAM for Gaming
Finding the best RAM for gaming is not that difficult, provided that you know what you are looking for. The highlight of this guide are full reviews of the top 5 RAM models which have been selected based on a number of factors, such as price, design, user reviews etc. But before we jump to specific models, why not spend a minute or two on answering these fundamental questions:
What does RAM Do for Gaming and How Much do You Need?
As far as the first question – “what does RAM do for gaming?”- is concerned, it is fairly easy to answer. When it comes to gaming, it is right hardware that does the job. Most gamers, especially new ones, focus more on the CPU and the graphics, but RAM is crucial for great performance. Consider it an active participant while gaming.
Your RAM stores all the variables and content on your PC. The games launch into the RAM, at which point other hardware like your hard drive become passive. As you are playing, the RAM is reading and storing information. This information is sent to the graphics card, from where it returns and is stored back into the memory.
RAM is used instead of the hard drive directly because it is faster and is designed to store temporary information (such as gaming settings and saved data), unlike the hard drive where information is stored for longer periods.
The second question – “how much RAM do i need for gaming?” – however, has no definite answer. There are a lot of variables that go into making a particular RAM best for your PC.
The primary consideration (whether you agree or not) is price. For a gaming PC, you are already prepared to spend a little extra, but even then there is a cap on how much are you willing to spend.
The second important consideration is your need. ‘I need it for gaming’ you say, but that’s still kind of vague. What kind of games you want to play? How many hours a day you plan on gaming? Will you use your PC for other tasks as well? Once you answer these questions, you are better equipped to find a good RAM for your computer.
Now comes the technical part, namely, what should you be looking for in a RAM? Here’s a checklist to help you out:
- RAM type (DDR, SDRAM, DDR3, DDR4, SODIMM etc.)
- Frequency (Rule of thumb: higher frequency means higher performance – all other things being equal)
- Voltage (some RAMs require more than standard voltage, so check if your motherboard can supply it. You don’t want too much voltage though)
- Latency (lower timings reduce latency and increase bandwidth)
- 32 or 64 bit? (depends on RAM size)
Of course, also keep an eye out for warranty! Manufacturers that provide lifetime warranty help you save extra cash.
So now that you are familiar with what RAM is about and what it does for gaming, you are ready to go through the most popular models currently available.
Top 10 Best Gaming RAM for Gaming – Easy Comparison Table
RAM | Type | Frequency | Voltage | Sticks | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kingston HyperX FURY16GB Kit Read Full Review | DDR3 | 1866MHz | 1.35V | 2x8GB | CHECK PRICE |
HyperX FURY Black 16GB Kit Read Full Review | DDR4 | 2400MHz | 1.2V | 2x8GB | CHECK PRICE |
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB Read Full Review | DDR4 DRAM | 3000MHz | 1.5V | 2x8GB | CHECK PRICE |
Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB Kit Read Full Review | DDR3 | 1600 MHz | 1.5V | 2x8GB | CHECK PRICE |
Crucial 8GB Read Full Review | DDR3L | 1600MHz | 1.35V | 1x8GB | CHECK PRICE |
Corsair Vengeance 16GB | DDR4 | 3200Mhz | 1.35V | 2x8GB | CHECK PRICE |
ADATA XPG V1 | DDR3 | 2133MHz | 1.5V | 2x8GB | CHECK PRICE |
Ballistix Sport LT 8GB Kit | DDR4 | 2400 MHz | - | 2x4GB | CHECK PRICE |
Corsair Vengeance 16GB | DDR4 | 2666Mhz | 1.2V | 2x8GB | CHECK PRICE |
Kingston Technology HyperX Impact 16GB | DDR3L | 1600MHz | 1.35V | 2x8GB | CHECK PRICE |
Top 5 Best RAM for Gaming – Full Review for Best Deal
Now that you know the top 10 RAMs on the market right now, finding one for your gaming PC will definitely become easier. However, we will go one step ahead and review the top 5 of the lot, which will further narrow down your selection.
Best DDR3 RAM – Kingston RAM 16GB DDR3
Kingston is one of the trusted memory products manufacturers, and the Kingston RAM 16GB DDR3 is definitely a contender for the best DDR3 RAM. Let’s check it out.
Design isn’t the first thing you think about when buying a RAM and that too for gaming. Nevertheless, the manufacturers do design their products in unique ways.
Although the RAM we are reviewing is black, there are several color kits available that you can easily match with your system’s color scheme. All kits, however, feature a black PCB, perhaps for added aesthetic value.
You are getting 16GB of RAM on this one, which works superbly for a gaming PC.
One of the defining features of this RAM that it comes with a PNP (Plug and Play) feature, which is basically its ability to boot up at its rated speeds and timings from the moment you plug it in your PC. So even if you are not computer-savvy, you will have no problems during the initial set up.
- Lifetime warranty
- 100% tested for reliability
- 5V voltage
- 16GB (2x8GB)
- 1866MHz frequency
- CAS Latency: 9,10
- PNP (Plug and Play)
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Best DDR4 RAM for Gaming – HyperX Fury DDR4 16GB RAM
As already mentioned, Kingston has a track record of providing great memory products for PC users and gamers alike. Let’s see what the HyperX Fury DDR4 16GB RAM (dubbed by some as the best DDR4 RAM for gaming) has in store for us.
This model has nice aesthetics, featuring a black and silver theme. As already noted above, Kingston has incorporated a black PCB, which perfectly goes with the heat spreaders.
The height of the heat spreaders make them receptive to large air cooling solutions. These are asymmetrical and constructed rather well, with a ventilation area on top to let the heat escape.
This RAM performs just like a DDR4, 2400MHz RAM should, and that’s saying a lot.
This kit fares better than its counterparts because of its overclocking potential. This RAM is suitable for all your needs, whether you wish to overclock for higher MHz or lower timings.
And since DDR4, you are getting a speed way higher than 1866 MHz (see previous review).
- CL14
- 2133MHz frequency
- 2V voltage
- PNP functionality
- Automatic overclocking
- 100% factory tested
- Compatible with all top motherboard brands
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Best 16GB RAM – Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM
Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 RAM has been designed to provide high performance overclocking which is great for heavy gamers. That is why we can call it one of the best 16GB RAM out there.
The design of this RAM is not too praiseworthy. It features a basic black aluminum heat spreader. However, the low-profile design is suitable for fitting into smaller spaces. This makes this RAM suitable for smaller cases or even systems where internal space is at a premium.
As stated in the product description, this RAM has been designed for high performance overclocking, and it does a decent and reliable job towards that end. Here is a RAM that stably handles overclocking levels. You are getting 16GB on two sticks, which is more than enough for most gamers
- 16GB (2 GB sticks)
- 3000MHz frequency
- 5V voltage
- Low-profile heat spreader design
- Designed for high-performance overclocking
- C15
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su_note note_color=”#b4dfac” text_color=”#000000″] There are no major performance issues with RAM, but it is extremely pricey in comparison to what it delivers. [/su_note]
Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB: Great Design and Performance
Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB has a great design and offers great performance as well. Let’s look at the features that make it a RAM worth buying.
This RAM comes in white, and comes in military camo pattern. This RAM also comes in good size which makes it suitable for almost all types of set-ups out there. Both sides of the modules have alloy heat sinks which are also white, and the Ballistix Sport DDR4 logo is embossed in the center. Over all it is a good design.
As far as the performance is concerned, this RAM is fast. Its 1600 MHz speed is ideal for faster gaming without lag. Another great thing about this RAM is that it offers easy installation. Just remove the sticks from the plastic wallet and install them, and the PC will boot with no major issues.
- DDR3
- 16GB (2x8GB)
- Dual Channel Kit
- 1600MHz frequency
- 5V voltage
- Aluminum heat spreader
- Tested for reliability
- Industry standard specifications
Pros | Cons |
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Best DDR3 8GB RAM – Crucial 8GB Single DDR3
For our final review we have picked out something from Crucial. Here’s an overview of the company’s DDR3 8GB Single PC RAM.
We can say for sure that this RAM was not built for aesthetics! Without the Crucial branding on the side, you cannot distinguish this RAM from any other. This may be a downside for some who emphasize on PC design as much as performance. However, this RAM has a good build quality.
8GB is good memory, but gaming enthusiasts will want more. However, this RAM performs well for its price tag. It has a 204-pin SODIMM, and is great for those who want fast and smooth gaming. It works well for most games, and it boosts your multitasking capabilities and also extends battery life.
- 8GB
- DDR3L
- 1600 MHz frequency
- 35V voltage
- Reliable
- SODIMM (small outline dual inline memory modules)
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Final Word
So that’s about it. We hope that this guide was comprehensive enough to help you sort the perfect RAM for your gaming PC from all that’s available on the market. Once you determine your budget and needs, this guide will help you buy the perfe.
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