As we all know, RAM, which stands for random access memory, is a form of computer memory that allows you to read and write working data in any sequence you like. It stores the data that your computer is actively processing and enables you to access it regardless of when it was saved. It’s an essential component that determines the performance of your system. Therefore, the higher the RAM, the greater the overall performance and productivity.
Think about the sorts of workloads you’ll be undertaking if you’re buying a new PC or replacing the one you already have so you can obtain the best RAM kit for your system. All desktop PCs launched in the previous few years come with DDR4 RAM as standard. So that’s the easy part out of the way.
You’ll have a difficult time determining the impact of a faster RAM on your performance. If you’re operating an Intel-based PC with one of the best graphics cards, most programs won’t notice a difference in system memory speed. As the data rate grows, some programs, such as file compression tools, may scale up to the greatest possible data rates.
Higher memory frequencies, on the other hand, help AMD’s Zen-based CPUs significantly. The speed of the memory bus is linked to the company’s “Infinity Fabric” (internal bits that connect multiple blocks of circuitry inside Ryzen CPUs). On Ryzen and Threadripper processors, faster memory speeds generally translate to better real-world performance.
Finally, whether you’re using integrated graphics with an Intel or AMD processor, RAM speed makes a significant impact. Because most CPUs’ graphics hardware doesn’t have its own dedicated memory (unlike separate graphics cards), increasing the clock rate of your system RAM typically improves performance. Thus, quicker memory is the optimum RAM for these systems.
In brief, if you own an AMD or Intel chip and don’t have a dedicated graphics card, faster memory is preferable. If you don’t care about getting the most performance out of your hardware, DDR4-2133 RAM should work with any contemporary PC platform, Intel or AMD.
Here’s a quick and easy guide to choosing the right RAM for your needs
- For many folks, 16GB is the sweet spot right now. Programs grow in size and complexity with time; 1080p and 4K video are now popular, PC game files are always growing, and websites are becoming increasingly sophisticated. While multitaskers and power users may require 32GB to avoid using the much slower disk-based virtual memory, 16GB is far more inexpensive and enough for everyday productivity.
- On AMD-based motherboards, memory speeds claimed as part of an XMP profile may not be attainable. XMP is a type of automated memory overclocking feature built specifically for Intel motherboards. On AMD motherboards, some motherboard manufacturers include BIOS options to assist you in attaining these higher speeds. However, these options aren’t available on all boards, and even when they are, they don’t always work.
- If you own an Intel platform and want the fastest RAM speed possible, get a CPU from the K-series. The DDR4-2933 limit is the same for non-K-series Core i9, Core i7, and Core i5 CPUs as it is for Intel’s lower H470 and B460 chipsets. DDR4-2666 is the lowest memory limit for Core i3 CPUs. Although most motherboards lack XMP, those that do will be able to setup XMP memory with improved timings more simply. However, with Intel’s newest Rocket Lake platform, these regulations have altered. On H570 and B550 motherboards, memory overclocking is now possible.
- Always get a single memory kit for the capacity you require. Even if they’re from the same manufacturer and product line, never mix two memory modules or memory kits. Mixing and matching may not always yield a satisfactory outcome, and manual tuning may be necessary to ensure stability.
- Do you want the finest plug-and-play experience possible? If you wish to avoid manual intervention, choose a memory kit that matches the standard memory frequency supported by your CPU. DDR4-3200 is the standard for AMD’s Ryzen 5000 and Intel’s 11th Generation Rocket Lake CPUs, for example.
- Do you have a Rocket Lake processor? On Gear 1, keep in mind that only the Core i9 CPUs support DDR4-3200. DDR4-2933 on Gear 1 and DDR4-3200 on Gear 2 are supported by the remaining Rocket Lake processors.
- TeamGroup T-Force Xtreem ARGB DDR4-3600 (2 x 8GB)
The Xtreem ARGB DDR4-3600 C14 desktop memory kit was well-made by TeamGroup, and it checks all the appropriate criteria. When lighted up or turned off, the memory kit looks great and functions just as well. The Xtreem ARGB is, in fact, the fastest DDR4-3600 C14 memory kit we’ve ever tested.
- Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-4400 (2 x 8GB)
Patriot’s Viper Steel DDR4-4400 16GB kit is a good high-performance choice that also skips RGB for those with a system that can handle its highest speed and workloads that can benefit from it.
Patriot has been able to equip the Viper Steel with improved timings that substantially improve the performance of certain applications by keeping the kit basic. The Viper Steel DDR4-4400 fits nicely in this segment since the market for specialized systems built for specific activities is still competitive.
- Patriot Viper RGB DDR4-3600 (2 x 8GB)
Patriot’s Viper RGB defies the trend of aesthetic elements being paired with standard DRAM ICs, instead of boosting data speeds up to 4,133 megahertz (MHz). This DDR4-3600 package costs just $10 more than the white-LED variant and is significantly less expensive than rival solutions with comparable latency. At this pace, it’s a terrific deal. However, slower kits have a higher price advantage.
Patriot’s Viper RGB DDR4-3600 kit is the best DDR4 RAM for consumers who want to achieve high overclocking capabilities as well as show off RGB LEDs.
- Patriot Viper 4 DDR4-3400 (2 x 8GB)
It may lack sophisticated software-controlled RGB lighting, and there are speedier kits available for greater costs, as well as lower-cost kits. Patriot’s Viper 4 DDR4-3400 C16 16GB (PV416G340C6K) lies in a sweet spot of affordability and performance for many who don’t want or need their memory to sparkle like a rainbow.
- Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-3200 (2 x 16GB)
Consumers in the performance PC market have just two reasons to stop at DDR4-3200: either they’re attempting to save money or they’re trying to squeeze decent performance out of a machine that can’t go any faster.
For either group, especially the former, Patriot Patriot’s 32GB Viper Steel 3200 kit slams the competition on price – and that too without compromising performance.
- Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-3600 (2 x 32GB)
The Viper Steel DDR4-3600 C18 desktop memory kit is ideal for content developers and professionals who don’t have access to a lot of DDR4 memory slots. The memory kit excels at everything you throw at it, so performance is never an issue.
- G.Skill Trident Z Neo DDR4-3600 (2 x 16GB)
If you don’t go past the listed specifications, it’s easy to dismiss G.Skill’s Trident Z Neo DDR4-3600 C16 kit. However, this RAM kit offers performance and value in a variety of workloads.
The true value is concealed underneath the heat spreader: Samsung B-die ICs are used in the memory modules. You may improve performance by optimizing timings with a little patience and time. Your mileage may vary when it comes to overclocking.
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