A small upgrade may change your life by saving you a big investment while giving you what you need. Just because your PC cannot keep up with your current workload demands, you don’t have to get rid of it and buy a new one. Making a minor upgrade may give it a new life. Storage and memory determine the performance of your system. And when it comes to speed, memory takes precedence. And the good news is a memory upgrade is a cheap and quick way to boost your system’s performance. Ideally, a 16 or 32GB kit delivering a speed of 3,200MHz for Intel processors and 3,600MHz for AMD’s newest CPUs should suffice for most purposes. Choosing a RAM kit running at a higher speed may be an unnecessary expense.
Here’s a quick guide to choosing the best RAM kit for your system.
16GB is a safe choice. For most mainstream activities, even 8GB should suffice. However, numerous open browser tabs and other running apps might quickly deplete this resource. Given that there’s a minor difference between the prices, 16GB is the better option.
You don’t need to go any faster than your system. Most mid-range motherboards and processors have speed limitations. If your system supports only 2,666MHz, it’s pointless to go the extra mile. The speed won’t be any higher. Therefore, do check the speeds supported by your motherboard and processor before choosing a RAM stick.
Speeds matter most when you are using integrated graphics. Fast memory helps if you don’t have a dedicated graphics card. However, if higher-clocked memory is too costly, you might do with a dedicated card.
Faster memory does not have a significant impact on many applications. There are not many apps that benefit from better-timing RAM. Therefore, it helps to make sure that the programs you most frequently use are memory-sensitive. You might want to invest in your storage, graphics, or processing power to improve your overall performance.
Heat spreaders are a frivolity. Most memory kits do not run fast enough to necessitate heat spreaders. If you have adequate airflow through the system, you can safely go with bare sticks.
We have put together a list of some best RAM sticks to make it easier for you to make your choice.
- Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4-3200 (4 x 8GB)
Aesthetics comes second to performance when it comes to technology. However, Corsair is a perfectionist that combines the best of both worlds. The Vengeance RGB PRO DDR4-3200 is one example. The kit offers 4 8GB DIMMs (for a total of 32GB) with a CAS of 16 for a fairly reasonable price. And the kit isn’t just a pretty face, it delivers performance in benchmark tests.
The kit receives a bushel of kudos on account of its excellent performance and reasonable price, while its pastel hues may be off-putting to some builders. The pastel hues might be a bummer, though.
This kit from Corsair outperformed our previous favorite, the HyperX Predator RGB, in every speed category except DDR4-4000, which it didn’t reach. Corsair also offers a greater XMP value with a lower price tag than the competition, making the Vengeance RGB Pro the clear victor and a fantastic addition to your next RGB build.
- TeamGroup T-Force Xtreem ARGB DDR4-3600 (2 x 8GB)
The Xtreem ARGB DDR4-3600 kit is a commendable effort by TeamGroup that clears all tests. Whether lit up or turned off, the memory kit looks great and operates just as well. The Xtreem ARGB is, in fact, the fastest DDR4-3600 C14 memory kit we’ve ever tested.
Only a few 16GB DDR4-3600 C14 memory modules with a capacity of 16GB (2x8GB) are currently available. The Xtreem ARGB is the most affordable option, costing around $150. Our only complaint is that it isn’t always available.
- Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-4400 (2 x 8GB)
Patriot’s Viper Steel 16GB DDR4-4400 kit is a fantastic high-performance choice for a system that can handle its top speed or workloads that can benefit from it.
The kit lacks RGB lighting. However, the design simplicity of the module has helped Patriot enhance the performance of various applications. The kit is for pure gaming rigs and targeted builds tailored for particular activities.
- Patriot Viper RGB DDR4-3600 (2 x 8GB)
Patriot’s Viper RGB defies the fashion of decorative elements being paired with conventional DRAM ICs, driving data speeds to 4,133MHz. This DDR4-3600 option is just a tad more expensive than the white-LED alternative and much less expensive than competing devices with identical latency. At this speed, it’s a wonderful deal, while slower kits offer more savings.
Proven to be the quickest DDR4-3600 kit so far, Patriot’s Viper RGB DDR4-3600 kit is a wonderful deal for those who want overclocking capabilities as well as RGB LEDs.
The Patriot Viper RGB DDR4-3600 may not have elaborate software-controlled RGB lighting, but it is still an affordable and high-performance option loved by those who don’t care about aesthetics.
- Patriot Viper 4 DDR4-3400 (2 x 8GB)
It may lack elaborate, decorative RGB lighting, and there are speedier options available for greater prices, as well as lower-cost options. Patriot’s Viper 4 DDR4-3400 16GB C16 is ideal for users on the lookout for an affordable option with performance.
Two 8GB modules with XMP values of DDR4-3400 CAS 16-18-18-36 are included in the kit. Those last three configurations aren’t particularly impressive, but DDR3 fans should keep in mind that 16 cycles at a speed of 3400 MHz have just as much latency as 8 cycles at 1700 MHz. This kit is an exceptional DRAM overclocking value as well as some attractive red heatsinks to ensure that your memory looks nice enough to display in your glass case.
- Patriot Viper Steel DDR4-3200 (2 x 16GB)
Consumers who prefer performance to everything have just two reasons to stop at DDR4-3200: either they’re attempting to save money or they’re trying to squeeze good performance out of a system that can’t go much faster.
Patriot’s Viper Steel 3200 32GB beats the competition on pricing for both reasons (but mainly the first), surpassing the top competitor by approximately 18%. Other than the same mid-range rates as its competitors, there are no performance compromises.Looking for best RAMs and IT Hardware at affordable rates visit Memory Clearance.
