How to Pick the Best DDR4 RAM for Gaming in 2024: A Gamer’s Guide

If one were to buy the best DDR4 RAM for gaming in prior years, one might have to pay more than today. Recently, the DDR4 RAM has been available to everyone. Many tech gurus are connecting it to the advent and rise of DDR5 RAM technology.

In our opinion, that is when you see it comparatively and not objectively. The DDR4 RAM is still relevant, and the demand for the best DDR4 RAM is still high. We agree that it will inevitably be coming to the end of its life, but that end is still in the future. Many computer systems use this particular type of RAM, and for people who need to upgrade their old PCs, it is still considered the best RAM. Particularly for the parents of young gamers who need to boost their computer memory to make their children learn educational material through games. However, not just young gamers but new gamers who are looking to step into the world of leisure or competitive gaming can also benefit from this best RAM for gaming.

We have tested the best memory for gaming PCs to help the parents and save you from the hassle of researching the best DDR4 RAM for gaming and then reviewing each best RAM to sort out the best budget RAM and fastest DDR4 RAM. Now, the only question remains:

What is the best RAM for gaming?

The answer to this question is not a simple one-liner but rather a complex one. It comprises so many aspects and technical considerations that you cannot point or click on whatever name comes first when you search for the best DDR4 RAM for gaming in the search box. The RAM that you actually need, the RAM that is best for your system, and the RAM that will solve your speed problem can be all three different ones. This article will try to fuse these three RAMs into one to solve two of the three requirements, if not all.

The benefit of acquiring the best DDR4 RAM for gaming is that it serves all the purposes of regular computer use, as well as content creation tasks. Nowadays, content creation is mainly visual and requires more RAM and heavy graphic cards or GPU usage. If you are someone who is also into content creation and needs to know what type of graphic card you need for gaming as well, then this comparative review is informative.

It is relatively a good time to purchase DDR4 memory compared to the best DDR5 RAM because you can get 16GB at a slightly higher price than 8GB. 32GB or over is considered going overboard in terms of the best DDR4 RAM for gaming because most games don’t use it. However, if you are big on video editing or work on big files, then 32Gb is a sensible choice. Our advice is to go for dual-channel kits with a little difference in the total amount combining the two sticks. Buy two 8Gb sticks rather than a single 16Gb stick. It will help you get more out of your system.

Now, onto some of the very best DDR4 RAM for gaming.

Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB DDR4-3200

 

For a long time, the Dominator Platinum from Corsair was considered among the top DDR4 RAM kits for gamers. It has been an impressive flagship for a long time thanks to its modern design, proprietary DHX cooling technology, and unparalleled performance. Modern Dominator Platinum RGB DDR4 RAM from Corsair now has RGB lighting with Capellix LEDs, which looks great.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Speed: 3200MHz
• Timing: 16-18-18-36
• CAS Latency: 16
• Voltage: 1.35V
• DIMMs: 2x 16GB

Dominator Platinum RGB adds higher-clocked SKUs and 12 individually controllable Capellix RGB LEDs to the original’s best-in-class performance. Only Corsair sells the brighter, more efficient LEDs. The Dominator Platinum RGB is the best RGB and high-end performance kit, thanks to Corsair’s iCUE software. The new design resembles Corsair’s black Vengeance RGB line, but the lighting differs.

The original Vengeance RGB’s non-addressable LEDs limited the light bar to one hue. However, the newer Vengeance RGB Pro has ten independently addressable LEDs. The Dominator Platinum RGB uses Corsair’s iCUE software like the rest of the RGB range. You may import and synchronize lighting profiles from other Corsair RGB products. While replicating our unique keyboard lighting profiles was difficult, the 11 default lighting link settings worked wonderfully.

Performance-wise, the Dominator Platinum RGB delivers. A rigorous screening procedure and hand-sorted memory chips assure optimal stability out of the box and sufficient overclocking headroom for each kit. Corsair has mastered this, especially with the Dominator series. The Dominator Platinum RGB follows suit. AIDA64, MaxxMEM, Metro Exodus, and Apex Legends were tested on our quad-channel X299 bench with a Corsair 8x8GB test kit. Our kit performed similarly to the original Dominator Platinum and G.Skill’s Trident Z at 3,600MHz with factory XMP settings. The Dominator Platinum RGB overclocked better than rival kits, with a 5-percent performance differential.

A consistent 4,000MHz was easily achieved by manually overclocking the kit. With some tweaks and voltage boosts, we reached 4,200MHz, which most competing kits struggle with. Corsair wants to sell XMP-ready kits up to 4,800MHz, so this isn’t shocking. The Dominator Platinum RGB never exceeded 60 degrees Celsius, even under severe load and higher voltages. The pricing is similar to the non-RGB Dominator Platinum but is still higher than other kits in this list. If you don’t require flash or overclocking headroom, the lower-latency Team Xtreem kit is preferable to the Dominator, but it’s still worth considering if you’re memory tuning.

TeamGroup T-Force Xtreem ARGB DDR4-3600

The Xtreem ARGB DDR4-3600 C14 memory kit is an excellent product that TeamGroup developed. It truly satisfies all of the necessary requirements. Both when it is powered on and when it is turned off, the memory kit looks absolutely stunning and functions just as well. Currently, the Xtreem ARGB memory kit is the DDR4-3600 C14 memory kit that has proven to be the most efficient.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: TF10D416G3600HC14CDC01
• Capacity: 16 GB (2 x 8GB)
• Data Rate: DDR4-3600 (XMP)
• Timings: 14-15-15-35 (2T)
• Voltage: 1.45V
• Warranty: Lifetime

Only a few DDR4-3600 C14 memory kits with a capacity of 16 GB (2×8 GB) that are now available on the market for semiconductor memory. And with a price tag of $169.99, the Xtreem ARGB is the bargain of the bunch when it comes to the available options. The only thing that we have a problem with is that it is not readily available. Unfortunately, Direct Macro is the only vendor that presently carries the RAM kit; consequently, it may be challenging to locate.

Which brand of RAM is best for gaming?

Choosing the best brand for the best RAM is not a one-answer question. Different demands and needs of your rig require different specs of memory modules. Gaming PCs benefit greatly from RAM that has high capacity and excels in speed, latency, and compatibility. The brand of the best DDR4 RAM for gaming is subjective based on personal experience and build requirements. However, a few names provide variety in compatibility and performance.

• Corsair – A titan in the memory module enterprise, Corsair is understood for its extensive range of high-quality RAM, tailored for the whole thing from popular computing to hardcore gaming. Their Vengeance and Dominator series is particularly famous amongst gamers for its first-rate performance metrics, overclocking competencies, and dynamic RGB lights for those who love a customizable aesthetic.
• G.Skill – Renowned for their Trident Z series, G.Skill RAM is a cross-to for many gaming fanatics. These modules no longer appear smooth with their colorful RGB alternatives. However, they additionally deliver exceptional performance with excessive speeds and tight timings, which is best for demanding games and software.
• Kingston – With its HyperX logo, Kingston gives reminiscence that balances charge and overall performance. HyperX Fury and Predator collection, for example, are well-appeared for their plug-and-play capabilities at speeds that could fulfill each entry-level and experienced game enthusiast.
• Crucial – Known for their reliability and value, Crucial’s Ballistix RAM combines velocity and latency enhancements to fulfill the desires of gaming and overall performance fanatics. Their modules are designed for clean overclocking, making them a terrific preference for gamers trying to squeeze out more overall performance without breaking the bank.
• TeamGroup – Offering competitive performance with their T-Force series, TeamGroup has made a name for itself amongst gamers searching out speedy, reliable RAM at a respectable fee factor. Their modules frequently come with creative designs and RGB lights, attractive to game enthusiasts who value aesthetics as plenty as performance.

G.Skill Trident Z Royal 16GB DDR4-4000

 

The Trident Z Royal, from G.Skill—a brand known for top-notch binned memory and lightning-fast kits—combines a stylish look with 4,000MHz (effective) operation. These DIMMs are begging to be the showpiece components of a top-tier gaming PC, and such a PC would certainly not be lacking in performance.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Speed: 4000
• MHzTiming: 15-16-16-36
• CAS Latency: 15
• Voltage: 1.5V
• DIMMs: 2x 8GB

The Trident Z Royal kit’s DDR4-4000 with 15-16-16 timings may be the best mix of high frequency, low timings, and platform compatibility. It needs 1.5V, which is excessive for a default voltage, yet it will run year after year. Trident Z Royal is ideal for high-performance Intel setups and high-speed pairing. This kit feeds your CPU data quickly and ranks high in every benchmark we run.

You may also overclock this kit. This G.Skill Trident Z Royal kit has the respected Samsung B-Die IC, which scales with voltage. You can push this kit above its claimed specs with a competent CPU memory controller and motherboard. We got it to 4,400MHz without adding voltage; however, we had to cut latency to meet our OC needs.

The fundamental Trident Z design hasn’t altered much in years, yet it’s never looked better. The mirror-like silver or gold finish makes the modules seem luxurious and need a windowed case. Crystalline light bars with RGB goodness atop the modules produce dazzling, vibrant colors. It may be too bright.

As always, looks are subjective, but this kit is gorgeous. Though fingerprint-prone, the mirror finish is only a problem if you must contact it. The silver version here would elevate practically any build. The Trident Z is ideal for most high-end PC setups that use DDR4 memory, while AMD Ryzen users may prefer a slower 3,600MHz kit.

Kingston’s HyperX FURY DDR4

 

Among the several memory options offered by HP’s gaming division, HyperX FURY DDR4 stands out. Its target audience is new and thrifty gamers seeking the sweet spot between power and performance. Kingston makes all of the HyperX FURY memory, and it’s compatible with the most popular Intel and AMD chipsets. For beginner-level games, go with HyperX FURY DDR4 RAM; for intermediate-level apps, go for top-tier. If you’re an expert gamer or content creator looking to run apps heavy on system resources, you might want to search elsewhere for the ideal RAM.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Memory Type: UDIMM
• Kit Capacities: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
• Multi-Channel Kits: Dual and Quad
• Speeds: 2666MHz to 3733MHz
• Voltages: 1.2V and 1.35V

Gaming and content developers who wish to update without going all out with DDR5 can choose HyperX FURY DDR4. Low power consumption makes it the best RAM for cooler, quieter PCs.

Using hungry apps for a while will tell you how much an undemanding memory may help. Every HyperX FURY memory is plug-and-play. System recognition and overclocking are automatic with the module.

The low profile and beautiful design look nice on transparent PCs. HyperX FURY single-stick memory capacities are 4GB to 32GB. Max kit capacity is 128GB. Memory modules aren’t usually beautiful. These parts must be functional, not glamorous. The appearance of each component may make or break a transparent chassis gaming PC.

Users can use the HyperX FURY DDR4 for performance and aesthetics. They have asymmetrical modules with low-profile heat spreaders. Colorful RGB is the most appealing option. FURY DDR4 supports Intel and AMD chipsets.

XMP-able and verified memory. It can overclock to 3733MHz with Intel’s aggressive memory profile. They’re cheap and suitable for novices. The initial system you create can use a 4GB or 8GB kit to get up to 32GB (depending on your PC’s channels) and save money.

Additionally, the HyperX FURY DDR4 is prepared for Ryzen. You build better with it because it works well with AMD systems. The RAM is enough to run most games and apps on a new or upgraded PC. Reduced power consumption is another HyperX FURY DDR4 attribute. It’s not DDR5, but it’s low enough for powerful gameplay. Many DDR4 modules draw 1.2 volts, compared to 1.4 volts for most. Some brand RAMs are 1.35 volts. Therefore, check module specs if low power usage is important.

What we want most from a memory is performance and the HyperX FURY DDR4 delivers. Gameplay and creative app use are smooth on all 16GB+ possibilities. Lower RAMs are fast but not fast enough for demanding apps.

Crucial Ballistix MAX RGB 4400 MHz

To tell you the truth, you should only think about purchasing the fastest DDR4 RAM if you want to overclock your DDR4 computer to the breaking point. At the same time, in order to take advantage of these incredible speeds, you will also require a motherboard that is of the highest quality and is capable of withstanding the pressure that is being applied.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Kit Configuration: 2x 8 GB
• Speed: PC4-35200 (4400 MHz)
• Memory Type: DDR4
• Voltage: 1.4 V
• CAS Latency: CL19

Providing that you possess the necessary equipment and have the courage to do so, there is little doubt that a dual-channel set operating at 4400MHz will function faultlessly for many years to come. However, when it comes to gaming in particular, you should anticipate only a slight increase in framerate, which can vary depending on the game (often somewhere between five and ten additional frames per second). Actually, the gaming capabilities of a set like this are less important than what they can accomplish for the day-to-day running of your rig. This is because the latter is more important.

How do I choose the best RAM for gaming?

Choosing the best RAM for your gaming system is a mixture of understanding your system’s needs and balancing the performance characteristics of the RAM itself. Key considerations when choosing a RAM to enhance your gaming experience:

Capacity: How much do you need?

• 16GB: This is the sweet spot for gamers, providing enough headroom for almost all modern gaming and some multitasking.
• 32GB: For those with heavy multitasking, streaming while gaming, or using RAM-intensive software along with games, 32GB could be an option.
• 8GB: Recommended only for budget-conscious big builds or low-complexity gaming. However, it is increasingly recognized as inadequate for today’s gaming needs.

Speed: The Faster, The Better?

• The speed of RAM, measured in MHz, affects how quickly it can handle tasks. Speeds from 3200MHz to 3600MHz for DDR4 strike a good balance of cost and performance for gaming.
• Faster RAM can provide a better performance, especially in high-CPU-intensive games or tasks, but the benefits can go away beyond certain speeds depending on the capabilities of your CPU and motherboard.

Latency: Lower is Leaner

• Latency (CL) refers to the time delay between entering and executing a command. Low latency means faster data access and slightly improved performance.
• Compare CAS Latency to speed; sometimes, a slightly slower RAM with low latency can outperform a faster RAM with more latency.

Compatibility: Ensuring a Perfect Fit

• Motherboard compatibility: Check your motherboard’s specifications for supported RAM types (DDR4, DDR5), speed, and maximum capacity.
• CPU compatibility: Some CPUs and motherboards are optimized for specific speeds and RAMs, affecting overall system performance.
• Physical compatibility: Be sure to use the RAM with other resources, especially if you have a large CPU cooler. Some high-performance RAMs have high thermal dissipators that can interfere with CPU cooling.

Aesthetics and Extra Features: Because Looks Matter Too

• RGB lighting and custom heat spreaders can add flair to your room, but they can’t improve efficiency. Decide based on your personal preferences and budget.
• If you’re interested in changing the look of your layout, software compatible with the RGB control is worth considering.

With careful consideration of these factors, you can choose a RAM that not only suits your gaming needs but also provides the best balance between performance, compatibility, aesthetics and cost.

Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-2666

 

The H370 and B360 chipsets manufactured by Intel instruct its Core i5 processors and higher to disable any memory settings that exceed DDR4-2666. This is a terrible development in a market that has progressed much beyond that level. In the market for enthusiast personal computers, DDR4-3200 has reached the mainstream level, and memory vendors who cater to enthusiasts and gamers frequently treat it as if it were a mainstream product. As a result, the most effective method for acquiring a brand-new DDR4-2666 kit that is of the highest possible performance would be to dial the time machine back to 2016 and acquire the high-performing equipment from that era. Despite this, Corsair has a solution to the problem.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: CMK16GX4M2A2666C16
• Capacity: 16GB (2 x 8GB)
• Data Rate: DDR4-2666
• Timings: C16-18-18-36
• Voltage: 1.20V
• Warranty: Lifetime

Using older, low-density chips to pack its 8GB DIMMs with two ranks, rather than the single rank that its competitors use, was an easy workaround for Corsair to adopt in order to circumvent the performance issue that was caused by Intel’s DDR4-2666 limit. The best part is that they did this without significantly raising the prices of the products. We suggest it for anyone whose XMP-compatible platform has a maximum data rate of DDR4-2666, which includes the majority of commercially boxed H370 and B360 motherboards.

Is DDR4 3200 good for gaming?

DDR4 3200MHz RAM is a great way to balance gaming, performance, cost and compatibility. This speed is often described as a sweet spot for gamers, offering a significant improvement over low-speed DDR4 without the significantly higher price of high-speed modules. This ensures that memory bandwidth is sufficient for today’s gaming volumes just so that your system doesn’t consume RAM for performance.

Most current generation CPUs and Motherboards also fully support 3200MHz, making it a hassle-free way to upgrade PCs and upgrade old ones even though faster RAM is available and a 3200MHz price-to-performance ratio offers good value for the gamer population area, smooth gameplay that is indispensable. In addition to what it provides, it is a future-proof option that is still suitable for upcoming game titles, ensuring that your gaming setup remains competitive. DDR4 3200MHz is an ideal choice for those who want to balance their premises between high performance and a reasonable budget.

Kingston HyperX Predator RGB DDR4

Thanks to Kingston, we have a 4 x 8 GB quad-channel unit of DDR4-2933 MHz RAM to test today. We heard about their new HyperX Predator RGB series of DDR4 at CES 2018. This memory is unlike any other because of its groundbreaking Infrared Sync technology, which ensures that all of your RAM modules remain in sync with each other no matter what operating system you’re using. We have one set of DDR4 that looks great and fits into any system build because to its aggressive heatsink design. Now, let’s examine HyperX’s offerings more closely.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Part Number: HX429C15PB3AK4/32
• Capacity: 32 GB (4 x 8 GB)
• Type: DDR4 U-DIMM
• Voltage: 1.35 V
• Kit Type: Dual Channel
• Warranty: Lifetime

Even though it looks fantastic, the black aluminum heatsink won’t be seen in most systems after installation due to its aggressive form. You can see the HyperX logo in silver on one side of the memory module and the name Predator on the other. On the rear side of the module, HyperX has placed the product label that contains the standard information such as model number, serial number and various other codes.

You will notice the top edge once you install the HyperX Predator RAM into your system. Here, we see the HyperX moniker in the middle of a split heat spreader, which increases the surface area available for cooling. In our opinion, the heatsink is well-designed; it’s simplistic in appearance but offers some visual interest.

Supporting Intel XMP with dual profiles, the HyperX Predator 3200MHz 16GB DDR4 memory kit is an excellent investment. In XMP Profile 1, the frequency is set to 3200MHz with timings of 16-18-18; in Profile 2, it is set to 3000MHz with timings of 15-17-17. These default values for the base clock speeds will be used in our tests. Unfortunately, we could not achieve any faster settings after attempting to overclock the memory.

Final Say

To summarize the whole debate, buying the best DDR4 RAM for gaming is not a simple task like typing the best RAM for gaming and selecting the first one that the search engine shows. Moreover, it is not a daunting task like searching, reviewing and comparing every best budget RAM because the more you look, the more expansive it gets. The best way to go is to find the right balance between;

• Capacity
• Speed
• Latency
• Compatibility
• Aesthetics
• Extra Features

We recommend you go for the two best DDR4 memory rather than a single one because they will serve you better in the long run. Additionally, the higher frequency does not mean better performance, but it represents your motherboard or processor’s compatibility. If you have reached here, it means you have mastered the art of buying the best DDR4 RAM for gaming, and if you are still confused, then just pick the one that suits you best because they are among the best.