A short overview on how to pick the best DDR4 ram
Of all the different parts and components that go into your new PC build, the RAM you purchase probably isn’t going to be the “sexiest” decision you make – even if getting your hands on the perfect DDR4 RAM can make or break your entire build from top to bottom.
The RAM you choose to set up your “short-term memory” for your machine is mission-critical, particularly if you are using resource-intensive applications or plan to do any video gaming on your new system.
The RAM you invest in can have your new build flying like a supercar down the highway or chugging along like an old rust bucket, it’s entirely up to you.
By choosing from the best DDR4 RAM options we highlight below you guarantee that you get your hands on top-tier technology that will have your machine zipping around with blazing fast performance. You can usually get away with 8 GB of memory today but if you really want to beef up your system shoot for 16 GB or a close to future proof 32 GB and you’ll really feel like you are rocking and rolling.
Let’s dive right in!
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
Overview
Not only is this some of the best performing RAM on the planet today, but it also happens to be some of the best looking, too!
Optimized specifically for those that are looking to do a little bit of gaming on their system, this 2X 16 GB bundle will have your new PC running faster than you ever would have thought possible before and looking great while doing so.
Features
Right out of the box, the inclusion of RGB LED lights built right in helping to improve the look and feel of your new PC – especially if you are using a clear panel to look at your premium components.
On the performance side of things, DGX Heat Spreaders guarantee that performance won’t be bogged down by high temperatures. This is incredibly important for the longevity of your system as well.
It’s also nice to know that you will be able to use the ECU software to better optimize the RAM for your system. This is as user-friendly as it gets.
Pros
- Blazing fast speeds right out of the box
- RGB lights are a really cool addition
- Integrated software let’s even non-PC power users tinker with their hardware
Cons
- RAM modules do sit a little higher in the case which may mean clearance issues
Pricing
As far as pricing is concerned, you’ll have to pony up a little bit extra to get your hands on this top-tier RAM module set up but most agree it is worth every single penny. This dramatically improves PC performance from top to bottom.
Reviews
“My PC is three or four times faster right after upgrading to this RAM combo”
“Multitasking is effortless since upgrading to this RAM”
“My computer FLIES thanks to this RAM set up. 32 GB has me cruising!”
Conclusion
If you have the budget for this premium component upgrade it is definitely the way to go in the world of DDR4 RAM. There’s a reason why most in the PC world consider this the best DDR4 RAM set up on the market today.
G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16GB DDR4-2400MHz
Overview
If you thought the RAM module combo we highlighted above was pretty, wait until you get a look at these modules!
RAM modules that light up have been around for quite a while now, but this RGB set combines power, performance, and a laser light show in a way that no other module on the market today can. This is a game-changer for those that want a really pretty PC build!
Features
The unique RGB patterns that these RAM modules are capable of are second to none. No other RAM module offers this much flexibility when it comes to lighting up your PC build.
Power and performance on these RAM modules guarantee that this isn’t just a pretty face, too. The speeds can be overclocked beyond 3600 mhz if necessary, which gives your computer a whole lot more horsepower when it needs it most.
Best of all, these modules remain slimline and the same size as “traditional” RAM modules as opposed to the taller modules with RGB lights that may cause clearance problems.
Pros
- Blazing fast speeds for heavy power users, multitaskers, and PC gaming enthusiasts
- Same form factor as traditional, non-RGB RAM modules
- Can be overclocked for extreme performance
Cons
- Creating custom lighting profiles can be a bit tedious at first
Pricing
Some of the most affordable RAM on the market today, especially when you’re talking about some of the best DDR4 RAM money can buy, the combination of power, performance, and pure joy you’ll get from the laser light show these put on makes them a smart value.
Reviews
“It’s impossible to imagine a prettier set of RAM modules in my rig than these”
“Total game changers! As soon as I overclocked them I got even more speed and my overall performance jumped up big time”
“Really rounded out my new PC build. Can’t get enough of the customizable lights!”
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a PC build that stands apart from the rest of the pack, but isn’t willing to cut corners when it comes to top-tier performance to get those aesthetics, this is the way to go.
G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB DDR4-2400MHz
Overview
16 GB of RAM is usually more than enough for your everyday PC user, and certainly enough to handle the heavy lifting of multitasking and RAM thirsty programs or games – especially when it has been as well-tuned as these RAM modules are.
Second generation DDR4 RAM, this new and improved version of this RAM module is more affordable, faster, and has an improved heatsink to guarantee more consistent performance over the previous version.
Features
Redesigned almost from top to bottom from the previous iteration, the folks at G.Skill really listened to their customers and the feedback they had with the initial run of this RAM module – overhauling almost everything to improve it in so many different ways.
Overclocking is a whole lot easier, the new heatsink is much higher performing with a smaller footprint, and the price is absolutely untouchable for what you get. If you’re looking for some of the best DDR4 RAM on the planet that won’t blow up your bank account along the way this is the kind of module you’ll want in your system.
Pros
- Effortless overclocking even if you’ve never done this before
- Next, to unbeatable pricing for the performance, you get out of this system
- New heatsink improves stability significantly
Cons
- May still deal with some stability issues if you overclocked to the higher end of the headroom
Pricing
As far as your value is concerned you just will not find any DDR4 RAM modules on the market today better than this. These are top-tier performing RAM modules at very budget-friendly prices and may represent the best by on the market today.
Reviews
“Had the previous version of these RAM modules and wasn’t all that happy, but this new and improved version 2.0 is so much better”
“The heatsink has been overhauled completely and has eliminated all of my stability issues. Consistency is through the roof”
“Super happy with these DDR4 RAM modules. They might not be RGB ready, but they keep my rig running at top speed all the same”
Conclusion
If you don’t want to spend a small fortune on DDR4 RAM modules but aren’t willing to compromise the overall performance of your system along the way, these are the modules you want to go with. The second generation is a major improvement over the first and the engineering “under the hood” guarantees that you get fantastic speeds, great stability, and considerable longevity with these modules in your new PC build.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, finding the perfect DDR4 RAM for your new system is going to be a little bit of an uphill battle – if only because there are so many great choices out there.
Finding RAM modules that are compatible with all your other components to squeeze every drop of performance out of your new PC build is easier today when you use the inside information we highlighted above.
These three choices represent the very best of the best when it comes to DDR4 RAM options, all of them are from top-tier manufacturers would legendary reputations in the industry, and all of them can be dropped right into your rig for blazing-fast performance straight out of the box – but can be overclocked and tinkered with for even better performance if you’re willing to go down that road, too.
All things considered, you can’t go wrong with any of the three DDR4 RAM options we broke down in this quick guide. It all comes down to what you are looking for, what your budget allows, and just how many wells and whistles you want to get out of your new RAM investment.