The 10 Best RAM For Gaming
This wiki has been updated 24 times since it was first published in December of 2018. System RAM is an important link between the CPU and the rest of the computer, and adding memory is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to a gaming rig. There's a huge variety of specific variants available, however, and navigating through them all can be quite confusing. We've tracked down some of the fastest and most popular varieties, one of which will bring your PC up to speed. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. G.Skill Trident Z Royal
2. HyperX Predator
3. G.Skill RipJaws V
Editor's Notes
December 08, 2020:
As previously mentioned, it's easy to get bogged down or confused by the specifications and numbers involved in picking out a kit of RAM. Most motherboard companies offer resources for determining what kind of memory is compatible, which is a good place to start if you're upgrading or building a new rig.
Of course, if you're using a computer for gaming, then there's a chance you might be concerned about the overall aesthetics of your build. Although it certainly isn't everyone's cup of tea, RGB lighting has become increasingly popular lately. Several selections on our list do have lighting capabilities, but if you're not interested in the sparkly lights, know that most of them can be completely turned off using software options.
For this update, we've removed the HyperX Fury White, the Gigabyte Aorus, and the Ballistix Sport due to availability issues. We've also added three new items, and updated the listings for the HyperX Impact, the G.Skill RipJaws V, the HyperX Predator, and the G.Skill Trident Z. We've also updated our ranking order to reflect the additions and other changes.
The Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro has been added to the list and offers a wide variety of speed settings, stick capacities, and an assortment of kit sizes to fill as many or few slots as you need. While similar to the Corsair Vengeance model, it offers RGB lighting that can be controlled by Corsair's software.
The Teamgroup T-Force Xtreem ARGB and the G.Skill Trident Z Royal also join our ranking. These sticks are both high-performance modules that come highly rated and well-reviewed. Each also has its own eye-catching look and is complimented with RGB lighting elements that can be customized by using the appropriate software.
January 04, 2019:
First of all, let's get this out of the way: system RAM is an insanely complex subject, one that even many PC builders and technology enthusiasts haven't even bothered to parse. While every kit boldly advertises its maximum bus speed (in megahertz), that's far from the only meaningful specification. Actually, discerning some of the important statistics will have you scratching your head as you stare at a calculator, trying to convert gigabytes-per-second of throughput into nanoseconds of command-response latency. Incidentally, it's almost as confusing as it sounds. If you want the best bang for your buck, check out anything by HyperX. The G.Skill RipJaws is also a fantastic compromise between price and performance, and the 32-gig set we included should be plenty big and fast for most consumers. Corsair's one of the most well-known manufacturers, and here we've showcased their seriously top-of-the-line kit. As long as they're compatible with your system, the Ballistix and Patriot are good budget-friendly options. And as far as looks go, it's awfully tough to top the Gigabyte Aorus line.
4. Teamgroup T-Force Xtreem ARGB
5. Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro
6. G.Skill Trident Z
7. Corsair Vengeance
8. Corsair Dominator Platinum
9. Patriot Viper 3
10. HyperX Impact
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.