Hardcore PC gamers know which computer hardware can give them the most satisfying experience, so they always tend to go for the best of the best. From graphics cards to processors, there's no room for mediocrity in terms of performance, and RAMs are no exception.
Gaming PCs are equipped with a different type of RAM to deliver faster and much smoother gameplay. Read on to learn from our buying guide what kind of gaming RAM is best for your PC, and find out which are our top 10 recommendations you can easily buy online.
Quick List - Top Gaming RAMs
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
For more information, read through our buying guide below.
Whether you're gaming on a desktop or a laptop, the RAM presents a vital role in your gameplay, but it's important that both kinds of devices don't use the same type of RAM, which differs in form factor. Mainly, the physical size and the configuration of connector pins that interfaces with the motherboard are different.
Laptops or notebooks use SO-DIMM or Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module, which is small enough to fit in its compact size, while desktops use DIMM, which is also known as UDIMM. SO-DIMMs have 260 pins, while DIMMs have 288 pins. Therefore, a SO-DIMM cannot replace a DIMM on a desktop and vice versa on a laptop.
It is important that your major computer components need to be in sync with the prospective RAM. Check your motherboard for compatibility because these RAM modules come in stick form that snaps into place within a slot on a motherboard. If it's incompatible, it won't fit or won't work properly.
Second, you have to know how many DIMM slots are available on the motherboard. Most small form-factor motherboards come with two slots, but gaming-specific boards sometimes accommodate up to eight DIMM slots. Old models probably support DDR3 modules, while newer ones have a high chance of using DDR4.
Modern gaming RAMs are divided into different speed classes using the Double Data Rate, and the most widely used baseline standards for gaming are DDR3 and DDR4. It's also important to keep an eye on motherboard heat sinks or fan coolers that may obstruct the memory module space.
When it comes to gaming, more is better, but that isn't always the case. One must find the right balance and learn how to use a computer's resources to get your money's worth. Many of today's older and simpler PC games work well with 8GB but this is the barest minimum to run AAA games properly.
Game experts would say that 16GB is the "sweet spot" for gaming since it covers a broader spectrum of popular games while 32GB is great if you're aiming to secure a "future-proof" computer, this RAM expansion will ensure your device will be ready for future game requirements.
64GB, on the other hand, is considered overkill when it comes to gaming. A RAM this huge is aimed at video editing tasks that require massive working files. Stressing out the RAM overcompensation, most modern games rely on the VRAM on dedicated graphics cards for high-performance game conditions.
If motherboards have limitations, CPUs and operating systems have them too. Make sure that your CPU is a version that supports the RAM capacity that you need. To illustrate, an Intel Core i7 processor can support up to 128GB of RAM, and a Windows 10 Home edition can, likewise, reach 128GB.
If you're trying to replace the RAM on your existing computer, check your processor's version and look up the compatible RAM specification that works with your existing components. Operating systems require RAM to work properly.
For Windows 10 you'll need at least 1GB for 32-bit and 2GB for 64-bit for it to run properly. For macOS High Sierra and Ubuntu, on the other hand, you'll need at least 2B for minimum RAM capacity.
There are dual factors that contribute to the performance of a RAM – frequency, and latency. We will dive down at how these affect the speed of a memory kit. A RAM's frequency can be considered the same as a CPU's frequency. A higher frequency means a faster processing speed, which is measured in megahertz (MHz).
Diversely, latency is measured in clock cycles. It refers to the timespan between a system command to the execution of the command. The lower the interval, the faster the RAM can proceed to another system command.
In sweeping terms, RAM with a high frequency can be more vital in a gaming PC's system performance than memory kits with lower frequency. Newer RAM generations such as a DDR4 come in higher clock speeds, which is better.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 | ![]() | Packed With Features That Overclockers Will Love | |
2 | Team Group Team Elite 8GB SODIMM DDR4 | ![]() | A Worthy Upgrade for Gaming Laptops | |
3 | Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 16GB | ![]() | Performance and Aesthetics Rolled into One | |
4 | Team Group T-Force XTREEM ARGB DDR4 | ![]() | The Fastest Memory Kit in Its Class | |
5 | Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB | ![]() | A Premium High-End RAM That Dominates | |
6 | PNY Technlogies XLR8 Gaming EPIC-X RGB 16GB | ![]() | A Decent Choice for Budget-Conscious Gamers | |
7 | G.Skill Trident Z Neo 16GB | ![]() | A Major Contender in Terms of Price and Performance | |
8 | Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO Series|CMW32GX4M2Z3600C18 | ![]() | Reliable Performance With Lots of Room for Overclocking | |
9 | Crucial Ballistix Sport LT Red 16GB DDR4 | ![]() | Built for Faster Speeds and Responsiveness | |
10 | Kingston HyperX Impact DDR4 SODIMM | ![]() | A SODIMM Format RAM from a Popular Series |
Kingston is one of the most trusted brands in the computer industry today. It has a long history of providing memory products, and their current HyperX DDR4 series, which include the Predator and Fury, are both intended for PC aficionados. The Fury line has multiple capacities from 4GB up to 64GB memory kits.
The classic all-black look and low-profile heatsink will easily blend in any color scheme and build. The real potential of this RAM lies in its overclocking ability. For overclockers, they could increase the input voltage to achieve up to 3466MHz frequency from the stock frequency of 2666MHz.
Don't let the affordable price fool you because the value that this memory kit offers is more than worthy of your hard-earned bucks. The performance and overclocking features go above and beyond with this product, and there are no adjustments in the BIOS needed whatsoever.
This all-new DDR4 series released by Teamgroup is one of the best and most quality memory kits you'll find in the market today. Not only does the SO-DIMM live up to international standards, but it also is praised for its outstanding performance, stability, and compatibility.
With only 1.2V of working current, it saves power and has lesser heat build-up even during long hours of use. Team Elite RAM is highly compatible with Intel's latest X99 and Skylake chipsets. It is the perfect choice for laptop consumers that want an extra boost, whether for everyday computing needs or solely for gaming only.
Manufactured by Corsair, an American tech company that pioneered high-performance RAMs for gamers and Esports athletes, this memory kit has a customizable RGB LED fully compatible with iCUE software to sync all LED-equipped components of your gaming PC.
Another upside of this RAM is the optimization for the latest Intel and AMD DD4 motherboards. Right out of the box, the increased speed performance with good overclocking potential is very desirable. Its anodized aluminum heat spreaders provide more boost while remaining cooler.
Overall, it is an excellent memory kit from a known pillar in the computing industry, and it resonates quality with outstanding performance. If you need a high-performing RAM with colorful RGB LEDs to match your futuristic towers, look no further because the Vengeance RGB Pro is your best option.
Team Group's foray into the RGB LED arena is exceptionally well with its T-Force Xtreem ARGB RAM offering. The unique colorful mirror reflection design renders a more defined optical concept than other RGB RAMs. Not only is this kit great value for money, but you're also assured of lower energy consumption because of its proprietary chips.
Designed to take on AMD's Ryzen 3000 series processors, this DDR4 3600MHz memory kit is one of the best price-to-performance options, making it one of the fastest kits you'll find.
Team Group also supplied a T-Force Blitz software to provide complete control over the memory modules. If you want to use the motherboard's software, it is fully compatible with Asus Aura Sync or MSI's Mystic Light Sync, as well as for users with Intel processors.
This model has 12 individually addressable Capellix LEDs. These type of LEDs are 92 percent smaller but 60 percent brighter and consumes 40 percent less power. It can also be controlled by the iCUE software suite, but if you don't want to tinker with it, there are 15 customizable, predefined lighting effects.
Performance-wise, it easily achieves a stable 4000MHz when overclocked manually, but with a bit of nudge in voltage, it could come up to 4200MHz. Considering heavy loads at higher voltages, you can expect that the Dominator Platinum maintains optimal temperature levels.
The premium build quality of the Dominator is what you're paying for, and surely it will give you a bang for your buck and more! It is an advanced level of DDR4 memory with superior aluminum craftsmanship that will definitely give you the gaming experience you deserve.
Headquartered in New Jersey, PNY Technologies is an American manufacturer of drives, memory modules, adapters, chargers, and other computing electronics. Producing consumer, commercial, and OEM commodities to huge brands, they came up with the XLR8 product line for ultimate gamers.
The XLR8 Gaming EPIC-X RGB modules have aggressive speed and low latency with overclocking capability for serious gamers. The RAM features five bright LEDs enclosed on a frosted cover with aluminum heat spreaders. It works with most standard motherboard software for controlling lights, such as the Gigabyte Fusion 2.0.
Reviewers have emphasized its poor performance when overclocked but praised its reasonability when it comes to speed and price point. If you're on a tight budget and still love to achieve that color-coordinated lighting design on your desktop, you could go for this decent-performing RAM.
G.Skill is a Taiwan-based memory module manufacturer that has provided cutting-edge products to PC gamers, content creators, and enthusiasts worldwide. Their Trident Z Neo RAM, an offshoot of the Trident Z series, has a revitalized heat spreader color scheme and unparalleled memory performance.
It is specifically made for AMD's Ryzen 3000-series processors and AMD X570 platform, but Intel users can still rock this without a glitch. Its compatibility with different motherboard lighting software suites is commendable. You don't need to add another software to control its stock LED lighting configuration if you don't want to.
You can overclock the RAM right out of the box, but it still provides more headroom for tweaking to your desired speed and latency. This memory kit merits serious consideration if you need an exceptional 3600MHz RAM at a reasonable price.
The Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro Series is a great-looking memory kit that sports a lightbar with 10 individually lit LEDs that can be controlled via the iCUE software. This is meant for gamers who love a good out-of-the-box performance due to its XMP being enabled.
Its XMP 2.0 allows for the best compatibility available so you'll be sure that the 32GB memory is consistent with Asus Aura Sync and MSI Mystic Light Sync and even Intel system users can benefit from its 3600 MHz.
The Corsair Vengeance definitely sets a standard for performance, and you'll find that the product's carefully screened ICs help extend overclocking potential. With its superb performance and fair pricing, this Editor's Choice Awardee for RGB-equipped memory is one of your best options.
Micron is not a new player in the computing industry. With over 40 years of history, its consumer products are marketed under the Crucial and Ballistix brands, from where the Ballistix Sport LT RAM module was named after. It may be Intel-specific RAM, but you'll find that it's perfect for your AMD system as well.
It can overclock at 3466MHz on an AMD platform, while it goes up to 3600MHz on an Intel system. This RAM is reasonably priced at its performance level out of the box. Boasting a multi-channel memory architecture to maximize data rate, it commits faster speeds and responsiveness than standard DDR4 modules.
Its plug-and-play installation is great for DIY enthusiasts and gamers who seek performance over aesthetics. The low-profile heat spreader could be a deciding factor when considering clearance issues with other PC components. If you're looking for great speed and response time, this product from Crucial is your best bet.
As with Corsair's Vengeance series, Kingston's HyperX series also has a SODIMM version but offers different speed variants to trump other RAMs with the same form. The HyperX Impact comes in two modules at 8GB and 16GB, where you can make a combination in any way you need.
Similar to other SODIMM RAMs, it's a plug-and-play module with no BIOS tweaking or other setups needed to work properly. You will get RAM that overclocks on a Core i5 or i7 processor. Trying to configure the overclocking manually will cause the laptop to restart one time to get the hang of the new RAM installed.
The RAM also works seamlessly with AMD-based SODIMM-equipped system components. Get the most reliable and compatible boost for your build when you decide to purchase the HyperX Impact that runs cool and quiet while increasing your system's performance.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
RAM, or random-access memory, is one of the driving forces behind a computer's performance. Together with the CPU and GPU, it makes every computing task faster and smoother. It serves as a temporary memory bank that allows the CPU to access relevant data instantly without storing it permanently.
It cannot be used as long-term storage since all data will be erased, once the machine is restarted or powered off. If you're multi-tasking and require multiple programs opened, the RAM makes it all possible. When it comes to gaming, it stores important assets that the game might need to access immediately.
RAM, which also stands for Random-Access Memory, is one of the core components of a gaming PC as it acts as the short-term memory for your data. This means that increasing the RAM of your PC will automatically upgrade system responsiveness and refine frame rates.
Without enough RAM, your game will immediately pause, you will experience zero refresh frame rate, and the browser will eventually eat up all the resources. The CPU will start storing data into the hard disk and send your PC back into the dark ages because of inefficiency.
There are several symptoms that you may experience from your PC which are signs to get more RAM for gaming such as random freezing and rebooting high memory usage, constant lags, programs, and applications that may not be responding, and BDoDs (blue screen of death).
For Windows 10 users, you'll be able to check your RAM by accessing Settings, System, and About in order to find the Device Specifications section. This will show you how much "Installed RAM" you have. For Mac users, you can simply click About This Mac in order to check the amount of memory you have installed.
Upgrading your RAM is one thing, but if you're a hardcore PC gamer, you're bound to get more stuff to level up your gaming experience. Check out these articles for some of the best gaming items you can get for yourself or a loved one!
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Author: Chafi Lacson
Re-Editor: Andi Sanchez
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Kingston|HyperX FURY DDR4
No. 2: Team Group|Team Elite 8GB SODIMM DDR4
No. 3: Corsair|Vengeance RGB PRO 16GB
No. 4: Team Group|T-Force XTREEM ARGB DDR4
No. 5: Corsair|Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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