Best Ram for gaming RGB and RAM

The 7 Best RAM for Gaming | PC DDR4 RAM Ranking

The 7 Best RAM for Gaming | PC DDR4 RAM Ranking

If you want to play some of the AAA games that are out nowadays, you are going to need some of the best RAM for gaming available. You could have the best graphics card out there, but unless you have an equally good memory setup, your computer just won’t be able to create a smooth gameplay experience.

Choosing the right gaming RAM kits will be crucial to immersive gameplay, but the choice can be a confusing one. If you aren’t too well-versed in the PC-building world, it’s easy to feel lost, considering the memory size is just one of many considerations.

As gamers, we know that RGB lighting is always an important factor in showing off your setup to your friends, with RGB memory being a firm favorite. There are even RGB gaming chairs to go along with the recommended best RAM sticks we reviewed for your setup.

With that in mind, here are some of the best gaming PC RAM sticks that stood out from the many we tested. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current memory to the fastest RAM for PC gaming or need some for your new build, you’re sure to find something from our review list below.

TLDR

TLDR: The best RAM for gaming has to be the Corsair Dominator Platinum 32GB kit with its legendary performance and RGB colors to add that little something extra to any gaming setup.

Best Gaming RAM

The overall best memory for gaming PCs that we tested is, without a doubt, the Corsair Dominator Platinum 32GB kit. It’s from a legendary brand that only delivers amazing results, and this set of memory sticks is no different, with DDR4 3600MHz performance coming from four 8GB cards. Not to mention that it also has some customizable RGB that we loved.

Best DDR4 RAM for Ryzen

When it comes to AMD and using a Ryzen CPU (Central Processing Unit), the best RAM is the Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB kit. With a 4000Mhz memory clock speed, it is more than up to the task of performing for the newest Ryzen 9 processors and it is optimized for AMD. Some other great kits for Ryzen include:

Best RGB RAM DDR4

The TEAMGROUP Delta TUF Gaming Alliance is the best overall RGB RAM. Not only does it come in some incredible colors and synchronization but it also has a CL16 rating and 32GB of power behind it. Some other colorful options include:

Best DDR4 RAM 16GB Kit

The Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 16GB kit is the best RAM DDR4 16GB overall. We think the level of performance at this gear level is very high and at a reasonable price, making it good value. Some other options for the best 16GB RAM kits include:

Best DDR4 RAM 32GB kit

With more power comes more responsibility, and with 32GB of RAM, you will be able to handle so much more. That is why for us, the Crucial Ballistix 32GB kit is the best on this list. We liked how there is no bells and whistles, just pure performance, and that shows with the CL16 rating. There are a few more options if you want a little more flair, like some of us prefer:

Best Gaming RAM Comparison Table

Here are some quick comparisons of our recommended RAM for gaming for those who have a rough idea of what they are after. Read on as we do a more in-depth review of each of the different RAM sticks for PCs.

Red RAM in motherboard

Gaming RAM for PC Reviews

Now on to the nitty-gritty of our reviews for all the specifications and important information about the best RAM for gaming PCs that we discovered.

Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 16GB DDR4 RAM Review

Corsair Vengeance

Pros

  • Corsair iCUE synchro software
  • Intel and AMD Compatible
  • 4000MHz Memory clock speed
  • Internal clocking for extended overclocking potential
  • Absolute best performance

Cons

  • Expensive for 16GB of memory

  • Intel and AMD Compatible
  • 4000 MHz
  • 16GB Memory (2x8GB cards)
  • DDR4 SDRAM

When it comes to a high-performance 16GB DDR4 RAM kit, we think the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro is one of the best high performance RAM on the market. Apart from its capable 16GB memory, it’s also the fastest DDR4 RAM for gaming from the ones we tested.

Since we love a good aesthetic, RGB is a must, which is why this memory comes with Corsair’s iCUE software. This enabled us to synchronize the colors across all our compatible products, which is always a pretty cool sight.

In what will be a relief to most, we liked that this memory worked on both Intel and AMD motherboards. They have been optimized for high-frequency performance, with each module being built through a screening process for extended overclocking potential, which stood out when we reviewed this memory kit. We were able to clock the RAM to 4600MHz, which gave us a smoother gaming experience.

Unfortunately, we discovered that older cards wouldn’t work well with these, so choose the memory size that will last you a long time before upgrading again.

We noticed these cards have 288 pins for fitment and will be best suited for gaming or even video editing. If you are looking for RAM for Ryzen, the Vengeance RGB Pro is a solid investment that will pair well with your processor but work equally well with all Intel chips.

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TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB DDR4 3600MHz 16GB Review

TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • Full-frame 120° ultra-wide-angle luminous area
  • Low-working voltage to save energy
  • Aluminum alloy heat spreader with an asymmetrical minimalist design

Cons

  • LEDs can get hot spots
  • Colors will reset after every power cycle

  • QVL is approved by all mainstream motherboard manufacturers
  • 3600 MHz
  • 16GB Memory (2x8GB cards)
  • DDR4 SRAM

The T-Force Delta RGB 16GB kit is designed to provide gamers with an experience few RAM sticks can match. We immediately loved the asymmetrical minimalist design since it was built to be as efficient as possible.

During testing, we noticed this was one of the best RAM kits for low power consumption. With it, we saved up to 40% of energy and reduced the operating temperature from our previous RAM sticks. This ensured we had a stable and long operation time during our extended hours of gaming.

A design feature we discovered is that it’s compatible and stable with all DDR4 motherboards on the QVL. There is also an overclocking profile with XMP2.0 for this RAM setup, meaning it is only one step away from overclocking capabilities. During our review, we benchmarked all these cards and noticed that this particular kit had insane speeds with a data transfer rate of 28,800 MB/s for fast and smooth gameplay.

It is important to remember that the memory speed will only work if your motherboard can support a speed of 3600MHz and over. If you pair these with a Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9, you will have an amazing combo with these 8GB DDR4 RAM sticks.

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Crucial Ballistix DDR4 32GB RAM Kit Review

Crucial Ballistix

Pros

  • Future-proof being designed for the latest AMD and Intel platforms
  • Low-voltage use
  • CAS Latency of CL16

Cons

  • 3200MHz is the minimum needed for gaming
  • Need to go into the BIOs to turn on XMP to achieve a speed of 3200MHz

  • AMD and Intel-ready
  • 3200MHz
  • 32GB RAM (2x16GB Cards)
  • DDR4 SDRAM

If you have been around since the DDR3 gaming PC days like some of us, you will have definitely heard or known about Crucial when it comes to PC hardware.

Their Ballistix 3200MHz 32GB kit was built and engineered for the latest Intel and AMD platforms to ensure that we had a clean and easy setup. With 32GB of memory, we noticed this product packs quite a bit of a punch compared to other high-end RAM, even with a more conventional 3200MHz speed.

When it comes to gaming, when we reviewed this 32GB 3200MHz RAM, we think this is the best basic choice for a motherboard that supports Intel CPUs. We noticed that it features XMP 2.0 support for an automatic overclocking function, which just explains why this basic dual-channel kit is ideal DDR4 RAM for gaming.

We liked how the three different color options available ensured the memory matched our gaming rig. A memory controller would be a good investment for any serious gamer and something to keep in mind.

This set came with the newly-designed heatsink capabilities. It ensured we still had superb performance without worrying too much about the PC overheating. Sure, there weren’t RGB LEDs, which some of us didn’t like, but that’s an aesthetic preference.

All in all, we could play AAA games with our frame rates barely dropping over time, unlike other memory kits in this range. This also makes them a good option for video and photo editing.

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TEAMGROUP Delta 3200MHz RGB 32GB RAM Sticks Review

TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta TUF Gaming Alliance

Pros

  • Asymmetrical minimalist design
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Consistent performance at 3200MHz

Cons

  • RGB lighting develop hot spots at times

  • QVL approved by all mainstream motherboard manufacturers
  • 3200MHz fast memory
  • 32GB RAM (2x16GB cards)
  • DDR4 SDRAM

Another one for the RGB lovers among us, the T-Force Delta RGB 32GB kit will be a great addition to your setup, as we discovered. The two 16GB memory sticks have a pretty good 3200MHz memory speed that most gamers will be satisfied with.

This gaming PC memory kit is ideal for any Intel-based platform and will dazzle with the built-in Force Flow lighting effect—which we grew to love. We think this is a good alternative to the Corsair Vengeance and Trident Z RGB, making this a great contender for the best DDR4 RGB RAM.

We liked that there is support for software sync, and it comes with a lifetime warranty, so we know that TeamGroup believes in their DDR4 RAM for gaming. These sticks have a CAS (Column Address Strobe) latency rating of CL16, so each RAM stick can hold its own with the other best RAM for PC gaming and make a good upgrade over your current 16GB setup.

This might not be the best RAM for Ryzen, with the AMD processors with higher memory bandwidth that requires 3600Mhz RAM sticks, but it is still a workable memory speed. The only downside is that the RGB needs almost constant resetting, meaning you will always have to change it to the desired color.

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Patriot Viper Steel 64GB 3600MHz RAM Kit Review

Patriot Viper Steel 64GB

Pros

  • Automatic overclocking feature
  • Intel and AMD tested
  • Single or dual module kits

Cons

  • Expensive
  • High-spec processors are needed to unlock maximum potential

  • AMD and Intel
  • 3600MHz
  • 64GB RAM (2x32GB cards)
  • DDR4 – DIMM

If you want to run multiple programs at the same time with little-to-no drop in performance, we recommend the Patriot Viper Steel 64GB kit, as a serious consideration. These Patriot Viper sticks comprise of two 32GB 3600MHz RAM sticks, making them the top DDR4 RAM for AMD in high-performance applications.

The Patriot Vipers are somewhat limited as they ideally need an i7 or Ryzen 7 and above processor. We suggest you get an equally suitable motherboard that should be paired with this kit.

One of the best things about this memory we found is that, for its strength, it only requires 1.35 Volts, meaning it is pretty efficient in using its energy. We loved the flexibility of being available as either a single or dual module kit.

As you can see, it doesn’t have any RGB capabilities, but this is a small sacrifice to make for 64GB of RAM. We also discovered that this card is a NON-ECC unbuffered DIMM RAM type with a 288-pin design. This has the benefit of being faster, but it works with what is uncommon computer hardware, so be sure to find out if your PC supports it.

This kit is not for the faint of heart—as we discovered while reviewing each kit. This one took a lot of fine-tuning within the BIOs to get all the components working harmoniously to achieve the desired performance. But once you get it set up, it will run as smooth as butter.

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Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB DDR4 3600MHz RAM Review

Corsair Dominator Platinum

Pros

  • Patented DHX cooling system
  • Corsair iCUE software
  • 25 Years of experience behind this memory kit
  • Best 3600MHz RAM

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Requires four slots for memory on your motherboard
  • 4x8GB RAM DDR4 Cards means it will fill up all memory slots on your motherboard

  • AMD for this set, but there are Intel options available
  • 3600MHz
  • 32GB (4x8GB cards)
  • DDR4 SDRAM

The next item on this list is one of the most iconic RAM designs from arguably the best RAM brand for gaming PCs. The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB DDR4 kit is legendary for its performance and style, and it more than lived up to its reputation for us.

One of the best 32GB RAM for gaming, it delivered incredible performance for our PC games. We loved the patented integrated heatsink and the DHX cooling system that worked on the Dominator modules.

This kept them pretty cool while we were playing demanding games that would generally put a strain on our system. This feature makes the Corsair Dominator one of the frontrunners for the best DDR4 memory for sure.

There is an option for an AMD pattern-only memory kit, making this a good choice for those of us who need a Ryzen RAM upgrade. Just keep in mind, though, that these are four RAM sticks, which can make upgrading a hassle in the future.

The RGB lighting to Corsair’s iCUE software allowed us to control the lighting synchronized across all compatible products. This software also provides real-time frequency and temperature readings. If you want even more control over your setup, we’d recommend adding a memory controller.

We noticed that the Dominator Platinum RGB memory kit has wide compatibility with XMP2.0 support. This means that these memory cards are optimized for DDR4 Intel and AMD motherboards. Just make sure to choose the right selection in the options by checking your motherboard’s list of compatible RAM sticks.

The only issue we noticed during testing is that, on rare occasions, one of the memory modules’ RGB LEDs can fall out of sync with the others. Something else we discovered is that the height can interfere with the CPU cooler on some motherboards.

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G.Skill Trident Z RGB 3600MHz DDR4 16GB RAM Review

G.Skill Trident Z

Pros

  • Full-range RGB support
  • Ten-layer PCB for maximum stability
  • Good value-to-performance ratio

Cons

  • Will not run anywhere above XMP
  • Have to enable full clock speed in BIOs

  • AMD Ryzen 3 and Intel Z390 and newer
  • 3600MHz
  • 16GB (2x8GB cards)
  • DDR4 SDRAM

The G.Skill Trident Z 16GB kit is one of the best budget RAM kits available. We think it will give gamers everything they want: RGB, a performance boost, and stability.

We discovered and liked that it still maintains the traditional design elements of the usual Trident Z lineup but with that RGB flair. If both style and performance are important to your build, just like how it is for some of us, this is the RAM for you.

We liked the aggressive fin design of these G.Skill Trident Z RGB cards. We found them amazingly efficient at heat dissipation, keeping our overall temperatures cool, while each card is also specially screened for maximum performance.

We also discovered that a custom-engineered ten-layer PCB provided maximum signal stability. We think the Trident Z RGB 3600MT/s memory speed makes this a good RAM for gaming, especially with an AMD setup.

We didn’t like that for the Trident Z RGB cards, we had to go into our BIOS and enable the full clock speed of the memory. If we hadn’t, it would’ve automatically run at around 3200MT/s.

We tell you this now because we found this out the hard way, and it took some troubleshooting for us to figure this out. Luckily, this won’t be an issue are just starting with a custom build and not upgrading an existing one.

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RGB RAM glowing in the dark

Best DDR4 RAM for Gaming Accessory Reviews

There are almost endless possibilities when it comes to building a PC, which drives gamers. The chance to be different and stand out with their build, for both performance and aesthetics, is a chance we just can’t pass up. With that in mind, here are a few accessories to go with your new gaming memory for that little something extra.

Corsair Vengeance Airflow Memory Cooling Fan

During intense gaming over long periods, your memory can get a little hot. In general, if you have enough case fans, you should be okay, but we recommend this Corsair memory cooling fan as a worthwhile investment for a little added security. While it was officially made for DDR3 memory, don’t worry about a thing. It also works for DDR4 and even DDR5 RAM.

This cooler will only work with the Corsair Vengeance RGB kit. The high airflow and super-quiet operation will keep that kit cool without annoying buzzing sounds. You can also control the fan speed, and it will fit most motherboards —a bonus we think.

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Cooler Master RGB 120mm MasterFan

For those who don’t have the Corsair Vengeance Pro RGB kit, there is an alternative. Adding additional case fans is the alternative to keeping a high airflow in your case to keep your memory and other components running cool.

These Cooler Master fans are 120mm, so they will fit in most cases and have incredible RGB and PWM fan control. This enables you to adjust the speed between 650-1800 RPM to reduce noise or maximize airflow.

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GIM Neon RGB Strips

Why not add some more RGB to your gaming setup with these GIM RGB strips? If you happen to get a RAM kit that doesn’t have any flashing colors, this is the best way to add that color that you are missing. Unless you get cards like the Dominator Platinum RGB, then just add even more color to your case.

This handy kit is compatible with ASUS Aura, MSI Mystic Light, and more. It even has a mini remote for you to change the colors and control the speed at which they change easily. We liked the included magnetic brackets, which meant a quick and easy install as well, with no drilling or tape required.

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Best RAM for Gaming Buyers Guide

There are several factors that go into choosing the perfect RAM for your gaming setup. So, the answer to the question “What is the best ram for gaming?” isn’t as easily answered as expected. From the different platforms to how much RAM you need and what your intended use is, here are a few points to consider when deciding to choose the best RAM.

What Platform Are You Using?

What platform you use, whether it is Intel or AMD, will have an impact on the memory options that you can choose from. First, you need to check the specifications of your motherboard to ensure that the memory you are looking at is compatible with it.

It is considered the norm for Intel CPUs to need a memory speed of 3200MHz to work efficiently. On the other hand, the latest AMD CPUs work better at 3600MHz, so the TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB is perfect for this. This is because Intel chips are made for general use, like web browsing, and AMD chips are more optimized for gaming.

Make sure there are enough free slots on your motherboard as well for the RAM you want to use and that the port-type matches the RAM type. The memory size of each RAM stick is also something to consider here. If your motherboard only takes four memory modules, it’d be better to get two 16GB RAM sticks so you can still upgrade in the future versus taking four 8GB modules.

What Are Good RAM Timings?

You might be wondering, is 3200MHz RAM good for a gaming PC? The general consensus is that a minimum of 3000MHz for each card is needed that is split over two DDR4 memory modules, dual channel memory.

Remember, your RAM is a core component of your build and can be a bottleneck if the correct memory speed isn’t chosen. The timings determine how fast your memory can respond to your commands, essentially your RAM speed.

The memory clock cycles will impact your minimum FPS for the hardcore gamers who need every frame they can get. Higher memory frequencies lead to greater FPS for our gaming setups. The RAM CL Timing is the first of four numbers that make up the timing; for example, the Patriot Viper Steel kit has timings up to 19-19-19-39. A good time for a 3200MHz kit would be 14-14-14-34.

The CAS Latency of the Memory Cards

In the realm of CAS latency, the lower the number, the better it is for gaming. CAS latency refers to how many memory clock cycles it takes for the module to access a specific set of data in one of its columns and then make the captured data available on the output pins.

For example, a RAM with a CL16 takes 16 RAM clock cycles to complete a task. It is also worth remembering that two different memory kits with the same transfer rate can have different CAS latency ratings.

 

Closeup of RAM slots on Motherboard

Summary of the Best Gaming RAM

If you want to start your dream build or upgrade your current setup, choosing the right RAM is a critical step in determining how your PC will perform. There are a number of factors to consider that have been discussed to give you the best chance possible to get the correct memory for your needs.

The gaming world is ever-changing, and the requirements for computer performance are increasing to meet the needs of newer games and competitive gameplay. From RGB to more subtle cards, there is something for everyone. To add some extra boost to your gameplay, a new graphics card under $100 would do wonders.

Did you find a gaming RAM kit that suits your style and needs? If you did, let us know below.

Matthew Davison

Written by Matthew


Matt is about 80% nerd, 10% writer, 10% animal lover. His love for PC’s started at the tender age of 4 and his love for animation and motion graphics fairly soon after. You can normally find him behind a computer screen or playing with his dog Rusty.

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Matthew Davison
Website | + posts

Matt is about 80% nerd, 10% writer, 10% animal lover. His love for PC’s started at the tender age of 4 and his love for animation and motion graphics fairly soon after. You can normally find him behind a computer screen or playing with his dog Rusty.