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5 reasons why your PC RAM specs matter
From multitasking to gaming and even web browsing, your RAM performance matters
While it may be one of the physically smaller components of your PC, your RAM has a major impact on how your PC runs. It is responsible in one way or another for nearly every single task you do. Whether you are trying to be productive, enjoying a gaming session or even just browsing the internet, your RAM can make your experience much more enjoyable.
Random access memory (RAM for short) is an integral part of any gaming PC. The system memory is responsible for storing data for quick access by the CPU and other components. Think of it as a super-charged SSD. The faster the RAM (and more you have available) the better the performance you'll be able to enjoy with resource-intensive games and software. I'm going to run you through my best DDR5 RAM picks for gaming.
Beginner's guide to CPU specs
There are plenty of CPU specs to wrap your head around — let's make it a bit easier
Your CPU is, in many ways, the heart of your PC. Sure, if you're building a gaming PC, your graphics card might steal the limelight — but the centerpiece of your build is still the processor. Your choice of CPU dictates whether you'll build on an Intel or AMD motherboard, whether you'll go with DDR4 or DDR5 RAM, and even which CPU cooler to buy. When you've got this much riding on the processor, it's imperative to understand a few key details.
DDR5 is the next generation of system memory for desktop and laptop computers and the best motherboard with the necessary DIMM slots is required to use it. We've put together a list of only the best DDR5 motherboards for AMD and Intel processors, allowing you to enjoy faster RAM speeds and other new features over DDR4. You'll find a mix of budget-friendly, affordable motherboards as well as some more premium and enthusiast-grade options in this collection.
Best RAM for AM5 in 2024
The AMD AM5 platform is powerful, but which RAM is best for pairing with it?
When AMD first released the Ryzen 7000-series CPUs, the bar to entry was fairly high as it required a new motherboard and new RAM. Since then, prices have steadily come down, so the total cost of ownership is more affordable. The release of the B650 chipset brought mid-range and budget motherboard options to the market. And DDR5 RAM prices have dropped drastically, down to around the prices for comparable DDR4 capacities.
How to check your RAM speed
There are multiple ways to check your RAM speed, all of which are quite easy to do.
Checking your RAM speed can be invaluable in ensuring your PC is running optimally. It is also more important than ever to ensure you are getting the most for your money, especially regarding computers. So whether you're curious, your device is struggling, or you're looking to upgrade, it's a good idea to check your RAM speed to ensure your PC is running as well as possible.
Colorful made its iGame Ultra Z B760M for LGA 1700 processors complete with DDR5 memory support
The iGame Ultra Z B760M will support the Intel Core i9 Series
Many manufacturers specialize in PC hardware components, and Colorful wants to get in on the action. Specifically, the company seems to be trying to find a niche among consumers who are seeking components that do not have exposed connectors. Now, Colorful has announced the new iGame Ultra Z B760M motherboard, which has all of its connectors conveniently positioned in the back.
5 things you will not get by spending more on a high-end motherboard
High-end motherboards can do a lot for your build. But these 5 things are not some of them
When building a PC, motherboards occupy a unique space among all the components. They're not as closely linked to your system's performance as your CPU, GPU, RAM, or SSD, but they're also not as inconsequential as, say, your case. While most people know how to pick the best motherboard with a compatible chipset and the correct memory support, knowing exactly what a high-end, expensive motherboard doesn't do may not be as widely known.
RAM frequency vs. latency: What matters more?
What decides how fast your RAM is? Frequency or latency?
Amidst all the talk about the best GPUs for gaming and the best CPUs to pair with them, it's common for us to sideline the intricacies of memory. You might keep things simple by picking one of the best RAM for gaming, but there's more to it than just choosing between DDR4 and DDR5 RAM.
What motherboards support DDR5 memory? Understanding motherboard & RAM compatibility
Not all motherboards support DDR5 RAM, so pick the right one.
DDR5 memory has been around for a few years now, but it wasn't until recently that it started rapidly taking over DDR4. Yes, DDR4 is still viable in 2024, but there are plenty of compelling reasons to consider upgrading from DDR4 now. Not only does DDR5 boast faster speeds while consuming less power, but it's also reasonably priced these days with kits costing up to 30% less compared to the early days of Alder Lake and the AM5 platform. DDR5 isn't backwards compatible, though, and you can't slot DDR5 memory kits on motherboards that only support DDR4 either. That means you have to pick the right platform for your build, and knowing what motherboards support DDR5 memory is crucial.
3 reasons why DDR5 RAM finally makes more sense for your PC
It's time to upgrade to a memory generation of endless possibilities
The launch of DDR5 RAM in late 2020 didn't go smoothly, but this was to be expected for any new generation of technology. System memory has been running on what's known as DDR4 SDRAM (or Double Data Rate 4 Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory) since 2014. That's 10 years ago and it has evolved into some impressive RAM kits with speeds up to 5,000 MT/s and tight timings. 2020saw the launch of the next generation, unsurprisingly, called DDR5. I previously recommended against upgrading from DDR4 if possible, but now I'm all for it.
DDR4 vs DDR5 RAM: What's different and which one should you buy?
DDR4 vs DDR5 RAM remains one of the most discussed topics in the PC computing space.
The latest CPUs from both Intel and AMD support DDR5, and we've already started some solid DDR5 memory kits on the market. The arrival of these DDR5 memory kits, however, is yet to fully phase out DDR4, as both Intel 13th-gen and 14th-gen CPUs as well as AMD's more affordable 5000-series CPUs still support it. DDR4 RAM essentially remains a popular choice for anyone on a budget that's looking for good value. Deciding between DDR4 and DDR5 memory could be one of the most important choices you'll have to make as long as both standards remain viable options. It's not just a question of value and performance, but also determines the kinds of motherboards and CPUs you can use.
How to install RAM modules on the motherboard: A beginners guide
It's quick and easy to add memory to your PC.
Installing RAM is a crucial part of the PC building process as it's one of the core components of the computer, without which you won't have a working PC. The modern computers on the market in 2024 either use DDR4 or DDR5 memory modules, both of which are readily available to buy. The process of installing RAM is quite simple, as all you really need to do is slot the modules in place. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you are installing the RAM modules properly on the motherboard.
What are XMP and EXPO and how do they help boost RAM performance?
Enabling XMP and EXPO is an easy way to maximize your RAM performance. But there are some differences in the two approaches.
The recent conversation around PC memory, or RAM, saw an eventful few years with the launch of the newer DDR5 RAM. Although the DDR4 vs. DDR5 RAM dilemma might not trouble people as much as before, there's still some confusion among PC builders about RAM support and choosing between XMP and EXPO when buying memory.
Save big on DDR5 RAM memory with these Black Friday deals
It's a great time to be a PC builder, as the best DDR5 memory kits get the cheapest they've ever been with these Black Friday deals.
If you've been waiting for Black Friday deals to build a new DDR5-based gaming PC, your patience seems to have paid off. Thanks to a bunch of DDR5 RAM memory kits retailing for their lowest-ever prices, you can bring down the platform tax by a significant margin. For not that much more than the price of the best DDR4 RAM kits, you can build yourself a seriously fast gaming rig. Combine these savings on the best DDR5 memory kits with our Black Friday motherboard deals, and you've got no excuse to delay that PC upgrade anymore.
Best RAM for gaming in 2024
It's just as important to make sure you have great RAM for gaming as it is for your GPU.
Buying the best RAM for your PC build may not be as exciting as, say, picking the best CPU or the best graphics card. But it's important to make sure you've installed a sufficient amount at a fast enough speed to unlock the potential of your build. It's about getting the right combination of capacity, good memory speeds, low latency, and more. In this article, we're going to take a look at some of the best RAM for gaming you can buy in 2023.
Best RAM for Intel 14th-gen in 2024
Use these RAM kits to make the most out of Intel's 14th-gen processors.
Intel's 14th-generation processors are a timely refresh to 2022's Raptor Lake chipset and brings some new features related to AI-assisted overclocking and increased XMP memory speeds with support for DDR5-5600 MHz. In order to get the most out of these new processors, you will want to make sure you are using the best RAM kits on the market, and we would recommend picking up a kit that is compatible with Intel XMP. We've got some recommendations of the best RAM kits on the market to get you started with Intel's new 14th-gen CPUs.
G.SKILL's new ultra-fast DDR5-8400 RAM is exactly what Intel's Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs need
Expect to pay a hefty premium for the new memory kits.
Just days after Intel debuted its Raptor Lake Refresh CPU lineup, PC component vendor G.SKILL has unveiled ultra-fast DDR5 memory kits for the new platform. Designed for the Z790 motherboards, the Trident Z5 RGB DDR4-8400 RAM comes in 48GB (2x24GB) capacity with 40-52-52-134 timings and a 1.4V DRAM voltage. The new memory kit also supports Intel's XMP 3.0 memory overclock profile, which enables users to easily overclock their RAM with compatible motherboards and processors.
This Corsair Vengeance RGB RAM is 10% off at its lowest price ever
The Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-5200 is one of the best in the business. Get it for an all-time-low price in this limited-time deal.
Buying DDR5 RAM used to be a costly affair when the new standard first became available. But now's a great time to build a new DDR5-based gaming PC, whether you're going Intel or AMD. The Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-5200 32GB (2x16GB) kit is one of the best in terms of performance and looks. You're getting the faster speeds of DDR5 without the premium that it once commanded. 32GB of RAM is enough to power even the most intense workloads, and if you care about looks, the Vengeance RGB ranks at the top. At 10% off, the Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-5200 32GB is at its lowest price ever, even though Prime Big Deal Days has ended.
Save 21% off one of our favorite DDR5 kits for gaming
During Prime Big Deal Days, save a bundle from one of our favorite RAM kits.
If you're looking for the best RGB DDR5 RAM for gaming, look no further. The Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 RAM is fantastic in looks and performance. It's a perfect pairing with the best AM5 motherboards for AMD's Ryzen 7000-series and is at a new low price with this limited-time promotion during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days.