With both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM options saturating the market, the average gamer is spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting the best RAM for gaming. There are dozens of RAM kits across both DDR4 and DDR5 that target different price points and are optimized for either Intel or AMD, but which ones are the best for gaming? To answer this question, I thoroughly tested a plethora of RAM kits for both DDR4 and DDR5 platforms to curate this selection of the very best RAM kits that you should consider for gaming.
Explore this comparison table to discover my choices for the best RAM for gaming:
To round up these options, we put tested north of 50 kits, and of course, not all of them made it to our list. If you want to check all the DDR5 kits we have tested, I highly recommend going over our RAM Comparison Tool. You can compare, sort, and rank different kits based on their AIDA64 scores and specs.
Last Updated:
- July 27, 2024: We have changed the formatting to improve the readability.
If you want to only check DDR5 options, check this round-up:
Best RAM For Gaming
I have personally tested more than 20 kits this year to round up this selection:
- Best High-Performance DDR5: TEAMGROUP T-Force Xtreem 32GB DDR5 8000MHz CL38
- Best High-Performance DDR4: Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO SL 32GB DDR4 4000MHz CL18
- Best Value: Lexar ARES RGB 32GB DDR5 6400MHz CL32
- Best RAM For Gaming: G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 32GB DDR5 6600MHz CL34
- Best 32GB DDR4 For Intel Platform: Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 32GB DDR4 3200MHz CL16
- Best 32GB DDR4 For AMD Platform: Corsair Vengeance RGB RT 32GB DDR4 3600MHz CL16
- Best 32GB DDR5 For Intel Platform: XPG Lancer RGB 32GB DDR5 7200MHz CL34
- Best 32GB DDR5 For AMD Platform: Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB DDR5 6000MHz CL30
TEAMGROUP T-Force Xtreem 32GB DDR5 8000MHz CL38
Best High-Performance DDR5 RAM
Memory Type: DDR5 | Capacity: 32GB (16GB x2) | Frequency: 8000MHz | Latency: CL38 | Latency (nanoseconds): 9.5 ns | Input Voltage: 1.45V | RGB Lighting: No
Pros
- Super high frequency
- Excellent stock performance
- Stealthy look
- Available in 48GB capacity
Cons
- Lack of RGB lighting
- Mediocre overclocking potential
TEAMGROUP took a very conservative approach with the design of the T-Force Xtreem series, and that is in line with the performance-oriented theme of this RAM kit. The black heat spreaders provide a stealthy look, accentuated in certain places by silver accents that elevate the look of the RAM, despite the clear lack of RGB lighting. According to my test results, the TEAMGROUP T-Force Xtreem DDR5 RAM is the fastest memory kit I have ever tested, as its stock performance is by far the fastest out of the bunch. However, the T-Force Xtreem DDR5 RAM kit does not leave a lot of overclocking headroom out of the box.
The T-Force Xtreem DDR5 RAM kit is one of the premium, performance-focused DDR5 RAM kits on the market as of right now, so undoubtedly it is a little heavy on the wallet. However, if you are an enthusiast who can harness the performance benefits of this RAM kit in your particular workload, then the investment does make sense.
I shared my thoughts on the T-Force Xtreem DDR5 RAM during my in-depth review process:
The Teamgroup T-Force XTREEM DDR5 kit stands out for its exceptional performance and robust build quality, aimed at enthusiasts and overclockers.
What Makes It The Best High-Performance DDR5 RAM?
The exceptional 8000MHz frequency and reasonable CL38 latency of the TEAMGROUP T-Force Xtreem DDR5 RAM helped it attain fantastic results in my RAM testing benchmarks, which is why it is my pick for the best high-performance DDR5 RAM that you can buy for gaming.
Performance: 10/10 | Value: 7/10 |
Overclocking: 7/10 | Design: 7/10 |
Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO SL 32GB DDR4 4000MHz CL18
Best High-Performance DDR4 RAM
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (16GB x2) | Frequency: 4000MHz | Latency: CL18 | Latency (nanoseconds): 9.0 ns | Input Voltage: 1.35V | RGB Lighting: Yes
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Attractive design language
- Low latency
- Reasonable overclocking potential
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Corsair usually does not miss when it comes to the design aspect of their RAM kits, and the same holds true here. The Vengeance RGB Pro SL looks sleek and modern with a gray heat spreader along with a gigantic RGB bar on top. The intricate details on the heat spreader give it a very unique feel that makes the design stand out. As far as DDR4 memory is concerned, the Vengeance RGB PRO SL 4000MHz CL18 kit was one of the fastest kits to come across my test suite, thanks to its high frequency and tight timings. The overclocking potential was also reasonable and can yield great results if you are willing to tinker with the voltage a bit.
Despite being a last-gen memory kit, the Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO SL is still a bit on the expensive side of the pricing spectrum, but for good reason. When you analyze the bigger picture, the performance metrics do justify the price tag if you plan to stick with a DDR4 system for the foreseeable future.
What Makes It The Best High-Performance DDR4 RAM?
My test results validate the supreme performance of the Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO SL RAM, thanks to its excellent frequency of 4000MHz at CL18, making it the best high-performance DDR4 RAM on the market.
Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
Overclocking: 8/10 | Design: 8/10 |
Lexar ARES RGB 32GB DDR5 6400MHz CL32
Best Value RAM
Memory Type: DDR5 | Capacity: 32GB (16GB x2) | Frequency: 6400MHz | Latency: CL32 | Latency (nanoseconds): 10.0 ns | Input Voltage: 1.40V | RGB Lighting: Yes
Pros
- Decent stock performance
- Excellent value for money
- Stylish design
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Tall heat spreaders
- Unremarkable overclocking
The Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 RAM kit has a very trendy and modern design that is stylish and does not take any risks. The black heat spreaders are a bit bulky and may look a tad too cluttered at first glance, but I was quite impressed with their look inside a PC case. The RGB lighting is well-diffused and allows the user to personalize the look of this RAM kit. I selected the 6400MHz variant of this RAM kit with a latency of CL32, and this kit performed flawlessly in my memory benchmark tests, falling in the upper half of my DDR5 ranking. I was also quite pleased with the overclocking experience, having achieved 6800MHz at 1.5V, though you might want to keep the voltage a bit lower.
The Lexar ARES RGB RAM kit is one of the most impressive options in terms of price-to-performance ratio when we consider the DDR5 RAM market. Its value proposition is outstanding, thanks to its versatile performance at a very reasonable price point. It can even rival the price structure of some DDR4 memory kits.
I reflected on the value proposition of the Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 kit in my dedicated review as well:
The Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 kit offers high performance at 6400MHz and CAS32 for budget gamers, rivaling pricier options.
What Makes It The Best Value RAM?
Checking all the required boxes, the Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 RAM provides solid stock performance in gaming as well as a nice design, while being quite affordable, making it the best value RAM for gaming right now.
Performance: 8/10 | Value: 10/10 |
Overclocking: 8/10 | Design: 8/10 |
G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 32GB DDR5 6600MHz CL34
Best DDR5 RAM For Gaming
Memory Type: DDR5 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Frequency: 6600MHz | Latency: CL34 | Latency (nanoseconds): 10.3 ns | Input Voltage: 1.40V | RGB Lighting: Yes
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Overclocking friendly
- Attractive RGB lighting
- Alternate color option
Cons
- Relatively high price
Aesthetically, the Trident Z5 RGB looks modern and stylish, as you get a beautiful RGB bar at the top that starts from the left end and seamlessly blends into the middle. The kit is available in two colors, matte black and metallic silver, and both colors have a unique design that makes them look really beautiful. The RAM kit performed admirably in my testing, as the RAM can run at up to 6600MHz frequency with a timing latency of CL34-40-40-105. I also got a pretty decent overclock on my particular kit, pushing it up to 7200MHz at CL34 using 1.47V, which provided a nice bump to the performance. I also suggest checking out our RAM Latency Calculator to measure this kit’s latency in nanoseconds.
The Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 RAM is actually a very well-balanced RAM in terms of pricing. Sure, it is a little on the expensive side being a DDR5 RAM kit, but you do get enough performance to justify your investment. You also get a limited lifetime warranty with the Trident Z5 RGB for extra user comfort.
I made a note of the overclocking performance of this RAM kit during my review:
In testing, it delivered a solid performance, competing well with other high-speed DDR5 kits and showed notable improvements when overclocked to 7200MHz.
What Makes It The DDR5 RAM For Gaming?
The perfect balance between a high 6600MHz frequency, low CAS34 latency, attractive looks, and commendable reliability is what makes the Trident Z5 RGB the best DDR5 RAM for gaming.
Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
Overclocking: 8/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Corsair VENGEANCE RGB PRO 32GB DDR4 3200MHz CL16
Best 32GB DDR4 RAM For Intel Platform
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (16GB x2) | Frequency: 3200MHz | Latency: CL16 | Latency (nanoseconds): 10.0 ns | Input Voltage: 1.35V | RGB Lighting: Yes
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Attractive aesthetics
- Decent overall performance
- Good for overclocking
Cons
- Relatively lower stock performance
Corsair’s design for the Vengeance RGB series has become iconic, and for good reason. The sleek and modern look of the RAM elevates the aesthetics of any PC build, while the huge RGB bar provides an element of customization to the build. The small intricate patterns on the heat spreader are a nice addition and give it a premium feel. Unlike AMD, Intel CPUs really do not care much about frequency over 3000 MHz, so this 3200 MHz CL16 kit is perfect for a variety of tasks, as validated by my testing. I also successfully overclocked this RAM kit to 3466MHz at CL14 using 1.380V, which resulted in a noticeable performance bump in my benchmarks.
At the time of writing, the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM kit is one of the best DDR4 kits that you can buy, both in terms of performance and value. My selected variant comes at a reasonable price point and checks all the necessary boxes for a DDR4 system while being easy on your wallet.
I commented on the various features offered by the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro RAM during my testing process.
With 10 RGB LED zones and control through Corsair iCUE software, it delivers solid performance and notable overclocking capabilities.
What Makes It The Best 32GB DDR4 RAM For Intel Platform?
At a relatively affordable price point, the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM provides solid performance, wide compatibility, and even a nice design, making it the best 32GB DDR4 RAM for the Intel platform.
If you are using an Intel system that supports DDR4, then the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 RAM hits the perfect sweet spot between performance and price. I really like the balance of this RAM kit, as it does not have any significant weaknesses, which makes it a great pick if you don’t plan on upgrading to DDR5 soon.
– Nauman Siddique
Performance: 8/10 | Value: 8/10 |
Overclocking: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Corsair Vengeance RGB RT 32GB DDR4 3600MHz CL16
Best 32GB DDR4 RAM For AMD Platform
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Frequency: 3600MHz | Latency: CL16 | Latency (nanoseconds): 8.88 ns | Input Voltage: 1.35V | RGB Lighting: Yes
Pros
- Ideal for video editing
- Optimized for Ryzen builds
- Great overall performance
- RGB lighting
Cons
- Relatively expensive
The Corsair Vengeance RGB RT nails the dual-tone design philosophy. The kit is available in two colors, black and white or black and gunmetal, my recommendation is gunmetal and black, but looks are subjective. In true Corsair fashion, you get RGB light at the top, which goes from one end to another to complete the look. Since Corsair specifically optimized this kit for AMD processors, it can definitely be considered one of the premier choices for AMD systems according to my test results. The overall performance is quite impressive, and even the overclocking potential is decent if you are willing to tinker with the voltage.
The Vengeance RGB RT DDR4 kit is one of the best performance-oriented DDR4 kits on the market, and that is reflected in its price tag. While its price may be slightly higher than competitors, its value proposition is still quite positive thanks to its solid performance and overall feature set.
What Makes It The Best 32GB DDR4 RAM For AMD Platform?
The option of 32GB capacity, along with excellent gaming performance, beautiful RGB, and ideal optimization for Ryzen builds make the Corsair Vengeance RGB RT the best 32GB DDR4 RAM for AMD platform.
Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
Overclocking: 7/10 | Design: 9/10 |
XPG Lancer RGB 32GB DDR5 7200MHz CL34
Best 32GB DDR5 RAM For Intel Platform
Memory Type: DDR5 | Capacity: 32GB (16GB x2) | Frequency: 7200MHz | Latency: CL34 | Latency (nanoseconds): 9.44 ns | Input Voltage: 1.40V | RGB Lighting: Yes
Pros
- Attractive design
- Exceptional performance
- Superb overclocking potential
- Support for XMP 3.0
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Tall heat spreaders
The XPG Lancer RGB RAM kit is one of the most impressive kits on the market in terms of design. XPG has taken a unique approach to the RGB lighting bar by incorporating a stylish cutout on the heat spreader that allows the illumination to shine brightly and vividly. The heat spreader also betrays a sense of premium quality and sophistication. My test results confirm that my recommended variant of the XPG Lancer RGB RAM is one of the fastest memory kits on the market today, thanks exclusively to its sky-high 7200 MHz speed. I was also impressed with its overclocking prowess, as I managed to hit 7800 MHz at CL34 using a voltage of 1.5V.
The 32GB 7200MHz CL34 variant of the XPG Lancer RGB DDR5 RAM kit is certainly not an inexpensive purchase, but you do get what you pay for in terms of stock performance as well as overclocking potential. The value proposition is still quite decent despite the initial price tag, making it a great buy for most gamers.
The well-rounded nature of the XPG Lancer RGB DDR5 RAM stood out to me during the review process.
Its impressive overclocking capabilities, dual-platform support, and error correction function make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts.
What Makes It The Best 32GB DDR5 RAM For Intel Platform?
Thanks to its exceptional stock performance, reasonable overclocking headroom, and optimization for Intel CPUs, the XPG Lancer RGB DDR5 RAM is the best 32GB DDR5 RAM for Intel platform.
Performance: 9/10 | Value: 7/10 |
Overclocking: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Corsair Vengeance RGB 32GB DDR5 6000MHz CL30
Best 32GB DDR5 RAM For AMD Platform
Memory Type: DDR5 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Frequency: 6000MHz | Latency: CL30 | Latency (nanoseconds): 10.0 ns | Input Voltage: 1.40V | RGB Lighting: Yes
Pros
- Optimized for AMD Ryzen
- Balanced performance
- Looks beautiful
- Solid overclocking performance
Cons
- High price
The overall looks of the Corsair Vengeance RGB are really beautiful and unique. There is an RGB light bar at the top, and you can customize it using the iCUE software. I have reviewed the white variant, and while the kit looked drop-dead gorgeous on my test bench, I certainly prefer the black variant more, as it looks a bit cleaner. The Vengeance RGB from Corsair is optimized for AMD Ryzen processors and performed quite well in my memory benchmark tests. For overclocking, I got a whopping 800MHz increase in frequency after cranking the voltage to 1.45V, which provided a slight performance uplift.
The Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 RAM is quite average when it comes to value since it does not excel in either direction. It is certainly one of the more expensive DDR5 RAM kits on the market, but the performance and overclocking potential completely neutralize the price tag and make this kit a solid recommendation.
I was particularly impressed by the looks of this RAM kit in my review:
This kit offers brilliant digitally controllable RGB lighting with even diffusion and vivid colors.
What Makes It The Best 32GB DDR5 RAM For AMD Platform?
You can get other DDR5 32GB RAM options as well, but none of them have the reliability, performance, looks, and optimization of the Corsair Vengeance RGB, and that’s why it is the best 32GB DDR5 RAM for AMD platform.
Performance: 9/10 | Value: 8/10 |
Overclocking: 9/10 | Design: 9/10 |
Benchmarks Of The Best RAM For Gaming
I have personally tested a plethora of RAM kits to curate the list of the best RAM for gaming. These benchmarks make it clear how much performance you can expect from my selected RAM kits. Here are the results of my testing:
Specifications Comparison
You can view the specs of the best RAM kits in this table.
RAM | Capacity (GBs) | Frequency (MHz) | Latency (CL) | Latency (ns) | Voltage (V) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TEAMGROUP T-Force Xtreem DDR5 | 32 | 8000 | 38 | 9.5 | 1.45 |
Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO SL DDR4 | 32 | 4000 | 18 | 9.0 | 1.35 |
Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 | 32 | 6400 | 32 | 10 | 1.40 |
G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 | 32 | 6600 | 34 | 10.3 | 1.40 |
Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO DDR4 | 32 | 3200 | 16 | 10 | 1.35 |
Corsair Vengeance RGB RT DDR4 | 32 | 3600 | 16 | 8.88 | 1.35 |
XPG Lancer RGB DDR5 | 32 | 7200 | 34 | 9.44 | 1.40 |
Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 | 32 | 6000 | 30 | 10 | 1.40 |
Why We Didn’t Choose These RAM Kits For Gaming
In order to shortlist the best RAM kits for gaming, I tested numerous RAM kits from both DDR4 and DDR5 generations across a wide range of budgets. Here are a few RAM kits that just fell short in the final rankings.
- G.Skill Ripjaws S5 DDR5 6000MHz CAS30: While the Ripjaws S5 provides great value for money, the competition is just too strong and there are better alternatives in the same price bracket.
- Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR4 4000MHz CAS18: For a DDR4 kit, the Dominator Platinum RGB is a little too expensive and does not make a lot of financial sense at this point in time.
- Sabrent Rocket DDR5 4800MHz CL40: The Rocket DDR5 RAM kit is a good entry point for anyone upgrading to DDR5, but its performance is quite lackluster when compared to newer kits.
- V-Color Manta XPrism RGB DDR5 7200MHz CL34: The Manta XPrism RGB showcased excellent performance numbers in my testing, but it was more expensive than our selected pick for this category.
How We Tested & Picked The Best RAM For Gaming
At Tech4Gamers, we follow specific criteria to test the RAMs we are reviewing. These criteria can also help you in your quest to buy the best RAM for your particular build.
- Performance: The best-performance RAM offers high frequency while maintaining low latency. During testing, we use different software to test the memory chips under various circumstances. Since we have a dedicated test bench just to test memory, we can compare the results with other RAMs we have previously tested.
- Pricing: Once we have a clear picture of how well a particular RAM performs, we then consider its pricing to see if it is worth the money or not. It is crucial to scrutinize RAM based on their pricing, as it serves as the best ground to compare the value of different RAMs against each other.
- Overclocking Potential: Even if you don’t plan to overclock your RAM, it is still essential for us to test the overclocking potential of RAM as it tells us how reliable and stable the memory chips are. For RAM to have good overclocking potential, it should have a low input voltage that leaves adequate room for us to increase.
- Aesthetics: While the aesthetics are not nearly as important as the other features we test, they still hold quite a bit of importance to many gamers. That’s why we always consider the overall visual appeal of the RAM kits we test. This includes considering the RGB lighting (or lack thereof), build quality, colors, branding, heatspreader design, etc.
- Compatibility: The primary compatibility to test is physical compatibility, which means whether or not any given RAM will fit a particular case or not. Most RAMs are good to go with ATX motherboards, but if you’re building a small form factor rig, then remember to consider its height and cross-check it with your CPU cooler.
What Other Readers Think
FAQs
No, DDR5 RAM is not compatible with DDR4 motherboards. You will have to purchase a DDR5-supported motherboard to use your DDR5 RAM.
You may be able to get an AMD RAM to work with an Intel build and vice versa. However, it is recommended to get an AMD EXPO kits for AMD platform and Intel XMP kits for Intel platform for optimal performance.
Recent Updates
- March 25, 2024: I replaced the Kingston Fury Renegade RGB DDR5 kit with the TEAMGROUP T-Force Xtreem DDR5 kit due to the superior performance of the latter. I also made some text changes to improve readability and added specs comparison along with image galleries from my reviews.
- March 12, 2024: I switched the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR4 kit with the Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO SL DDR4 kit because it delivers the same performance while being quite a bit cheaper.
- February 26, 2024: I changed the G.Skill Ripjaws S5 DDR5 RAM kit with the Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 kit thanks to the superior performance and comparable value of the latter.
- February 11, 2024: I replaced the TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB DDR5 RAM kit with the XPG Lancer RGB DDR5 kit as the latter delivered significantly better performance in my testing.
- February 5, 2024: I swapped the TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB DDR4 RAM kit with the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro DDR4 since it offers a much better value proposition at similar performance levels.
- May 24, 2023: Benchmarks updated to include more kits.
Our testing extends to other RAM kits as well:
- Best RAM For i9-14900K
- Best RAM For Ryzen 9 7950X
- Best RAM For i9-13900KS
- Best RAM For Ryzen 9 5950X
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
Feedback By:
Esme
Celeste
Byrne
Eloise
Deanz
Brook
Shak
Cross
Lila
Julian Stone
Kwazy
Stone
reed
Hayes
Blake
[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]
Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.
As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.
- 15+ years of PC Building Experience
- 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
- 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
- A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
- I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
- Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.
- Completed Course in Computer Systems Specialization From Illinois Tech