Random access memory is one of the key components of any personal computer. Usually, users pay less attention when choosing a given component than when choosing a processor or choosing a video card. However, during operation, insufficient memory frequency, low bandwidth, or too high timings can significantly reduce system performance.
Moreover, even additional elements like heatsinks and RGB lighting can play an important role, especially when it comes to assembling a gaming PC in a compact package. Our rating of the best RAM modules in 2020 will help you choose the optimal model for your system, in which we selected the most popular models in terms of price and functionality.
Content
- 1 Top manufacturers of memory modules
- 2 Kingston HX318C10F * K2 / 8
- 3 Crucial CT102464BA160B
- 4 Kingston HX316C10F * K2 / 16
- 5 Corsair CMZ8GX3M1A1600C10
- 6 Kingston KVR18L13Q4 / 32
- 7 Crucial CT8G4DFD8213
- 8 Samsung DDR4 2133 Registered ECC DIMM 16 GB
- 9 Kingston HX421C14F * K2 / 32
- 10 Corsair CMSX64GX4M4A2400C16
- 11 G.SKILL F4-3200C14Q-64GTZ
Top manufacturers of memory modules
The first thing to look for when choosing a good RAM for your computer is its manufacturer. The quality of work, service life and the likelihood of defects in the memory bars of the brand you are interested in directly depend on the company's experience in this area, product testing methods and other nuances. We have included such giants of the industry as Kingston, Corsair and Crucial... Any gamer and even ordinary users who have never been interested in all the intricacies of computer memory are well aware of them. Also, the rating presents one RAM model from Samsung and G.SKILLrenowned for their reliability. But besides this, we also recommend taking a closer look at the following brands:
- GOODRAM
- PATRIOT
- TEAM
- Hynix
Kingston HX318C10F * K2 / 8
Kingston markets the HyperX line as a great solution for gamers and enthusiasts. The products of this brand do an excellent job of their direct duty, and are also excellent for overclocking. Model HX318C10F * K2 / 8 is 8GB DDR3 memory (two 4GB sticks). Fully tested and compatible with Intel's P55 / 57, H61 / 67 and Z68 / 77/87 chipsets, and AMD's A75 / 78/87/88/89 and E35 chipsets. Plug-and-Play memory support makes the modules easy to install in a PC. This set of RAM works at a frequency of 1866 MHz and differs in CL10 timings. The slats are equipped with radiators and can operate at a maximum operating temperature of 85 degrees. Modding fans will also appreciate the ability to purchase this memory in one of 4 color options: red, blue, black and white.
Advantages:
- Plug-and-Play support
- full compatibility testing
- automatic overlocking function
- reliability and durability of modules
- affordable price
- excellent protection against static voltage
- low operating voltage
Disadvantages:
- not found
Crucial CT102464BA160B
According to gamers, Crucial produces the very best memory on a PC. The reliability and durability of the products of this brand have been repeatedly confirmed by ordinary users and enthusiasts. CT102464BA160B kit consists of one 8 GB bracket. The frequency of this DDR3 memory is 1600 MHz, and the bandwidth is 12800 MB / s. Another advantage of the planks is the good CL11 timings. This kit is primarily aimed at home and office users, but the CT102464BA160B is also perfect for more productive systems.
Advantages:
- chips from Micron Technology
- stable work
- standard timings
- the ability to work in two-channel mode
Disadvantages:
- not found
Kingston HX316C10F * K2 / 16
In ninth place is another module from the HyperX Fury line from the Kingston brand. The HX316C10F * K2 / 16 kit contains 2 memory sticks of 8 GB each, which work quite fast. The memory modules support Plug-and-Play, as well as automatic overclocking without manual adjustments to BIOS settings. The working temperature of the strips varies from 0 to 85 degrees, and the memory can be stored in the temperature range from -55 to 100 degrees. By overclocking, Kingston's 1600 MHz memory can automatically overclock to 1866 MHz, allowing even inexperienced users to get the most out of today's games and demanding applications. Additionally, it is worth noting that each set of memory for a HyperX Fury computer is fully tested and verified at the factory for compatibility with products of all popular motherboard manufacturers. As with the previous model, the customer can choose between different color options.
Advantages:
- stylish appearance
- radiators 4 colors to choose from
- ease of overclocking by standard means
- high-quality and reliable assembly
- timings and bandwidth
Disadvantages:
- absent
Corsair CMZ8GX3M1A1600C10
CMZ8GX3M1A1600C10 is the best DDR3 RAM from Corsair. It boasts aggressive design, good soldering and layout, and good CL10 timings. The RAM model in question is supplied in a package of one 8 GB bar (standard frequency 1333 MHz with the ability to overclock up to 1600 MHz). The transfer speed of this model is 12800 MB / s, and the operating voltage of the RAM is 1.5 V. This memory from Corsair is suitable for heavy modern games, as well as other demanding tasks, while its cost is quite low, about 5000 rubles.
Advantages:
- reliability
- response speed
- stable work
- build quality
- good throughput
- excellent heatsink providing excellent heat dissipation
Disadvantages:
- radiator dimensions
- weak overclocking
Kingston KVR18L13Q4 / 32
Still not deciding which brand to choose DDR3 memory that can unleash the full potential of your system in games? Then take a look at the Kingston brand. The KVR18L13Q4 / 32 kit is a great option for your money. This model contains one module with 32 gigabytes of register storage (high-speed cells between the controller and the chips). The bar's frequency is 1866 MHz, and the bandwidth is 14900 Mb / s. The module contains 36 memory chips and a heatsink for cooling them. Among other advantages of high-quality memory for games, surfing the Internet and watching videos from Kingston, we can single out the support for the ECC algorithm (error correction), so the KVR18L13Q4 / 32 is perfect for servers.
Advantages:
- error detection and correction (ECC)
- high throughput
- operating frequency
- bar volume
- profitability
Disadvantages:
- not found
Crucial CT8G4DFD8213
Our rating continues as the best 8 GB RAM in the mid-range. This kit contains one bracket with CL15 timings. The bandwidth of the module is 17000 Mb / s, and its frequency is 2133 MHz. The RAM model in question comes in a simple box and does not contain additional options such as radiators or backlights. Overall value for money, the Crucial CT8G4DFD8213 is an excellent choice for home and office computers. But for more productive "machines" and resource-intensive tasks, you should choose other models of this brand.
Advantages:
- throughput
- reliability and assembly
- timings and frequency
- ratio of price and functionality
- stable work
Disadvantages:
- overclocking requires BIOS manipulation
Samsung DDR4 2133 Registered ECC DIMM 16 GB
First of all, Samsung memory modules attract attention for their reliability. The reviewed model belongs to the DDR4 class and supports ECC, which makes it possible to use it in servers. The timings of the Samsung buffered memory are 15-15-15, and the operating voltage is 1.2 V. This module operates at a frequency of 2133 MHz and has a bandwidth of 17000 MHz. According to reviews, this inexpensive 16 GB memory bar does an excellent job with any user tasks.However, this kit does not come with heatsinks, so it is not suitable for enthusiasts. However, if you take care of good cooling inside the case, you can force the bars to take a higher operating frequency. By the way, the South Korean giant does not produce chips for this module on its own, but buys from PATRIOT, which is famous for the durability and uninterrupted operation of its own RAM.
Advantages:
- ECC support
- buffered
- throughput
- excellent compatibility
Disadvantages:
- no radiators
Kingston HX421C14F * K2 / 32
In numerous reviews, the HX421C14F * K2 / 32 from Kingston is called the best memory in terms of price-quality ratio. This kit includes 2 strips with a total volume of 32 GB. The HX421C14F * K2 / 32 has a bandwidth of 17000 Mb / s and a maximum frequency of 2133 MHz. In addition, Kingston's top DDR4 RAM modules boast a great look and a range of heat sink finishes. When installed in a PC, the memory independently recognizes the platform and, without user intervention, sets a suitable frequency, which allows you not to worry about additional overclocking.
Advantages:
- operating frequency
- throughput
- high-quality assembly
- volume and timings (CL14)
Disadvantages:
- practically absent
Corsair CMSX64GX4M4A2400C16
Model CMSX64GX4M4A2400C16 is 4 x 16GB DDR4 RAM modules. This kit is intended for laptops (SODIMM form factor for 260 pins) and has good timings 16-16-16-39. The frequency of the RAM is 2400 MHz, and its bandwidth is 19200 Mb / s. Of the shortcomings of the considered set of RAM, only the high cost can be distinguished. However, it is justified by the quality, and the almost complete absence of similar products on the market also allows the manufacturer to dictate its own pricing policy.
Advantages:
- good throughput
- excellent timings and frequency
- quality and durability
- stylish appearance
- low power consumption
- low heating
Disadvantages:
- high price
G.SKILL F4-3200C14Q-64GTZ
Our rating closes with a very high-quality high-speed memory from the G.SKILL brand. F4-3200C14Q-64GTZ kit contains 4 x 16 GB modules. The frequency of each bar is 3200 MHz, and the maximum bandwidth reaches 25600 MB / s, which makes this memory an ideal choice for gaming systems and PCs for working with resource-intensive applications. This popular RAM supports Intel XMP technology, which allows it to be overclocked on Intel processors with no overclocking restrictions. G.SKILL F4-3200C14Q-64GTZ trims are equipped with heatsinks in the spirit of the Trident Z line and efficiently cooling the modules.
Advantages:
- slats throughput
- frequency and timings
- XMP technology support
- efficient radiator
Disadvantages:
- high price
We recommend watching the video “What kind of RAM to choose for games?”
Conclusion
The wrong choice of RAM can negatively affect system performance and the efficiency of various tasks. To get the most out of your PC, it is important to pay attention not only to timings or frequency, but also to a combination of all parameters. However, if you do not want to delve into this topic, our rating of the best memory modules, which includes the TOP-10 popular models available on the market today, will help you choose the right RAM kit.