10 best DDR4 memory modules

When assembling a computer, be it office or gaming, users first of all pay attention to the choice of processor, drives, motherboard and other components. And this is certainly correct. But if then, choosing RAM, the buyer does not pay as much attention to it, then the potential of the rest of the hardware may not be 100% revealed. And already at this stage a problem may arise, because it is not enough to take one or several large-volume planks, hoping that this will be enough. Therefore, we not only decided to find out what the best 2019-2020 DDR4 RAM is available for sale today, but also give valuable advice on its purchase.

What to look for when choosing RAM

1. Of course, volume is important. It shouldn't be too small, because in theory you can work with 4 GB, but a few extensions and tabs in Chrome, launched along with office applications, will show you how inconvenient it is. But you shouldn't install too much either. Even with a huge budget.
2. For example, Windows 10 Home Edition supports up to 128GB of RAM. But, firstly, it is almost impossible to find such a volume in one set, and secondly, it is difficult for us to imagine situations in which you will be able to fill it by at least a third. Therefore, you will not find 64 GB kits in our review either.
3. The number of planks also matters. One module has long been insufficient for fast work. But two are still enough for almost any task. If you need maximum performance in games or you work in professional software, then you should look closely to the kits with four bars.
4. The next important points are frequencies and timings. Both the one and the other parameter affect the speed of the modules, and are inversely related to each other. That is, the shorter the delay, the lower the frequency that will be supported with it. Simply put: the lower the timings, the faster the processor gains access to memory cells. The frequency affects the speed of information transfer for processing.
5. The last important point is cooling efficiency. It depends on the radiator used by the manufacturer. It also affects the design of RAM, but this is a secondary issue and depends on your preferences. But the cooling should be of high quality, because at high performance the chips will overheat. Therefore, all modern RAM models, if they are not the simplest ones, have heatsinks.

Best Low Cost DDR4 Kits

The cost of memory in 2017 jumped almost one and a half times, although in all previous years it has been steadily decreasing. As a result, the quality and characteristics of the available memory were far from what customers wanted to see in this product. However, the situation is now changing. The three largest DRAM manufacturers were accused of conspiracy to inflate the cost of RAM by creating a shortage. Then, for various reasons, users started buying memory less often. And now its price has begun to decline, trying to even exceed the forecast for the year equal to about 20%.

1. Corsair CMK16GX4M2A2400C16

The review starts with a good inexpensive memory from Corsair. It includes a pair of 8 GB modules. The same goes for the rest of the RAM kits in this category. Yes, for more savings, you can purchase one 8 GB stick or a set of two 4 GB sticks.But this volume is already on the verge of optimal. If the user loves to play, then even a basic gaming PC should be equipped with 16 gigabytes of RAM.

The Vengeance LPX line, to which the reviewed DDR4 RAM belongs, has a low-profile design. This allows planks to be placed in tight spaces (micro-ATX and mini-ITX form factors).
However, the model in question is not primarily aimed at gamers. Its frequency is only 2400 MHz, which is the lowest in the category. And if it works, it is only insignificant to overclock it. In addition, it is not very reasonable, because after paying extra 14–28 $ you can get the best DDR4 modules in terms of speed.

Advantages:

• low profile design;
• moderate cost;
• reliability and practicality;
• popular manufacturer.

Disadvantages:

• weak overclocking potential.

2.G.SKILL F4-3000C16D-16GISB

The next line was taken by good DDR4 memory modules from G.SKILL. Looking ahead, we note that this brand is the leader in the number of models in our rating, since its RAM is really excellent. So, in this case, only 98 $ you can get a couple of slats with XPM support. There are two profiles available to users with frequencies 2800 and 2933 MHz. If you set the parameters manually, then at standard timings 16-18-18-38 and a power supply of 1.35 V, the RAM can easily take 3200 MHz.

Advantages:

• overclocking capability;
• stable work;
• parameters out of the box;
• two A-XMP profiles are supported;
• excellent price / performance ratio.

Disadvantages:

• there are no radiators.

3. Patriot Memory PV416G320C6K

Looking for the best price for a 16GB module kit? Then we definitely recommend RAM from Patriot Memory. The model we have chosen for the review is distinguished by good timings of 16-18-18-36, a bandwidth of 25600 MB / s, as well as an impressive 3200 MHz frequency.

Important! Initially, the RAM can start at a frequency of 2133 MHz. To fix this, go to BIOS settings and set the parameters manually.

I am glad that the manufacturer has thought out its trims and made them suitable for both conventional and compact cases. If necessary, the user can unscrew the red ridge-shaped radiator from the top, thereby reducing the height from 41 to 33 mm. But the thickness will always be 8.5 mm, if the DIMM slots on your board are placed too tightly to each other, then these strips may be right next to each other or even not fit.

Advantages:

• the kit is based on Samsung's K4A4G085WD-BCPB chips;
• overclocking potential and parameters of standard profiles;
• good timings;
• a good combination of price and features;
• great price tag;
• efficient radiator, the height of which can be reduced.

Disadvantages:

• a little careless fastening of heatsinks to the board;
• some examples do not work at the declared 3200 MHz.

4. HyperX HX426C16FB2K2 / 16

Kingston is considered one of the most experienced manufacturers in the RAM market. This brand produces memory in different categories, but models from the HyperX gaming line are in special demand in its range. If we talk about the budget HX426C16FB2K2 RAM, which includes a couple of 8 GB modules, it is an excellent choice for computers based on the Intel platform.

These modules are built on Plug and Play technology. In other words, the user just needs to install it on the motherboard and start using it, because the timings and frequency will be automatically set in the BIOS. Also pleasing are branded black heatsinks, which, based on Kingston's RAM reviews, are not only beautiful, but also efficiently dissipate heat, keeping the chips stable.

Advantages:

• reasoned cost;
• design and cooling efficiency;
• good overclocking potential
• no manual configuration required.

The best DDR4 modules for price and quality

The decrease in cost had a positive effect not only on the budget segment, where now you can buy excellent solutions for office, as well as basic and optimal gaming computers, but also on the middle price category. For an affordable price, you can find fast and reliable RAM for demanding tasks.In this group, we will also look at four memory kits, two of which will be faster but smaller in size (16 GB), and the second pair will be slightly slower but larger (32 GB).

1. HyperX HX432C18FBK2 / 32

If the user does not want to think for a long time about which DDR4 memory is better, and the user just needs to take a reliable RAM for a reasonable price, then the HX432C18FBK2 will become one of the best options to buy. With a nominal frequency of 3200 MHz, this RAM has a timing scheme of 18-21-21. Yes, such values ​​cannot be called impressive, but you must take into account the price tag below 210 $which the manufacturer has set for the 32 GB kit.

If you cannot allocate the required amount for the purchase of the entire kit, then you can purchase a 16 GB HX432C18FB module, and then, when the required amount appears, buy another one of the same. Yes, in the end the costs will turn out to be a little higher, but with a limited budget, this approach is quite reasonable.

In appearance, the RAM is similar to other representatives of the line. The memory chips used by the company are no different: Micron's 16nm E-Die. In standard mode, the strips consume 1.2 V. The bandwidth of the RAM is 25600 megabytes / sec.

Advantages:

• support for Kingston PnP technology;
• good amount of memory;
• operates at a frequency of 3200 MHz;
• work without increased voltage;
• overclocking capabilities (in theory).

Disadvantages:

• high delays.

2.G.SKILL F4-3200C14D-16GVK

The next step is high-quality memory from G.SKILL, built on top-end B-Die chips from Samsung. And, looking at the nominal timings of 14-14-14-34, users are unlikely to have doubts about the veracity of this statement. The kit contains two memory sticks of 8 GB each, capable of operating at 3200 MHz with standard presets. If you specify higher timings, you will be able to set a higher operating frequency. However, it is advisable only with an AMD Ryzen CPU.

Advantages:

• standard operating parameters;
• excellent overclocking capabilities;
• attractive appearance;
• versions available in other colors.

Disadvantages:

• bulky radiator.

3. Corsair CMK32GX4M2B3000C15

Usually, Corsair products cost significantly more than their competitors. And, it would seem, this is due to the excellent quality and reliability, but not all consumers agree to pay impressive money for RAM anyway. Therefore, it is especially pleasant to mention the CMK32GX4M2B3000C15 RAM in the review. If you have the necessary knowledge, then all the characteristics of this kit can be understood already from the name. So, it includes two bars of 16 GB each and can operate at the standard 3000 MHz frequency with 15-17-17-35 delays. The voltage consumption in this case is 1.35 V.

Advantages:

• duration of the guarantee;
• impressive performance;
• excellent combination of price and quality;
• well suited for overclockers;
• beautiful radiators with low height.

4.G.SKILL F4-3600C16D-16GTZ

Another excellent G.SKILL model is the leader in the TOP of DDR4 RAM in terms of cost / quality ratio. This is an expensive kit that includes only two 16GB sticks. But it can boast of a good bandwidth of 28800 MB / s and good timings of 16-16-16-36. In this case, the operating frequency of the RAM in this case will be an impressive 3600 MHz, which is the best value in the review.

G.SKILL TridentZ is an extensive line that includes a huge number of models. One of the best RAMs in terms of reliability is offered in sets of two to eight modules with a volume of 4-16 GB each. The frequency range of each of the bars can be equal, respectively, 2800-4400 MHz at voltages of 1.25-1.5 V. Of course, we cannot cover them all in one review, so consider alternative solutions yourself, because among them there may be a suitable one you.

But that's not all! Having the best combination of price and quality, the RAM also boasts an excellent appearance. Beautiful radiators with several color options will surely decorate any computer.However, keep in mind that due to the height of passive cooling, you will not be able to install some models of CPU coolers next to these bars.

Advantages:

• attractive appearance;
• reasonable cost;
• decent work speed;
• the best RAM in the rating;
• two XMP profiles for easy setup.

Disadvantages:

• the size of the radiators.

Best High-End DDR4 Memory

We decided to devote the last category in the RAM rating to top-end kits. And what are the requirements for such modules? Of course, they have to be fast, reliable, cool and beautiful. In the first case, important parameters are timings and frequency, which in each of the two sets discussed below is 3200 MHz. By the way, both sets include not two, but 4 strips with a volume of 8 GB. What about the design? An attractive radiator is clearly not enough here. But if the slats have customizable RGB backlighting, then your computer will sparkle with different colors (especially if it has other components with this option).

1. Corsair CMT32GX4M4C3200C16

When gamers want to buy RAM for a gaming PC, they often look at Corsair products. Reliable, fast and stylish - that's what is typical for any RAM model from a well-known American manufacturer. Speaking specifically about the CMT32GX4M4C3200C16 variant, this is a novelty on the RAM market. If necessary, the user can overclock the chips above the standard 3200 MHz frequency, but the nominal timings of 16-18-18-36 will deteriorate in this case. At the same time, you will hardly get any performance gain in games, so there is no sense in such experiments.

To configure the backlight, the user can use a proprietary utility. In it, you can adjust the backlighting of memory modules in accordance with other brand products. If you don't need this option, then you can choose a separate color and even a glow option for each plank. At the same time, pay attention to whether this kit is suitable for your board and your case, because it has rather high and wide radiators.

Advantages:

• excellent performance;
• overclocking potential;
• ease of setting the backlight;
• great appearance;
• efficiency of radiators.

2.G.SKILL F4-3200C16Q-32GTZR

Rounding out the rating is the best-priced DDR4 memory in the High End segment. It can be found for about 280 $, which is quite good for the stated characteristics. Its only problem is accessibility, because at the beginning of 2020 this kit can be purchased only in a few online stores.

If you could not find the kit in question in your city, then you can purchase options with fewer planks. Kits for 2 8GB modules are more common. In addition, a frequency of 3466 MHz and higher is available for them.

One of the main advantages of this RAM according to user reviews is the backlight. It complements the standard TridentZ design perfectly. In addition, in the proprietary utility, the user can adjust the glow separately for each plank, choosing between 16.7 million shades, which looks just great.

Advantages:

• timings 16-18-18-36;
• there is support for XMP;
• number and design of modules;
• 3200 MHz frequency and overclocking capability;
• attractive cost for its capabilities.

Disadvantages:

• it is very difficult to find a 32 GB kit on sale.

Which DDR4 memory kit to buy

Let's start with the top solutions. According to their characteristics, they have worthy competitors in the middle price segment. And it would be more rational to take them if you consider RGB lighting an unnecessary option. Do you want to save money? Then consider the very best DDR4 RAM options in the budget segment. The best options for memory kits will be HyperX and G.SKILL products, they also distinguished themselves in the price-quality category. Moreover, in the latter case, the available models are both faster and more capacious, which allows you to choose the RAM that meets your needs at the same cost.