Random Access Memory or RAM plays a pivotal role in determining the performance of your PC. And, with the advent of new DDR5 RAM, there’s a high chance that you are looking to upgrade to the latest standard. That said, with the growing availability of DDR5 RAM modules on the market, choosing the best DDR5 RAM module for your needs can be challenging.
Well, fret not, for we are here. DDR5 RAM offers faster speeds, increased bandwidth, and improved efficiency over its predecessors. Add to that, it is particularly beneficial for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and other memory-intensive applications.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best DDR5 RAM modules currently available for gaming, video editing, and other applications to help you make an informed decision.
But first, you might want to check out the following:
- The best gaming laptops with 32GB RAM
- The best gaming laptops with RTX 3060 GPU
- The best gaming laptops with RTX 3080 Ti GPU
1. Crucial CL40 Desktop Memory
- Capacity: 32GB | Frequency: 4800MHz
- Timing: 40-39-39-77 | CAS Latency: 40
- Voltage: 1.1 V | RGB: No
As far as looks are concerned, the Crucial CL40 Desktop Memory looks outdated. To that end, the device doesn’t come with a heat spreader and the entire design is old-school. However, it is of the DDR5 variety and offers excellent performance and lower voltages.
The biggest strength of the CL40 is, you guessed it, its price. It’s the lowest-priced DDR5 RAM on the market while offering performance that is on par with the big dogs. Despite having a rated speed of 4800MHz, there is headroom for overclocking, and you can push this up to 5200MHz. And, even if you don’t, as TomsHardware notes, the performance of the module isn’t that far off behind slightly speedier counterparts.
2. CORSAIR Vengeance
- Capacity: 32GB | Frequency: 4800MHz
- Timing: 40-40-40-77 | CAS Latency: 40
- Voltage: 1.1 V | RGB: No
While the CORSAIR Vengeance is available in a maximum frequency of up to 7200MHz, you would be better off getting the 4800MHz variant. And then, spend the rest of your money on a better CPU and GPU. The Vengeance is targeted toward the mid-tier gaming audience, and for the price, it’s a solid RAM module.
You get Onboard Voltage Regulation, which makes it easier to overclock or undervolt the RAM kit. Just use the Corsair iCUE software, and you’re good to go. Also, while there is no RGB here, you can buy the RAM in either black or white color variants. And let me tell you, they both look equally stylish.
3. G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB Series
- Capacity: 32GB | Frequency: 6000MHz
- Timing: 36-36-36-96 | CAS Latency: 36
- Voltage: 1.35 V | RGB: Yes
Targetted towards the higher end of the market, the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB Series DDR5 RAM is available in different speeds and memory sizes. However, the most recommended variant is the 32GB kit that’s clocked at 6,000MHz. That way, you get to enjoy super-fast speeds, without spending a ton of money.
G.Skill also offers immaculate RGB sync with all motherboard manufacturers. As such, you don’t need to rely on G.Skill’s proprietary software and you can just use your motherboard’s configuration tool to control the lighting. Speaking of the motherboard, some buyers have complained that the RAM cannot hold its own when running at the rated 6,000MHz speed. However, that is most certainly a BIOS issue. With brands releasing BIOS updates to better support DDR5 RAM modules, you shouldn’t face such an issue anymore.
4. Kingston Fury Beast RGB
- Capacity: 32GB | Frequency: 5600MT/s
- Timing: 40-40-40-80 | CAS Latency: 40
- Voltage: 1.25 V | RGB: Yes
Out of the box, the Kingston Fury Beast RGB runs at a stock frequency of 4800MT/s. However, you can easily boost it to its rated 5600MT/s speed by going into the BIOS settings. Like most DDR5 RAM modules, the Fury Beast RGB is also Intel XMP 3.0 ready.
The module also comes with Kingston’s FURY Infrared Sync Technology, which can be controlled via the Kingston FURY CTRL app for Windows. Essentially it is a way to customize the lighting effects of your RAM. Alternatively, you can also use your motherboard’s application to control it. While all this sounds good, a handful of customers have complained about the FURY CTRL app crashing incessantly. Moreover, some motherboard applications are running into compatibility issues with the RAM module as well.
While it can almost certainly be fixed with a software update, if you’re super serious about RGB lighting, there are better options out there. Alternatively, you can also opt for the non-RGB version of the Kingston Fury Beast.
5. TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB
- Capacity: 32GB | Frequency: 6400MHz
- Timing: 40-40-40-84 | CAS Latency: 40
- Voltage: 1.35 V | RGB: Yes
One thing to note about the TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB DDR5 RAM is that just like its name, the module itself is also a bit big. More specifically, it is quite tall. As a result, it’s important to ensure that you pair it with a compatible cooler that does not obstruct the DIMM slots on your motherboard.
The modules are well-built and have a hefty heat spreader that provides efficient cooling. Furthermore, the kit comes with a lifetime warranty, ensuring that it will last for many years to come. To no one’s surprise, the kit costs a premium too. But, as PCGamer highlighted in their review, it has excellent performance with plenty of overclocking headroom as well.
6. Corsair DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB
- Capacity: 32GB | Frequency: 5200MHz
- Timing: 38-38-38-84 | CAS Latency: 38
- Voltage: 1.25 V | RGB: Yes
The Corsair DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB comes with the company’s DHX cooling setup. It’s essentially a fancy name for its unique heat spreader which keeps temps in check. And, you’d be glad to know that the heat spreader does work well in real-world usage.
You also get a unique distribution of RGB lights on the top. Instead of having a single section for RGB, you get 12 Ultra-Bright CAPELLIX RGB LEDs on top. Of course, they are all easily controllable via the Corsair iCUE app, or via your motherboard’s sync utility.
Also, similar to the TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB sticks, the DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB is also quite tall. As such, plan ahead to ensure that you have enough room inside your setup to fit these RAM sticks.
One of the best reasons to opt for the Corsair DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB is how it manages to keep the temperatures in check. However, if you have enough cooling solutions inside your case, you can also check out the Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 RAM. It’s essentially the Vengeance RAM but with RGB, and without the enhanced heat spreader as seen on the DOMINATOR variants.
FAQs about Best DDR5 RAM Modules
Yes, DDR5 RAM is good for gaming as it offers higher memory bandwidth and faster data transfer speeds than previous generations of RAM. This reduces the amount of time it takes for the CPU to access and process data stored in memory. Additionally, it consumes less power which can lead to cooler and quieter gaming systems.
For Intel CPUs, DDR5 RAM is supported since the 12th-gen Alder Lake platform. The latest Intel 13th-gen Raptor Lake processors support both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. On the other hand, for AMD’s CPUs, their latest Zen-4-based AM5 motherboards only support the latest DDR5 RAM modules.
Despite having the same total number of pins, i.e. 288 pins, DDR4 and DDR5 RAM modules are not compatible with one another. The notch position in the pin layout is different on both standards. As such, you won’t even be able to install DDR5 RAM on a DDR4 motherboard, or vice versa.
Considering modern standards, 16GB is regarded as the bare minimum amount of RAM for a PC. However, if you are opting for DDR5 RAM, it’s best to go for a 32GB kit, since the prices are quite competitive, and you also get to future-proof your system. With 32GB of RAM, you can easily enjoy multitasking on your system, be it gaming or running multiple creative apps at the same time.
The short answer is no. Having RGB on your RAM doesn’t bring any changes to the system’s performance. With that being said, there’s nothing wrong with spending a little extra to add a bit of flair to your gaming PC.
Switch to Faster Memory Today
With the right DDR5 RAM module and hardware, you can unlock the full potential of your system and take your gaming or productivity to the next level. Our list of the best DDR5 RAM modules should suffice your needs, whether your focus is on gaming, video editing, or any other memory-intensive task. Let us know which DDR5 RAM kit will you be going with, in the comments below.
Last updated on 30 March, 2023
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