The Best DDR4 RAM to Improve Your PC’s Performance
Posted by EMMA ROTH
With tech companies pushing back the release of DDR5 RAM into 2020, DDR4 RAM kits are the best memory you can get for your PC right now. Whether you’re a PC gamer or a casual user, having the right amount and type of RAM can make your PC run much smoother. If you’re experiencing frame drops, or just overall slugginess, your current RAM might not be cutting it.
So, do you need better and faster memory? Check out our list of the best DDR4 RAM for your PC in 2019.
DDR4 RAM Essentials
Before we get into our list, let’s talk a little about DDR4 RAM, and how it stacks up against its predecessor. When you compare DDR4 and DDR3 RAM, you’ll notice that’s there’s not much of a difference between the two.
It’s true; the differences between DDR4 and DDR3 are slight. DDR4 RAM operates at a lower voltage, supports a larger amount of memory, and has faster speeds.
Since computer hardware companies have pretty much phased out DDR3 RAM, you’ll likely have to purchase DDR4 RAM if you’re looking to upgrade your PC.
1. CORSAIR Vengeance RGB PRO 16GB DDR4
CORSAIR Vengeance RGB PRO 16GB DDR4 CORSAIR Vengeance RGB PRO 16GB DDR4 Buy Now On Amazon $124.90The Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO isn’t all about looks—it reaches speeds of 3,200 MHz, which will give your PC a much-needed boost.
If you want to add a pop of color to your otherwise dreary-looking PC, the Corsair Vengeance can help with that too. It offers completely wireless, not to mention striking, RGB lighting.
In addition, Corsair’s iCUE technology can change the color of all ten lights to signal any significant changes in temperature. The next time you’re concerned about your PC’s performance, just take a quick look at the color of your RAM sticks.
2. G.Skill TridentZ RGB Series 16GB DDR4
G.Skill TridentZ RGB Series 16GB DDR4 G.Skill TridentZ RGB Series 16GB DDR4 Buy Now On Amazon $129.99The similarities between the G.Skill TridentZ RGB and Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro are almost uncanny. The TridentZ can reach the same speed of 3,200 MHz, and it also gives you the option to change its color.
Since there’s not that much of a difference in terms of performance, it all comes down to aesthetic tastes. The tips of the TridentZ contain five separate LEDs that emit distinct colors.
3. Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 16GB DDR4
Corsair Dominator Platinum 16GB DDR4 Corsair Dominator Platinum 16GB DDR4 Buy Now On Amazon $210.17If you have the budget for the Corsair Dominator Platinum, then go for it. It’s an all-in-one RAM kit with high performance and a sleek look.
The Dominator Platinum gives you ample room for overclocking, as it comes equipped with Corsair’s very own DHX cooling technology. In addition, the Dominator Platinum can also operate at a speed of 3,466 MHz, making it a worthwhile choice for optimizing your PC for gaming.
Just like the Corsair Vengeance, the Dominator also comes with the same iCUE technology that detects changes in temperature and adjusts its color accordingly.
4. Patriot Viper 4 Series 16GB DDR4
Patriot Viper 4 Series 16GB DDR4 Patriot Viper 4 Series 16GB DDR4 Buy Now On Amazon $89.99The Patriot Viper 4 Series is a pretty straightforward RAM kit. It doesn’t come with any fancy RGB lights, but it still has its own aggressive-looking style. The Patriot Viper 4’s deep red color and jagged edges make it a great fit for a rig that needs some toughening up.
Just because the Patriot Viper 4 doesn’t have lighting effects, doesn’t mean that it lacks other cool features. In fact, its heat shield has been crafted out of aircraft-grade aluminum, which helps it stay cool. The Patriot Viper 4 RAM kit ranges in speeds from 3,000-3,400MHz, but the one you choose will depend on your needs.
5. G.Skill Sniper X 16GB DDR4
G.Skill Sniper X 16GB DDR4 G.Skill Sniper X 16GB DDR4 Buy Now On Amazon $192.22The G.Skill Sniper X might be the quick fix that you need to speed up your computer. These powerful DDR4 RAM sticks can run at speeds up to 3,400 MHz, giving you the smooth gaming experience that you’ve been craving.
Plus, the Sniper X Series also has an incredibly unique design. The black base, coupled with gray and black camo edges (ironically) make these RAM sticks stand out among the rest.
6. HyperX Predator RGB 16GB DDR4
HyperX Predator RGB 16GB DDR4 HyperX Predator RGB 16GB DDR4 Buy Now On Amazon $134.99You can order the HyperX Predator in a variety of speeds, ranging from speeds as low as 2,400 MHz and as high as 4,000 MHz. For a lower price, you can go with the non-RGB models, but I think that a little color is worth the extra bucks.
The black aluminum heat spreader gives you reliable (and cool) performance. With HyperX’s Infrafred Synch technology, you can create the same lighting sequence across all of your RAM sticks.
7. G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB DDR4
G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB DDR4 G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB DDR4 Buy Now On Amazon $89.99If you’re looking a RAM kit with a reasonable price and decent performance, then you should consider the G.Skill Ripjaws V Series. It clocks in at a speed of 2,400 MHz, which definitely isn’t the fastest speed out of all the other options, but it’s still one of the most popular RAM choices around.
Its cherry red color coupled with an intricate design makes the Ripjaws V Series a nifty upgrade for your PC.
8. Patriot Viper Steel Series 16GB DDR4
The Patriot Viper Steel Series is all about power and speed. Its no-frills, sleek gunmetal design just oozes performance. So, how fast can it go? Prepare to boost your RAM to speeds up to 4,000 MHz.
Unfortunately, your gaming experience can get pretty expensive if you want faster speeds, but having a non-laggy playthrough is just too much to pass up.
9. Kingston HyperX Fury 16GB DDR4
Kingston HyperX Fury 16GB DDR4 Kingston HyperX Fury 16GB DDR4 Buy Now On Amazon $124.99Pop in Kingston’s HyperX Fury DDR4 RAM, and you’ll instantly notice an improvement in your computer’s performance. It automatically overclocks to a maximum of 3,466 MHz and keeps itself cool with an efficient heat spreader.
The HyperX Fury comes in your choice of black, red or white, but they all have the same flashy asymmetrical style.
10. Ballistix Tactical Tracer RGB 16GB DDR4
Ballistix Tactical Tracer RGB 16GB DDR4 Ballistix Tactical Tracer RGB 16GB DDR4 Buy Now On Amazon $107.03Ballistix takes customization to a whole other level with its Tactical Tracer RGB kit. It already comes with a unique metallic look, but you can make it even cooler. You have the option to use the lightbar that reads “Ballistix,” remove it completely, or even 3D print your own lightbar.
In terms of speed, the Tactical Tracer kit can reach up to 2,666 MHz. You can also keep track of your memory speed and temperature with Ballistix’s Memory Overview Display Utility.
Have You Found Your Next Upgrade?
Don’t get bogged down by long loading times, laggy games, and frame drops. Making the decision to upgrade your RAM may finally resolve your frustration (and improve your sanity).
Want to improve your gaming experience even more? Then you may want to consider optimizing Windows 10 to improve your computer’s performance too.
Read the full article: The Best DDR4 RAM to Improve Your PC’s Performance
