The Ultimate Guide to Affordable DDR5 RAM for Your Gaming Desktop

High-speed DDR5 memory is a popular choice for PC gamers nowadays, and for good reason. Both Intel and AMD's latest platforms require increased bandwidth to fully realize their potential performance thresholds. However, the recent decline in storage and memory prices has made DDR5 RAM more accessible, with a variety of products available in the sub $100-150 range compared to premium kits that cost as much as $1000 in the past.

When looking for a new RAM kit for your gaming PC, it's important to consider factors such as capacity, latency, clock speeds, aesthetics, and cost relative to capacity.

Since the initial publication of this content, the availability of DDR5 memory has greatly increased, providing end-users with more options for faster and more affordable upgrades. We have made updates to our product listings accordingly and added new options to meet the needs of those seeking DDR5 and DDR4 upgrades.

While DDR5 memory offers noticeable improvements in productivity applications, it also benefits gaming performance by providing increased bandwidth to the PC. However, overclocking can be a challenge as different kits may have varying performance results, thresholds, and compatibility requirements, necessitating careful tuning to achieve the best stable profile for your gaming PC.

The G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB Series 32G x 2 Kit (CL32) is one of the best performance DDR5 RAM kits for gaming available on Amazon, priced at $250. It boasts excellent low latency 6400MHz (XMP) clocks that meet the overclocking standards of most AMD and Intel Enthusiast motherboards. Not only does it offer impressive performance, but it also features some of the best RGB lighting available on the market, adding a subtle but stylish touch to your gaming setup. If you're looking for a high-performance DDR5 RAM kit, the G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB Series is definitely worth considering.

As a leading brand in memory technology, G.Skill has established a strong presence in the DDR5 memory market with its G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB Series. Despite the maturing status of DDR5, G.Skill's offerings have managed to significantly reduce prices, with most kits now priced below $100-200, compared to the steep $1000 price tag of some variants.

Our top choice for a performance-centric DDR5 memory kit is the 64GB G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB Series. While it may be excessive for most users, it offers a future-proof solution for stability in quad-channel setups and boasts low latency and high-quality RGB lighting. Additionally, it is supported by a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.

Despite its many pros, it is important to note that there are DDR5 kits available that clock higher than the Trident Z5. Furthermore, the lack of AMD EXPO support (which is offered by the Neo lineup) is a significant drawback. The G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB Series can be purchased for $250 at Amazon and Newegg.

The Z5 lineup may not be the cheapest or the most flashy RGB RAM kit available, but it certainly packs a punch in terms of DDR5 performance. After the early adoption pains experienced by many users last year, the Z5 strikes the right balance for those seeking a competitive and reliable DDR5 experience that can be easily overclocked without breaking the bank. Additionally, the 32GB kit is a viable option for gamers who find 64GB to be unnecessary. For AMD users, the NEO options are a great investment, albeit with slightly different clocks to comply with the Ryzen 7000 series processor lineup's EXPO specifications.

The CORSAIR Vengeance DDR5 16G x 2 Kit (CL36) is a great option for those on a budget who are still seeking top-notch DDR5 performance. Priced affordably at $85, this 5600MHz RAM kit is compatible with Intel's latest market standard for XMP (3.0) and delivers the performance demanded by Intel's latest 13th-generation processors.

The CORSAIR Vengeance DDR5 32GB kit (16G x 2) runs at an impressive 5600MHz, meeting the requirements of Intel's latest processors with ease. This kit features compatibility with Intel's XMP 3.0 standards and is widely compatible across various devices. With the Corsair iCUE software, users can customize XMP profiles to overclock their RAMs, allowing them to extract even better performance from their systems.

Despite the lack of RGB lighting, which is a popular demand for many consumers, the Vengeance DDR5 offers an affordable, no-frills approach to memory upgrades, making it a great option for budget gamers. While Corsair's more premium Dominator and Vengeance RGB lineups do offer RGB lighting, the Vengeance DDR5 still delivers on its promise to provide high-quality DDR5 memory at a great price. For those looking to splurge a little more, Corsair also offers RGB-enabled EXPO-optimized RAMs for AMD's Ryzen 7000 lineup that feature similar specs and RGB lighting.

The Kingston Fury Renegade RGB 32GB 7200MHz DDR5 CL38 is a high-performing DDR5 RAM that boasts one of the highest clock speeds on the market. Despite being XMP compliant instead of EXPO, it still holds similar clocks and timings for AMD's processor set, making it a top contender for overclocked memory. This RAM offers a very impressive XMP preset of 7200MHz clock speeds with supporting motherboards, and comes with a lifetime warranty as part of the package. The latency of CL38 is respectable given its clock speeds, and it has a sleek appearance with a premium feel and build quality to match. However, it does come at a higher cost than its competitors, and the performance gains for pushing it to 7200 MHz may be questionable compared to most 6000-6400 MHz RAM. It is currently priced at $236 on Amazon and $241 on Newegg.

The Kingston Fury Renegade RGB 32GB 7200MHz DDR5 CL38 is currently one of the fastest consumer-grade DDR5 memory kits available in the market in 2023. Although there are faster memory modules on the horizon, such as the recently announced 8200MHz modules by V-Color and G.Skill, the Fury Renegade remains a top contender for those seeking high-speed performance.

Most high-end Z790-based motherboards now have BIOS updates that support the 7200 MHz XMP profile on the Fury modules. While the performance gains may be minor when compared to lower latency and lower-clocked DDR5 modules, such as our pick for best-all-around DDR5 memory above, it still offers considerable bragging rights for being one of the fastest memory kits available. However, it does come with a premium price tag.

TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert overclocking 3600MHz 16G x 2 Kit (CL14) offers the best performance DDR4 RAM kits for gaming enthusiasts. These kits are of an enthusiast-grade and feature low latency DDR4 RAMs.

The TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert overclocking 3600MHz 16G x 2 Kit (CL14) is a top-tier DDR4 memory option with unparalleled timings and exceptional performance. With Samsung B-Dies and tight timings, the RAM kit offers impressive overclocking capabilities, making it an ideal choice for those looking to push their DDR4 rams to sub 4000MHz clocks with ease. Furthermore, the kit comes with a comprehensive lifetime warranty, providing users with peace of mind.

While the absence of RGB might disappoint some, it is not a significant drawback, especially if you prioritize performance over aesthetics. At $185 on Amazon and Newegg, this DDR4 RAM kit provides excellent value for money and is an excellent recommendation for DDR4-based Intel 12th and 13th gen motherboard offerings, as well as AMD's Ryzen 5000 series processors that tend to favor the 3600MHz clocks. In a market where DDR5 is continuously evolving, the TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert overclocking 3600MHz CL14 rams stand out as a testament to the maturity and quality of the DDR4 standard.

While the Teamgroup RAMs are high-performing enthusiast-grade memory, some users may be disappointed by the absence of RGB lighting at their price point. However, their excellent overclocking capabilities and XMP CAS latency of CL14-15-15-35 at 3600MHz still make them a worthwhile investment.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option with both aesthetics and performance, the XPG DDR4 D50 RGB 32GB (2x16GB) 3600MHz RAM kits are an ideal choice. They are fully compatible with the latest Intel platforms and offer continued support for Ryzen processors up to the 5000 series, all while boasting eye-catching RGB lighting at an affordable price.

AData's XPG DDR4 D50 RGB RAM is a top-performing memory kit that combines excellent looks with solid performance. With a speed of 3600MHz, it is compatible with both Intel and AMD DDR4 supporting motherboards. It supports both Intel's XMP and AMD's DOCP memory profiles, making it a versatile option for gamers and other users alike. The RGB lighting adds a touch of style to any build, and the lifetime warranty ensures peace of mind. While there are cheaper DDR4 rams out there, the D50 RGB Rams are worth the investment for their wide compatibility, excellent performance, and premium appearance.

The v-Color Prism Pro DDR4 32GB (2 x 16GB) 4266 MHz kit is a top-of-the-line DDR4 memory module kit that offers outstanding performance and aesthetics. With a latency of CL19 and impressive overclocking capabilities at a reasonable price point, this kit provides a premium DDR4-enabled experience for users with 12th and 13th gen Intel CPUs or older Intel and AMD platforms. Additionally, the kit boasts excellent build quality with a premium finish and heatsink, as well as more detailed documentation than some of its competitors, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts. However, it may not be the fastest DDR4 memory clock for clock, and some motherboards may not support it due to thin QVLs on very high DDR4 clock memory modules. Available for purchase on Amazon for $109 USD or in 16GB on Newegg.

When it comes to RAM upgrades, faster options are available in the market, with some DDR4 modules reaching speeds as high as 5333 MHz. However, the law of diminishing returns comes into play, and stability becomes a key issue for motherboards attempting to push DDR4 at such frequencies. Looser latency is another factor to consider, making it a somewhat poor trade-off at a significantly higher cost, without hitting the performance sweet spot in any meaningful way. That's why the v-Color offering stands out as one of the few options that make sense as an upgrade.

Other considerations for upgrading your system may include getting a CPU cooler if overclocking is in play or if you're building a new PC altogether. If RAM upgrades seem like too much of a hassle, you may want to consider purchasing one of the best pre-built systems on the market to get your desktop gaming journey started.

FAQ:

Q: Should I Get DDR4 or DDR5 Memory For My PC?

A: The decision to choose between DDR4 and DDR5 memory depends on your motherboard's compatibility. DDR5 RAM works with specific motherboards, while DDR4 memory is compatible with others. If you want to future-proof your PC, it is crucial to select a DDR5 motherboard and compatible memory. This way, you can easily upgrade either the memory or the motherboard/platform in the future should you choose to do so.