DDR5, with the new generation of the updated channel and power architecture, offers lower latency and enhanced memory capacity, with lower voltage requirements. But is it a mandatory upgrade for everyone? Not necessarily. Budget-minded gamers or those eyeing pre-built gaming machines might find DDR4 a more cost-effective option. However, for enthusiasts building a cutting-edge PC in 2024, DDR5 is the clear path forward.

This guide will be your one-stop shop to find the Best DDR5 RAM For Gaming in 2024. We'll dissect the technical specifications that matter – factors like clock speed (MHz), transfer rates (MT/s), CAS Latency (CL), and bandwidth or capacity (GB) – to help you select the perfect DDR5 kit for your needs. Not to worry if you're less tech-savvy, we highlight the best options for overall performance, budget-conscious buyers, and those seeking RGB flair to match their high-powered rig.

Updated on September 30, 2024 by Kenny Kimberly: You can never have enough RAM. It's been long enough since we wrote this that you might be looking for some upgrades for your system. We've added the Kingston FURY Beast Black RAM to this list to give you a good budget option.

  • Kingston FURY beast Black 16GB DDR5

    Best Budget RAM See at Amazon

  • Kingston Fury Impact CL40

    Best For Laptops See at Amazon

  • G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB

    Best Overall $220 at Walmart

  • G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series

    Best Low Profile See at Amazon

  • Patriot Viper Xtreme 5 DDR5

    Best Perfomance $266 at Walmart
  • See More

  • XPG Lancer RGB

    Best Aesthetics See at Amazon

  • Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5

    Best High Capacity See at Amazon

  • TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB DDR5 32GB

    Best For Gaming $105 at Walmart

Best DDR5 RAM For Gaming

Best Budget RAM

Kingston FURY Beast Black 16GB DDR5

Great for any budget

If you're on a tight budget, DDR5 isn't out of reach. The Kingston FURY Beast Black 16GB DDR5 RAM sticks will bring you to 5200MT/s for cheaper than any other reputable option.

Pros & Cons
  • More affordable than most DDR5 RAM
  • 16GB 5200MT/s RAM
  • Comes 2 sticks per pack
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DDR5 is usually seen as an expensive upgrade. And that's not without merit - DDR5 is usually the most expensive RAM you'll find around at the moment since it's the newest thing. But don't let that price be what stops you from upgrading.

The Kingston FURY Beast Black sticks are a great place to start on a budget. This option gets you into the DDR5 category without breaking your bank account clean in half. You'll find yourself up to 5200MT/s for less than half of what most other options will cost you.

This pack comes with two 8-gig sticks of RAM for a total of 16GB RAM. As such, we don't recommend this if you're building a system that has high RAM requirements. But if you're sticking to leisurely games or things that don't require too much RAM, this is easily the best budget option available.

Best For Laptops

Kingston Fury Impact CL40

Get that mini version in!

The 32GB 5600MT/s modules on the Kingston Fury are Plug N Play with automatic overclocking via Intel XMP 3.0. With lower power draw and on-die ECC for stability, this thing is absolutely perfect for gaming, rendering, and heavy multitasking for laptops.

Pros & Cons
  • This thing is Intel XMP 3.0 certified for easy overclocking and compatibility.
  • On-die ECC functionality gives you better data integrity and system stability.
  • Low power consumption at 1.1V, which means more efficiency and thermal performance.
  • The latency on the CL40 can be slightly higher than some other DDR5 modules.
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Kingston's new Fury Impact is a serious contender if you're looking to give your laptop a little bump in terms of performance. With speeds hitting 5600MT/s, it leaves your typical 3200MT/s DDR4 in the dust. This seriously boosts data throughput for intensive tasks like content creation, scientific computing, and high-end gaming.

Now, the CL40 latency looks high compared to premium DDR4. But that's offset by the bandwidth gains of DDR5. This module also sips power at 1.1V as compares to the 1.2V on DDR4s. Doesn't seem like much, but that's a big win for battery life and thermal performance in all these new and thin laptops, where efficiency is what matters the most.

The Intel XMP 3.0 support gives you a lot of compatibility and easy overclocking where its supported. But getting that auto-configuration to full speed right out of the box, that too without BIOS tweaks, is the real treat here. While it skips the flashy RGB lighting popular in some desktop memory, that omission makes sense for laptops where power and form factor come first. Actually, if you're open to spending a little more cash and have the slots, we'd recommend getting the two-pack.

Best Overall

G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB

Delivers Top-Tier Speed and Compatibility

The G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB DDR5 RAM is compelling if you are looking for a balance between top-tier performance, broad compatibility, and a touch of visual flair. Unlike most DDR5 RAMs that prioritize raw speed at the expense of affordability or compatibility, the Trident Z5 RGB hits a sweet spot.

Pros & Cons
  • Strong performance in memory-sensitive apps & games
  • Surprisingly affordable
  • Great compatibility
  • Customizable RGB lighting
  • Not very energy efficient
See at Amazon $220 at Walmart Expand Collapse

With transfer speeds reaching up to a staggering 6400MT/s, the Trident Z5 RGB isn't just fast; it's future-proof. Offering exceptional data access, write, and copy speeds, it is ideal for tasks ranging from everyday computing to running graphically demanding games.

Trident Z5 RGB is tailored for AMD systems, but thanks to support for Intel XMP 3.0 profiles, it plays nicely and allows overclocking even with Intel platforms. You should check QVL compatibility (Qualified Vendor List) for more on compatibility of Trident Z5 with your particular motherboard.

The dual-textured aluminum heat spreader complements a variety of PC aesthetics and the customizable RGB light bar offers complete control through G.Skill's lighting control software. The RGB bar also seamlessly integrates with popular software suites like Asus Aura Sync and MSI Mystic Light, allowing you to create a cohesive lighting experience across system components.

But it's not just about looks. G.Skill meticulously tests each memory kit to ensure exceptional quality and stability, giving you peace of mind and long-lasting performance. This All-rounder caters to a wide range of users, from gamers and content creators to everyday PC users, with its blend of performance, style, and customizability.

Mixing Memory Kits May Cause Issues:Memory kits are designed to work together as a set. Mixing kits with different timings, speeds, or capacities can lead to compatibility issues, system instability, crashes, and even reduced performance.

Best Low Profile

G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series

Packs a Punch in Compact Builds

For users with compact PC cases seeking top-tier low-profile DDR5 RAM, the G.Skill Ripjaws S5 DDR5 stands out as an excellent choice. With a height of just 33mm, it fits securely into smaller builds without compromising on performance.

Pros & Cons
  • Good for Intel processors
  • Compact form factor
  • Well Priced
  • Below average overclocker
  • No PMIC thermal pad
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The Ripjaws S5 has an excellent low-profile design where the memory modules' overall height doesn't exceed 33mm, its compact heat spreader is just a bit taller than the memory's PCB, enabling the memory to fit under gigantic large CPU air coolers and inside compact mini-builds.

These modules are available in both matte black and matte white variants, which will blend in perfectly with any sort of build out there. Moreover, Ripjaws S5 kits boast impressive speeds of up to 6,000MT/s paired with a low latency of just CL36. Operating at a power consumption of only 1.35V, they stand out as one of the most energy-efficient options in the DDR5 memory realm.

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Look beyond CL when buying RAM. CL (CAS Latency) refers to the time it takes for the RAM to access data – a lower number signifies faster retrieval. This translates to quicker loading times, smoother program execution, and a significant boost in overall system responsiveness. While CL is an important factor, it's not the only one to consider when choosing RAM.

Here's a quick guide to consider when buying RAM:

  • CL: Lower is better, but small differences (CL36 vs. CL32) might have minimal impact.
  • Speed (MT/s): Higher speeds (like 6000MT/s) often benefit memory-heavy tasks like gaming and editing.
  • Capacity (GB): Get enough for your needs (gamers/creators: 32GB+).
    Best Perfomance

    Patriot Viper Xtreme 5 DDR5

    Absolute Speed Demon

    Patriot's Viper lineup is renowned for exceptional performance. The Xtreme 5 DDR5 RAM kits further solidifies this reputation, topping benchmarks with their blazing-fast speeds.

    Pros & Cons
    • Ridiculously fast
    • Excellent overclocking ability
    • Removable heat spreaders
    • Addressable RGB
    • No AMD EXPO compatibility
    See at Amazon $266 at Walmart Expand Collapse

    The headline features are undoubtedly the 8000MT/s transfer rate with a 32 GB capacity and low latency of CL38, placing the Viper Xtreme 5 among the fastest DDR5 RAM kits available.

    What's even more exciting is the excellent overclocking headroom thanks to SK Hynix ICs (the world's 2nd largest and most competitive memory chipmaker) and a high-quality unlocked PMIC (power management integrated circuit). These allow experienced users to push performance further, fine-tuning their systems for maximum output.

    Beyond the impressive clock speeds, the Viper Xtreme 5 prioritizes stability and reliability. On-die Error Correcting Code (ECC) ensures data integrity and system stability, crucial for preventing crashes and errors during demanding tasks.

    There's more to the Viper Xtreme 5 than just speed. Its unique snake head-shaped heat sinks with a matte black finish and a large RGB light bar, compatible with most motherboard software, make a bold statement in any PC case. This DDR5 RAM is the best choice for gamers, overclocking enthusiasts, and creative professionals who demand the absolute best performance from their systems.

    Best Aesthetics

    XPG Lancer RGB

    A Real Eye-Catcher

    The XPG Lancer RGB DDR5 combines stunning visuals with impressive performance. Featuring a sleek, ROG-certified design, it has an aluminum heatsink with a glossy electroplated surface, which gives it a premium feel that you won’t find in any other RAM. The subtle RGB lighting adds a touch of style without being overly flashy.

    Pros & Cons
    • ROG-Certified overclocking
    • Value for money
    • Beautiful RGB lighting
    • Premium heatsink design
    • Relatively low power efficiency
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    The XPG Lancer RGB DDR5 comes with astylish heat sink electroplated in a glossy finish, which effectively dissipates heat, keeping your RAM cool under pressure.

    The customizable RGB lighting lets you choose from various pre-set effects (static, breathing, and comet), or take control with XPG Prime software (which also supports 3rd Party Software). Looks are not everything. This RAM prioritizes stability and reliability as well with an On-die Error Correcting Code (ECC). It checks for and corrects data errors in real-time.

    If you aren’t a fan of its stock speed of 6600MHz, you can effortlessly overclock the XPG lancer with pre-configured Intel XMP 3.0 settings. The ROG-certified RAM has more to offer if you have an ROG motherboard, it guarantees overclocking performance with enhanced optimization. Also, with a simple "ROG Certified" mode in the BIOS, you can unlock overclocking speeds of up to 6800MT/s with a single click.

    While the 16GB max capacity per module might be a problem if you have limited memory, this RAM is a stylish powerhouse for performance and aesthetics enthusiasts, especially with ROG motherboards.

    Best High Capacity

    Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5

    Multitask All You Want

    The Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 smashes capacity limitations with options up to a staggering 128GB. Blazing-fast speeds, tight timings, and customizable RGB lighting make it ideal for content creators and power users who demand the most from their PCs.

    Pros & Cons
    • Solid performance
    • Stableoperation
    • Eye-catching RGB
    • Limited motherboard compatibility
    • Large footprint
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    Forget capacity worries. The Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5 redefines high-capacity RAM with kits up to 128GB with massive 48GB modules. Even with immense capacity, performance doesn't take a backseat; the RAM offers fast speeds (up to 6600MT/s) and a relatively tight CAS latency (as low as CL30).

    The Vengeance RGB DDR5 brings along stunning aesthetics as well. Coupled with Corsair's iCUE software, the vibrant RGB lighting with ten individually addressable LEDs per module allows you to create mesmerizing lighting effects.

    If you work with massive video files, high-resolution images, or run memory-intensive applications, the 128GB capacity ensures you won't run out of steam.

    Best For Gaming

    TEAMGROUP T-Force Delta RGB DDR5 32GB

    For Pushing Out Maximum FPS

    The T-Force Delta RGB DDR5-8000 is one of the fastest DDR5 memory kits designed for gaming at the forefront. It supports overclocking via Intel XMP 3.0 for those who like to test the limits of their PCs.

    Pros & Cons
    • Fast performance
    • Overclocking potential
    • Comes with thermal pads on the PMIC
    • Has customizable RGB
    • Rocks gamer aesthetics
    • A bit overpriced
    See at Amazon $105 at Walmart Expand Collapse

    TeamGroup's T-Force Delta stands out as a visually striking DDR5 RAM kit, boasting a sophisticated heat spreader design adorned with vibrant, addressable RGB lighting. With its unique aesthetic characterized by sharp, angular cuts and bold logos, these modules are sure to add a touch of flair to any build. Although TeamGroup doesn't offer dedicated lighting control software, users can customize the RGB effects using their motherboard's software suite.

    The T-Force Delta RGB DDR5 RAM is adapted for gamers and offers a wide selection of speeds and capacities, ranging from 5200MHz to 8000MHz, and is available in 32GB, 64GB, and 96GB kits. Additionally, it boasts next-generation XMP 3.0 SPD profiles, simplifying speed adjustments as per your requirement, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility for gaming.

    FAQ

    Will DDR5 RAM Help Increase My FPS?

    While DDR5 RAM with higher transfer speeds can offer a slight edge in frame rates, the overall benefit for gaming might be modest. A 5200MT/s DDR5 kit strikes a good balance between performance and affordability for most gamers. For those seeking to maximize every frame, bumping up to 6000MT/s or 6400MT/s can provide a modest performance uplift, but often at a higher price point.

    Should I Upgrade To DDR5 For Gaming?

    Upgrade to DDR5 for gaming if:

    • You're building a high-end PC and want cutting-edge performance.
    • Your existing DDR4 is bottlenecking your powerful CPU.

    Stick with DDR4 for gaming if:

    • You're on a budget and aiming for mid-range performance.
    • Your current DDR4 setup is adequate for your gaming needs.

    Where Can I Find DDR5 RAM?

    You should always check local tech stores first so you can avoid the hassle of shipping. Otherwise, try the usual online vendors of Amazon, Best Buy, Newegg, and other popular platforms for a high variety of affordable options.

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