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 eyeingpre-built gaming machinesmight find DDR4 a more cost-effective option. However, for enthusiasts building a cutting-edgePCin 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 seekingRGB flairto match their high-powered rig.
Updated on June 25, 2025 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 runninggraphically 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 checkQVL 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 likeAsusAura Sync andMSIMystic 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.
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.
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 insidecompact 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.
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.
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.
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 excellentoverclockingheadroom 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.
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.
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 customizableRGB lightinglets 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’re able to 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.
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.
Forget capacity worries. TheCorsairVengeance 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.
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.
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.
Stick with DDR4 for gaming if:
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.
