Best gaming RAM 2024

While not the most powerful RAM modules in the world, these sticks from Corsair are one of the most popular in PC builds, and it’s not hard to see why, combining a pretty high frequency and a sleek-looking black heatsink with good value. Unlike some other RAM modules with heatsinks, it keeps a low profile ensuring it stays compatible with the best CPU coolers no matter how much they spill over.

We’d go for the 16GB pack consisting of two 8GB sticks at 3600MHz memory speed, which can easily be configured on the best gaming motherboards from Intel with its XMP technology. You’ll be able to reach 3600MHz on all the latest AMD boards too, but Intel makes it that little bit easier to configure your RAM out of the box to run at its rated speed. And, if you ever need to go up to 32GB in the future, you’ve got two DIMM slots spare.

We also admire the fact that it comes with two fans, which is great for cooling. Although, if you don’t need them, then this addition might be a bit off-putting, as their inclusion is reflected in the price.

You might not have heard of v-Color compared to the big RAM players like Crucial, Corsair, and HyperX, but it’s still a great option if you want to build the best cheap gaming PC. We wouldn’t normally recommend 8GB on its own unless you’re going to be exclusively gaming, as productivity tasks will likely push you straight over that 8GB barrier. The 2666MHz clock speed is lower than the other modules in this list, but we can’t complain at this price.

Plus, if 8GB doesn’t turn out to be enough, you can always purchase a second 8GB stick further down the line and enjoy the benefits of increased transfer speed from dual-channel memory.

Although this is not a problem we’ve encountered ourselves, we’ve seen reports around the internet of these sticks giving out before what would be considered a decent lifespan for them. We don’t think that this is reason enough not to buy, but it’s worth keeping in mind that you shouldn’t push it too hard.

While the fastest DDR4 RAM comes courtesy of Corsair at 5000MHz, it’s overkill when you consider a price tag of around $1,000 (£1,000). And DDR5 is just around the corner, but still a little too far out of reach. All you need is two 16GB sticks of Corsair’s Vengeance RGB Pro sticks to get the best high-end memory, and your gaming PC will light up like a Christmas tree.

The 3600MHz clock speed is easily achievable on AMD’s latest Ryzen processors and should be easy to reach on Intel chips thanks to XMP 2.0 support (although it is notably better with Ryzen than Intel). 32GB is more than you should need right now and will future-proof’ your PC when it comes to the RAM department.

Its design doesn’t leave a huge amount of space for overclocking, but considering the power contained within this thing, we don’t think that should be too much of a problem. Definitely one to look at if you’re after the best of the best.

Here, you’re getting a high 3600MHz clock speed across two 8GB sticks, but it’s the addition of a fully customizable, multi-zone RGB light bar along the top of each module that truly makes this bundle stand out, adding a little style and color to your system.

It only costs a little more than similar-performing non-RGB RAM on this list, so if you’re looking for that extra flair inside your windowed PC case, it may be worth considering. Plus, with XMP support, it’s easy to get your Intel motherboard running the RAM at its rated 3600MHz speed – although that is pretty much the limit of its overclocking potential.

AMD’s 5000 series processors can take great advantage of high-clocked memory, which is why we’d recommend this 3,600MHz set from Crucial if you’re running the latest Zen 3 CPU and motherboard, giving you some of the fastest RAM you can get your hands on – although it’ll need a bit of fine-tuning to get it to its full potential.

As a bonus, it’s got RGB strips built in too which can sync with lighting software from multiple motherboard manufacturers such as Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte.

Nowadays, many of the best gaming laptops make it easy to upgrade RAM, giving you a quick and easy performance boost if it begins to show its age. If you’ve got an older laptop that’s in desperate need of more capacity or you’re looking to add a second stick in something newer, then this 8GB SODIMM stick from Integral suits both scenarios, with a 2666MHz clock speed. Naturally, there’s no need to look for RGB lighting or style when it comes to laptop RAM – you’re not going to see it. But do make sure your laptop supports RAM upgrades before leaping, as some have memory soldered to the board.