A faster system requires faster memory to load apps faster and to handle wide arrays of tasks it also needs the capacity. So capacity and latency go hand in hand. In modern PCs RAM capacity and speed have come a long way. DDR5 is soon to overtake DDR4 even though the market is still now dominated by DDR4. But DDR4 has reached its limit in terms of potential and the only way to go up is through DDR5.
Newer sockets from Intel and AMD support the DDR5 system. Intel has both support for DDR4 and DDR5 in its latest 12th, 13th and 14th gen CPUs. While the latest 8000 and 7000 series of Ryzen support DDR5. Even though the difference in performance of DDR4 and DDR5 in gaming is negligible. RAMs play an important role in heavy applications. Softwares like video editing tools takes up a huge amount of RAM. As a result, faster and more capacity is appreciated in workstations.
DDR4 has a base line of 8GB and it peaks at 5,000 MHz while DDR5 generally has a base line of 32GB with 8,000 MHz capabilities. It’s just the start for DDR5 and the speed will increase in the future. DDR5 has huge overclocking potential. Even though DDR5 doesn’t offer that much of an advantage it’s better to future proof your build.
Now let’s take the top memories available in the market and their upsides and downsides; if you want to get them.
G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 2x16GB DDR5 7200 CL34
We will start our list with the balanced overall RAM that comes in DDR5. This new RAM has the potential of good future proofing while not being heavy on your wallet.
The Trident Z5 has DIMMS of 2×16 GB running at 7200 MHz. It has a good CAS latency of 36 with timing of 34-45-45-115 running at 1.4 V.
Upsides
- Great performance
- Good design
- Not too expensive
- Very efficient
Downsides
- Limited motherboard support options
- Overkill unless heavily used
- Manual tweaking necessary
Pricing
The RAM has a starting price of $132 which is a good deal for RAM of this caliber.
TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan 32GB DDR5 5200
If you are looking for a budget RAM that is DDR5, then T-Force Vulcan is just for you. While being cheap you can still be ahead.
The RAM has DIMMs of 2x16GB running at 5200 MHz with timing of 40-40-40-76. It has a CAS latency of 40 which runs at 1.25 V.
Upsides
- Great for the budget
- Good starter for DDR5
- More compatible
- Can be overclocked
Downsides
- A bit slow with higher timing
- Clock speed is moderate compared to DDR4
Price
Starting price of the RAM is $164.
G.Skill Trident Z5 64GB DRR5 6400 CL32
Now comes the high capacity DDR5 on the market. If you are running heavy memory hungry applications besides gaming then the Z5 will satiate your hunger for top performance.
The RAM has 2x32GB DIMMs running at 6400 MHz. It has a good timing of 32-39-39-102 while having a CAS latency of 32 which runs at 1.4 V.
Upsides
- Twice as much capacity for nearly the price of high speed 32GB kit
- Good for memory hungry apps
- Slick design
- Future-proof
- Price reasonable
Downsides
- Not necessary to spend the extra just for gaming
- Will not contribute to your frame rate in gaming
Price
The RAM has a price tag of $220.
TEAM Xtreem ARGB 16GB DDR4 3600 C14
In terms of DDR4 memories Xtreem ARGB is a great overall bet as of now. It has a balanced performance for a DDR4 memory.
The RAM runs on 2x8GB DIMMs running at 3600 MHz. It has a CAS latency of 14 while having a timing of 14-15-15-35 which runs on 1.35 V.
Upsides
- Goes great with older gen CPUs
- RGB
- Slick design
- Value for money
Dowsides
- Mediocre overclocking performance
Price
For the great timing the RAM provides it has a price tag of $110.
G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB DDR4 3600
If you are looking to build a budget older gen gaming rig or just want a decent DDR4 for your old rig then Ripjaws V is the way to go.
The RAM has 2x8GB DIMMs running at 3600 MHz. It has a CAS latency of 18 with timing of 18-22-22-42 which runs at 1.35 V.
Upsides
- Great pricing
- Good overclocking
- Value for your money
Downsides
- No RGB
Price
For delivering great performance the RAM has a price tag of $40.