Your RAM is more than just a number on a spec sheet. Memory is one of the most essential pieces of hardware that goes into a PC build, and the type of RAM you install will significantly impact your system's overall performance in gaming, productivity tasks, and pretty much everything else. A lot of different manufacturers regularly release new memory kits with different speeds, timings, and capacities, making the overall process of sorting through seemingly endless models of RAM kits a time-consuming task. But since it can't be overlooked, we're here to help you find the best DDR4 RAM for your setup.
Corsair's Vengeance LPX DDR4 memory is affordable, reliable, has one of the lowest profile designs around, and XMP has a one-click setup. There are two different versions: one optimized for AMD and another optimized for Intel.
Pros:
Cheaper than most RAM.
3,200 MHz frequency and CL16, with the frequency being in the sweet spot for Ryzen.
Low-profile design, reducing the risk of clearance issues with CPU coolers.
Cons:
Faster memory kits can result in higher performance on Intel CPUs.
The design may not be appealing to everyone.
Most users are best off with Corsair's Vengeance LPX memory, which is easily the best overall kit of RAM thanks to its super low price and good specs. It costs just $40 for two 8 GB sticks, and there are individual models optimized for Intel and AMD CPUs. Although there are faster kits of RAM out there, they can't match the LPX's value, and aren't that much faster for the typical user.
The only real weakness here is how the heat spreaders look. While it's true that visual preferences are subjective, it's hard to say that anyone will really like how LPX RAM looks. It's not a completely ugly design, but it's not eye-catching either. That being said, the heat spreaders are low-profile, which means this RAM shouldn't have any clearance issues with CPU coolers.
The specs are why you'd want to buy this cheap kit of RAM. It's rated for 3,200 MHz and a CAS latency (or CL) of 16, both of which are really solid for performance. 3,200 MHz is certainly far from the fastest for DDR4 (top-end kits get over 5,000 MHz), but combined with a CL16 rating, it results in very good performance. Additionally, AM4 Ryzen CPUs perform the best when paired with RAM that has a clock speed of less than 3,600 MHz, and the LPX's 3,200 MHz frequency fits the bill.
At roughly $40 for two 8 GB sticks of Corsair's Vengeance LPX, it's hard to justify buying anything else unless you want a kit with a much higher frequency or higher capacity. From the entry-level to even the high-end, Vengeance LPX is a great choice for AM4 Ryzen CPUs and Intel CPUs.
Corsair's Dominator Platinum is one of the most premium kits of DDR4 RAM, coming in either white or black with lots of RGB and the performance to match.
Pros:
Premium appearance with RGB lighting.
Up to 3600MHz clock speed at CL18.
Optimized for both AMD and Intel.
Cons:
Much more expensive than similarly performing RAM.
Not low-profile, which could conflict with some CPU coolers.
Corsair's Vengeance LPX RAM makes most other RAM kits obsolete if you're just considering performance, but visual appeal is also an important part of a PC these days. If you want a kit of RAM that performs well and also looks good, then Corsair's higher-end Dominator Platinum RGB kit should appeal to you, though it is significantly more expensive.
The Dominator Platinum RGB has two different designs: an all-black one and an all-white one. Both have a strip of RGB lighting that runs across the top of the heat spreader. The RGB lights don't consume too much power, which is good since less power also means less thermal output. Just like every other Corsair component, you can control the lights on the Dominator Platinum through the company's iCUE software. However, this design does mean the RAM isn't low-profile and could conflict with some CPU coolers.
There are two performance configurations for the Dominator Platinum in addition to the visual designs: a 3,200 MHz kit rated for CL16 that's optimized for AMD CPUs, and a 3600 MHz, CL18 kit that works for both AMD and Intel CPUs. Both configurations perform about the same and are comparable to Vengeance LPX memory. The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB also comes in a variety of capacities. A 4,266 MHz CL19 kit also exists but doesn't appear to be available anywhere.
Compared to Corsair's Vengeance LPX, you're paying about double per gigabyte with Dominator Platinum RGB. However, it's undeniable that this more expensive kit looks way better than the more affordable one, and if that matters to you, then the premium might be worth paying. Just be sure your CPU cooler is compatible with tall RAM.
The G.Skill Trident Z Neo DDR4 - 3600 is one of the most reliable memory kits on the market that offers impressive performance and good looks.
Pros:
Up to 4,000 MT/s and CL18.
Pairs well with Intel CPUs.
Not super expensive considering the performance.
Cons:
Ryzen CPUs may not run as well with it compared to some other options.
This kit is great for high-end Intel CPUs. The Trident Z Neo series is known for its high-quality build and performance. With speeds up to 4,000 MT/s and a CL18 latency, it can significantly boost the performance of your system, especially in gaming and other memory-intensive tasks. The sleek design of the heat spreaders not only looks good but also helps in keeping the RAM cool during heavy usage. If you have an Intel-based gaming rig and want to push the boundaries of performance, the G.Skill Trident Z Neo DDR4 is an excellent choice.
The Oloy Blade Black Hairline 3600MHz CL14 offers some of the lowest latencies in the DDR4 market.
Pros:
Exceptionally low latency at CL14.
Good performance in games that are sensitive to memory latency.
Competitive price.
Cons:
May not be as well-known as some of the bigger brands.
Low latency is crucial for games that require quick data access, such as first-person shooters and real-time strategy games. The Oloy Blade Black Hairline's CL14 latency allows for faster data transfer between the CPU and the RAM, resulting in smoother gameplay and potentially higher frame rates. It's a great option for gamers who are looking to squeeze out every bit of performance from their systems without breaking the bank.
Team Group's T-Force Vulcan Z DDR4 is an excellent choice if you need a large amount of RAM.
Pros:
Available in high capacities, perfect for multitasking and running memory-hungry applications.
Decent performance with frequencies up to 3200 MHz.
Reasonable price for the capacity.
Cons:
May not be the best option for extreme overclocking.
With the increasing demands of modern games and applications, having a large amount of RAM can make a significant difference. The T-Force Vulcan Z DDR4 comes in capacities of up to 64GB (or even higher in some configurations), allowing you to run multiple programs simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns. It's a great choice for gamers who also use their PC for content creation, virtualization, or other memory-intensive tasks.
When choosing the best DDR4 RAM for gaming in 2025, it's important to consider your specific needs. If you're on a budget, the Corsair Vengeance LPX offers great value for money. If you want a premium-looking kit with RGB and good performance, the Corsair Dominator Platinum might be for you. For high-frequency performance, the G.Skill Trident Z Neo is a top pick, while the Oloy Blade Black Hairline is ideal for those seeking low latency. And if high capacity is your priority, the Team Group T-Force Vulcan Z DDR4 has you covered. Consider your CPU type, budget, and the type of games you play to make the best decision for your gaming PC.
