This RAM rating on our website Vyborcen.com is an excellent option to quickly select the right model. For easier navigation, we have divided the rating into categories:
- The best RAM for price/quality for 2021.
- The best RAM for a computer.
- The best RAM for a laptop.
- Best DDR3 RAM.
- Best DDR4 RAM.
- The best RAM is 8 GB.
- The best RAM is 16 GB.
- The best RAM is 32 GB.
RAM provides storage and placement of data on a computer or laptop.
The larger the amount of RAM, the faster applications and various programs will load and run simultaneously.
The speed of functioning of the installed operating system during active use of the device (games, watching movies, etc.) or downloading updates depends on this indicator.
Taking into account the opinions of users and IT experts, we have compiled a rating of the best RAM modules for 2021.
Each model presented in the list has a brief description, as well as a list of pros and cons.
Rating of the TOP 20 best RAM 2021
| Place | Name | Price |
| Best RAM for price/quality for 2021 | ||
| 1 | Crucial Ballistix 16GB (8GBx2) 3200MHz CL16 (BL2K8G32C16U4W) | Find out the price |
| 2 | Kingston ValueRAM 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SODIMM 260-pin CL19 | Find out the price |
| 3 | HyperX Predator 8GB 3600MHz CL17 (HX436C17PB4/8) | Find out the price |
| The best RAM for a computer | ||
| 1 | Patriot Memory VIPER 3 8GB DDR3 1600MHz DIMM 240-pin CL10 PV38G160C0 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Samsung 16GB DDR4 2666MHz DIMM 288-pin CL19 M378A2G43MX3-CTD | Find out the price |
| 3 | Corsair XMS 4GB 1600MHz CL9 (CMX4GX3M1A1600C9) | Find out the price |
| Best RAM for a laptop | ||
| 1 | Transcend 32GB 2666MHz CL19 (JM2666HSE-32G) | Find out the price |
| 2 | HyperX Impact 4GB 1866MHz CL11 (HX318LS11IB/4) | Find out the price |
| 3 | Patriot Memory SL 4GB 1600MHz CL11 (PSD34G1600L2S) | Find out the price |
| Best DDR3 RAM | ||
| 1 | HyperX Fury 16GB (8GBx2) 1866MHz CL10 (HX318C10FBK2/16) | Find out the price |
| 2 | Patriot Memory VIPER 3 16GB (8GBx2) DDR3 1600MHz DIMM 240-pin CL10 | Find out the price |
| 3 | Kingston ValueRAM 8GB DDR3 1600MHz SODIMM 204-pin CL11 | Find out the price |
| Best DDR4 RAM | ||
| 1 | Crucial Ballistix 16GB (8GBx2) 3000MHz CL15 (BL2K8G30C15U4R) | Find out the price |
| 2 | Kingston ValueRAM 16GB 2400MHz CL17 (KVR24N17D8/16) | Find out the price |
| Best 8GB RAM | ||
| 1 | Samsung 8GB DDR4 2666MHz SODIMM 260-pin CL19 M471A1K43CB1-CTD | Find out the price |
| 2 | Patriot Memory SL 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz SODIMM 204-pin CL11 PSD38G1600L2S | Find out the price |
| Best RAM 16 GB | ||
| 1 | Patriot Memory VIPER 3 16GB (8GBx2) 1866MHz CL10 (PV316G186C0K) | Find out the price |
| 2 | Crucial Ballistix 16GB (8GBx2) 3200MHz CL16 (BL2K8G32C16U4R) | Find out the price |
| Best RAM 32 GB | ||
| 1 | HyperX Predator 32GB (16GBx2) 2666MHz CL13 (HX426C13PB3K2/32) | Find out the price |
| 2 | Samsung 32GB 2933MHz CL21 (M393A4K40CB2-CVF) | Find out the price |
Best RAM 2021 | TOP 10
This guide to the best RAM will help you before you buy.
Don't let an overloaded computer slow you down. The best RAM may be just what you need. It's not always right to spend a fortune on upgrading your processor or video card. If your PC is slowing down under loads of heavy software, apps, or one of the top PC games, the problem could be in your RAM.
Choosing the best high-clocked RAM is just as important as having the best processor and best graphics card, especially for complex tasks like gaming, designing, and content creation. Upgrading and getting the ideal amount of memory (16GB is the ideal choice for most users in 2021) may be enough to push your computer to the level of power and performance you need.
We've selected the best RAM sticks for this ranking and then included a pricing widget so you can find the best deal in your city. To truly unleash the potential of the best computer, you'll need the best RAM on this list.
- What is RAM?
1 | CORSAIR VENGEANCE LED
The best RAM.
Type : DDR4 | Capacity : 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) | Speed : 3200 MHz.
- Pros : Overclocking performance | Bright backlight;
- Cons : Dear memory | BIOS update for 3200 MHz;
The best RAM, no matter your needs, comes from Corsair. Their Vengeance series offers something for everyone, but LED DDR4 memory tops our rankings. In addition to allowing PC designers to specify additional lighting colors, Corsair Vengeance's built-in heat spreaders maximize cooling for higher overclocking and peak performance. Corsair Vengeance LED DDR4 offers CL16 latency and 3466 MHz clock speeds, as well as color matching to your PC's lighting.
2 | G.SKILL TRIDENT Z RGB
Best DDR4 RAM.
Type : DDR4 | Capacity : 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) | Speed : 3200 MHz;
- Pros : Excellent RGB lighting | Easy to chase;
- Cons : Seems flimsy | Sometimes too bright;
Today everyone knows G.Skill and the Trident Z RGB series of RAM. This is the best RAM not only because it is fast. That's because the top of each DIMM is equipped with a full-spectrum LED strip that can be used to match the lighting to the rest of your PC. The Trident Z RGB DDR4 RAM comes with a CAS latency of between 14 and 19, which is good, but with speeds up to 4266 MHz the RAM becomes ideal. Regardless of your aesthetic preferences, it's hard to argue that the G.Skill TridentZ RGB isn't worthy of the title of best RGB memory.
3 | KINGSTON HYPERX PREDATOR
Best DDR3 RAM.
Type : DDR4 | Capacity : 8 GB, 16 GB | Speed : up to 4600 MHz.
- Pros : Great price | Overclocking potential;
- Cons : RGB does not always work | More expensive than others;
Kingston's high-performance HyperX memory offers some of the best DDR3 on the market, and Predator models are specifically tuned for extreme performance and expandable with XMP profiles. The Predator DDR3 series provides CL9-CL11 latencies and speeds between 1866 MHz and 2666 MHz.
At the time of this rating, HyperX Predator DDR3 RAM is widely available only in the United States. Users from Russia can check out an excellent alternative to Kingston HyperX Fury.
4 | KINGSTON HYPERX FURY
The best budget RAM.
Type : DDR4 | Capacity : 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB | Speed : up to 3733 MHz.
- Pros : Choice of speeds | Performance;
- Cons : Can be slow | At 3733 MHz expensive;
Kingston HyperX Fure is auto-overclockable RAM that won't break the bank. This intelligent DDR3 or DDR4 memory automatically detects system components to overclock to their maximum frequencies, optimizing the performance of all the latest Intel chipsets. It comes with CL14 and CL16 latency, and also offers speeds between 2133 MHz and 2666 MHz. And while RAM is inexpensive, it can have a huge impact on your PC's performance.
5 | CORSAIR DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB
The best high-performance RAM.
Type : DDR4 | Capacity : 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) | Speed : 3000 MHz.
- Pros : Performance | Great view;
- Cons : Not compatible with Ryzen | Doesn't match the price;
If you only want the best and don't care about price, Corsair Dominator Platinum RAM has always been top of the list. However, it has been updated for 2021 with new Corsair Capellix RGB LEDs for a rich and colorful design. It is still the highest performing RAM available in the market with a clock speed of 3600 MHz, but the inclusion of RGB lighting makes it hands down the best RAM of 2021.
6 | HYPERX FURY RGB 3733MHZ
The best high-frequency RAM.
Type : DDR4 | Capacity : Modules from 4 GB to 32 GB, 128 GB configurations.
- Pros : Excellent lighting | Fast memory;
- Cons : Variable backlight | MSI and Gigabyte support is poor;
HyperX Fure RGB 3733 MHz memory stands out not only for its original RGB lighting design. Here is an extremely fast RAM with a clock frequency of 3733 MHz and CL15-19 latency, for these characteristics it was included in our rating as the best high-frequency RAM of 2021. What's more, the RAM features Intel Extreme memory profiles to push performance to the limit, along with HyperX's proprietary Infrared Sync technology. Active gamers will be pleased with the ability to synchronize the RGB lighting of the RAM with other system components. One of the best RAM sticks available for sale at the beginning of 2021.
7 | G.SKILL TRIDENT Z RGB DC
Best dual capacity RAM.
Type : DDR4 | Capacity : 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) | Speed : 3200 MHz.
- Pros : Double the volume | Build quality;
- Cons : Not all Z390 boards | RGB isn't for everyone;
Sometimes, especially when looking for the best gaming build, the best advice is “go big or go home.” And when you need even more RAM but don't have enough slots for it, you'll want to use G.Skill Trident Z RGB DC memory. DC means double capacity, for example 32 GB per memory stick. Even in 2021, it's definitely not the fastest memory available, being limited to 3200 MHz, but if you need a lot of RAM that won't take up too many DIMM slots (like when you have a large CPU cooler or Mini-ITX case) , you can't go wrong with the G.Skill Trident Z RGB DC.
8 | ADATA SPECTRIX D80
Best gaming RAM.
Type : DDR4 | Capacity : 16 GB (2 x 8 GB), 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) | Speed : up to 4133 MHz.
- Pros : Great design | Work in a configuration of 4 modules;
- Cons : Expensive | Average performance of 2 modules;
If you're building an all-in-one gaming machine, you'll need the latest gaming hardware - who doesn't want a gaming beast that can light up an entire room? If you like the sound of it, the Adata Spectrix D80 is your best RAM. Not only is it available with clock speeds up to 5000 MHz, but it's also liquid cooled so you don't have to worry about overheating. Adata Spectrix D80 will be the best RAM for games.
9 | G.SKILL TRIDENTZ ROYAL
RAM with better RGB lighting.
Type : DDR4 | Capacity : 32 GB (4 x 8 GB) | Speed : 3600 MHz.
- Pros : Design | Compatibility;
- Cons : A little expensive | Doesn't justify the price tag;
RAM with better RGB lighting. G.Skill makes it easy to find the RAM that's perfect for your gaming build. In fact, TridentZ Royal has been voted by our editors as the best RGB RAM on the market, thanks to its unique jewel-like crown design. This means that the top of the bar is equipped with a crystallized light strip that can diffuse eight pre-configurable backlight colors for a truly dazzling sparkle. The RAM is complemented by polished aluminum heatsinks in gold or silver to keep the system cool. Of course, the memory is not only beautiful - G.Skill TridentZ Royal also guarantees high reliability and performance.
10 | CORSAIR VENGEANCE LPX
The best low profile RAM.
Type : DDR4 | Capacity : 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) | Speed : 3200 MHz.
- Pros : Performance | Two cooling fans;
- Cons : Limited overclocking | High percentage of defects;
Corsair Vengeance LPX Series RAM is designed for users who want maximum performance in a small footprint. This low profile RAM is essential for building PCs with massive CPU coolers. Despite the size of Corsair's RAM sticks, they also feature eight-layer heat spreaders for cooling during overclocking. While the slim design doesn't allow for LED backlighting, you can get the memory in three colors: black, red or blue. Corsair's Vengeance LPX DDR4 series runs from CL12 to CL19 latencies and between 2400 and 4600 MHz clock speeds.
BONUS | G.SKILL MAC RAM
Best RAM for Mac.
Type : DDR3 | Capacity : 4 GB (2 x 2 GB) | Speed : up to 1066 MHz.
- Pros : Affordable alternative | Best price-quality;
- Cons : Not compatible with older Macs | Slow for some;
Along with custom RAM for desktops and laptops, G.Skill offers matching upgrades for Mac. Buying the missing RAM kit from the Apple Store is prohibitively expensive, so switching to third-party memory can save you a ton of money - if you think your computer is one of the last MacBooks or iMacs that still support the upgrade. These SO-DIMM sticks have CAS latencies between 9 and 11, with clock speeds ranging from 1333 MHz to 1600 MHz. G.Skill DDR3-1333 RAM for Mac promises the best performance for your money.
BONUS | CRUCIAL BALLISTIX SPORT
The best RAM for laptops.
Type : DDR4 | Capacity : 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) | Speed : up to 3200 MHz.
- Pros : Low profile | Excellent price-quality ratio;
- Cons : Doesn't always work with Ryzen | Nothing special;
Crucial is a manufacturer of RAM for laptops. The company designed Crucial Ballistix Sport SO-DIMM RAM to make efficient use of the battery while still maintaining speed for multitasking. The memory is ideal for those who want to squeeze a little more out of the best laptop, and this memory will likely provide faster speeds than anything your laptop has to offer. CL16 latency and speed from 2300 MHz to 2666 MHz.
Components
How to choose RAM in terms of price/quality ratio?
When choosing RAM for a computer or laptop, you must consider the following criteria:
- Volume . This figure can vary from 4 to 32 GB inclusive. Modules with 8 GB are suitable for standard tasks and are considered universal. Models with a capacity of 16 GB or more will be relevant for gamers, and with 32 GB of memory (maximum value) they are recommended for performing narrow-profile processes. Therefore, if a computer or laptop is mostly used for Internet surfing and everyday tasks (drawing documents, presentations, etc.), you should not overpay for extra gigabytes.
- Module type . Today there are two types of modules - DIMM and SO-DIMM. They differ from each other in size. The second option is most often used in laptops and small PCs.
- Board type . DDR3 and DDR4 boards are now widely used. Both have high performance, but the second option is much more efficient and faster in terms of daily use of the device. Outdated versions (DDR and DDR2) are extremely rare on sale.
- Frequency . This indicator is directly related to the processor and motherboard - the speed of the module depends on it. The optimal value for most modern models of computers and laptops is from 1600 to 2400 MHz. Higher-frequency RAM costs more, but they are about the same in efficiency. Modules with a frequency of 2133-2400 MHz are relevant for those involved in audio/video encoding, rendering, etc.
- Timing . It implies the number of time cycles required for data exchange within the system. This indicator has virtually no effect on functionality.
Also, RAM modules can be equipped with LED backlighting, a cooling function and single-channel/multi-channel modes.
How to choose RAM and what to look for?
The choice of random access memory depends on the parameters that affect the efficiency of the element.
It is worth focusing on the following indicators:
- Volume . Varies from 4 GB to 32 GB. 4 – required minimum; 8 – universal, for performing standard tasks; 16 – for professional gaming machines; 32 – for special narrow-profile processes. Supported volume depends on motherboard specifications;
- Module type . There are two options - DIMM and SO-DIMM. The difference between them is the size; the second form factor is smaller and is used in laptops and other compact PCs;
- Module standard . In modern devices there are two types - DDR4 and DDR3 (for older PCs - DDR and DDR2), the latter has less bandwidth and is used in PCs with a 32-bit OS, and the first type works with a 64-bit OS. The two modules are not interchangeable;
- Frequency . Must be supported by motherboard and processor, affects operating speed;
- Timing . Characterizes the number of cycles required to complete the system data exchange process. Affects functionality only in high-performance structures.
Additionally, there may be LED backlighting, cooling and single-channel or multi-channel modes.
Expert opinion
Alexander G.
Patriot Memory VIPER 3 8GB DDR3 1600MHz DIMM 240-pin CL10 PV38G160C0
Experience in use: more than a year Advantages: 1. Price, at the time of purchase it cost ~3.5k 2. It has a radiator, which means... 3. Overclocking potential, 1866 is not a hindrance for it, I haven’t tried it further. 4. Has special XMP overclocking profiles, if you are too lazy to do it yourself. 5. Friendly with different dies. Disadvantages: 1. Price, at the time of writing the review. Comment: I bought it to get the coveted 16 GB in my system, collected this amount from several dies and became happy as an elephant. Many people say that DDR3 is already outdated, but in fact, even DDR2 is actively used by many gamers. I advise you to take it.
Denis M.
Samsung 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz SODIMM 204-pin CL11 M471B1G73BH0-YK0
Experience of use: less than a month Advantages: Excellent memory Disadvantages: none Comment: I bought in addition to my 4 GB Samsung 1333 mhz, it was detected immediately in the BIOS, it works perfectly in dual-channel mode, in total 12 GB, now it can handle several open programs simultaneously without problems, in Chrome I opened 27 tabs and it works without problems. Rating in Windows 7 64 bit -7.3 out of 7.9! Excellent memory for the price, plus a 5-year warranty! I recommend.
Sergey I.
Samsung 8GB DDR4 2666MHz SODIMM 260-pin CL19 M471A1K43CB1-CTD
Usage experience: less than a month Pros: Excellent peer-to-peer memory. I took the Asus PN40 to the nettop, which according to the specification has a max. the volume is 8GB 2400 MB/s, I installed 2 of these 8 GB sticks (they are 2666 MB/s), as a result everything worked perfectly. Disadvantages: - Comment: Perhaps not the cheapest, but absolutely worth the money.
Nazar
Patriot Memory SL 4GB DDR3 1600MHz DIMM 240-pin CL11 PSD34G16002
Experience of use: several months Advantages: Inexpensive Disadvantages: I haven’t seen any practical ones yet. I assume that the chips are overclocked, because... power supply 1.7V. Comment: I bought 2 4GB sticks a year ago (hynix chips). The mother identified them as 1333, with a voltage of 1.6V. I didn’t pay attention, it works and is fine. The BSOD crashed from time to time. I needed an expansion of another 8GB, so I started looking into it, found out on the manufacturer’s website that the modules’ supply voltage was 1.7V, so I bought the same memory (but the chips turned out to be Patriot). I set the BIOS to 1.7V, frequency 1600. For 2 months now, not a single BSOD crash. I assume that previously the OS was losing sleep due to lack of power to the memory. I measured the temperature of the chips under load with a testmem86 IR thermometer. Temperature 52 degrees.
Ivan
Samsung 8GB DDR4 2666MHz DIMM 288-pin CL19 M378A1K43CB2-CTD
Recommendations for the AMD platform. Friends, this is exactly the option when you bought yourself a not very successful motherboard (for example, on a b350 chip and this is not msi) and an even more unsuccessful memory, or rather an outright hat that will never go above 2933 MHz in its life and even here it manages to do so a couple of times issue blue screens per month. True, 90% will probably tell you that this is the fate of Ryzen. But these inexpensive dies will prove you wrong. I took 3600 MHz and passed all the stability tests with reasonable timings, latency 69, which is more than an excellent result for this platform (I only changed the timings and nothing else, no settings through a calculator or anything else). Rare, but still friezes have disappeared. Happy as an elephant. Highly recommend.
Evgeny K.
Patriot Memory SL 4GB DDR3 1600MHz DIMM 240-pin CL11 PSD34G16002
Experience of use: several months Advantages: Price, overclocking potential Disadvantages: Didn’t find Comments: I decided to expand the memory to 16 GB. There were 2 Samsung sticks of 4 GB each, I bought 2 more of 4 from Patriot. All 4 strips easily worked at 2133 MHz at a voltage of 1.65 V, with timings of 11-11-11-30. Motherboard asus p8z68 v-pro gen 3. Excellent memory for the money.
Max
Patriot Memory VIPER 4 16GB (8GBx2) DDR4 3200MHz DIMM 288-pin CL16 PV416G320C6K
Experience of use: less than a month Advantages: Beautiful appearance, good quality. By default it started at 2133 MHz after switching to XMP frequency 3200 MHz timings 16 16 16 36 stable in tests, mother ASUS PRIME X470-PRO, percent. AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Disadvantages: none at the moment Comment: in terms of price, performance is one of the best
Maxim Smirnov
HyperX Fury 16GB (8GBx2) DDR4 2666MHz DIMM 288-pin CL16 HX426C16FB3K2/16
Experience of use: less than a month Advantages: Cheap subject to promotions and promotional codes Disadvantages: Didn’t reveal Comments: The chips are anime-style, I can’t say anything bad about them, I set the hmp and the frequency is 3533 and it works without any errors. As a result, it turned out to take 3666 with timings 18 19 19 38 I don’t know, I was lucky with the chips or something else (the strips were released in 21 for 2 weeks) I also tried to raise the frequency to 3800 with timings 18 20 20 38 CR2 (works without errors) maybe further will chase
Stanislav
HyperX Fury 16GB (8GBx2) DDR4 3600MHz DIMM 288-pin CL17 HX436C17FB3K2/16
I assembled the first PC in my life for myself. I never understood memory (Chips, manufacturers), a friend advised me to take this memory, and as is usually the case, interest in the nuances appeared only after the purchase. I started digging into the BIOS and spent weeks reading about memory overclocking in my free time. As a result, after spending a couple of full days setting up the primary, secondary, tertiary and RTL units, I managed to squeeze out 4400 on the CL18. I think the result is quite good. Photo attached. Testmem5 runs without errors (extreme preset). The processor was not overclocked. Voltage: Dram voltage - 1.45 VCCSA - 1.25 VCCIO - 1.3 The case is well ventilated (5 turntables at 140mm) Also overclocked to 3900 MHz with timings 16-21-21-37 (but testmem5 produced errors on the 5th round of the test).
Airat
Patriot Memory SL 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz SODIMM 204-pin CL11 PSD38G1600L2S
Experience of use: more than a year Advantages: Price, started without problems. Disadvantages: None Comment: You should not overpay for laptop memory. Overclocking is not needed here. The most important thing is that it started without problems with the Kingston bar. A little over a year has passed, the die works like a clock. It just went up in price, I took it for 2200. Still, you can trust the Patriot company)
Alexander
HyperX Fury 16GB (8GBx2) DDR4 3600MHz DIMM 288-pin CL17 HX436C17FB3K2/16
It launched perfectly with an XMP profile on 3600. And even took 3800 with the same timings. I set it to 1.36V. The tests pass with a bang. I didn’t take 4000 with the same settings. You have to play with timings and tension. It’s enough for me for now (there’s not enough productivity gain to bother me). For further overclocking, better cooling will be needed. Here it is symbolic. But it fit fine under be quiet! DARK ROCK PRO 4. UPD: 4000 did not take it up to 1.45V (with adequate timings). I didn’t torture him any further. At 1.4V it takes 3866, but you need to “work” the delays, it doesn’t pass the tests. Stopped at 3800. Hynix DJR chips. The result is this: Your money is ~7,500 rubles. definitely worth it!
Nikolai
Patriot Memory SL 2GB DDR2 800MHz SODIMM 200-pin CL6 PSD22G8002S
Experience of use: less than a month Advantages: In plastic packages, new appearance. Fast, doesn't get hot. Indispensable for upgrading and increasing volume. Disadvantages: None found. Outdated, but works great. Comment: Excellent memory - replaced and forgot. Now everything worked as expected. Memory capacity has doubled. I have long dreamed of finding one like this and... so I found it, replaced it and am happy, like everyone else who took the plunge.
