Computer Memory

Whether you’re using a computer system for an intense gaming session or just want to stream your favorite Youtube channels, the system needs to have enough memory to get the best performance. That could mean an upgrade for your current system or it could mean selecting the appropriate RAM for a new build. But which is the best memory for your system? Below you will find a list of some of the best RAM for most systems. 

How To Choose The Best RAM

There are a few things you should consider when selecting new memory. It’s not all about capacity, there are several specifications you need to think about, such as those below.

Speed

Ram speed is referring to the clock speed. This is how fast the memory can run, just like you see with a CPU. The bigger the number, the faster the RAM. But you gain nothing if you use faster memory than a motherboard and processor can handle. Make sure to check the specifications your system can use before spending money on new RAM so you don’t buy faster than you really need.

You’ll see the speed listed for the RAM in the specifications for it. Sometimes you’ll also see it elsewhere, such as in the title of an online listing. If you see memory with the word DDR4-4200 then that means that memory runs at up to 4200 MHz. It often can run slower as well, but some will not run at a very low rate, so be sure it is compatible with your system.

Latency

Latency is related to speed, and it is basically a measurement for the delay between the time memory access begins and when the RAM responds. You’ll see this listed as a series of numbers, such as 15-15-15-30. Sometimes you’ll see only CL or CAS listed, which refers to the first number of the four. You may also see this referred to as the RAM timings.

The main thing you need to know is the lower these numbers the better. But, because this is listed in the number of clock cycles the delay lasts, the faster your clock speed is, the faster it will churn through the number of cycles listed.

Think of it like a person carrying groceries from the car. The clock cycle number listed equals the number of trips to and from the car to get all the groceries inside. But a person who walks faster (clock speed) will get the job done faster, given the same number of trips. A person who can complete the job in 12 trips (latency), but walks slowly (clock speed) may still not complete the job as fast as someone who needs 15 trips but is a faster walker.

Clock speed is usually more important than latency, but you can use latency to compare similar speed memory to find the best overall performance.

XMP

XMP stands for extreme memory profile. It is related to the speed settings of the RAM. Many systems allow XMP memory to run at higher clock rates, with different timing and voltage than the older, original DDR design. Sometimes you’ll see one or two XMP profiles listed for RAM, which are just settings that the RAM manufacturer tested and certify it to work well and stable at. It should automatically run at these speeds, given a compatible motherboard. You can usually also tweak the settings manually, overclocking your memory, but you may find stability problems if you do.

Capacity

This refers to the amount of RAM, such as 16MB vs. 32MB. Think of this as how large your cup is, 16 ounces vs. 32 ounces. The 32-ounce cup will hold twice as much as the 16-ounce cup. 

You need to consider the largest amount of memory your system can address. There is no reason to install more than your system can use. In some systems, it will still work if you install too much, but it’ll only use whatever part of the memory it can before the system reaches its maximum limit. It won’t work at all in other systems. It’s best to make sure not to exceed the total your system can use.

Most people need at least 8GB of memory for computers. That works well for standard browsing or light gaming. But you’d be better off with 16GB, and it would allow some extra room for those times you’re putting more load on your system. A power user who does video or photo rendering, opens dozens of browser tabs, or plays a lot of newer games may benefit from 32GB or more. It really comes down to your normal usage, but 16GB is a decent number to aim for.

Form Factor

You may come across two different types of RAM when shopping: DIMM or SODIMM. DIMM may be listed as UDIMM (unbuffered DIMM), and SODIMM may be listed as SO-DIMM.

These two are the different physical sizes that are standard. Most desktop systems use DIMMs, with some small form factor desktops using SODIMMs. SODIMMs are almost always used in laptops, but some all-in-one systems also use them.

Buy the appropriate form factor for your system. 

DDR Version

The DDR version is shown as DDR4, DDR5, etc. This is which version of memory your system uses. Many systems use DDR4, but some systems now use the newer DDR5. DDR5 is an updated version which can access more memory and do so faster. 

Do not buy DDR5 memory to put into a system that uses DDR4 or DDR4 memory to use in a system that needs DDR3, it will not work. You need to buy the appropriate memory for your system. 

Price

Prices can vary between manufacturers for very similar memory, but can also vary between one retailer and another. Do some comparison shopping to save some money, and also consider your budget. You might just find that you can buy 32MB of slightly slower memory for the same cost as 16MB of faster memory. More capacity often has a larger impact than faster speed, as long as you don’t exceed the capacity used by your system.