A good RAM for gaming is a crucial component of any desktop configuration. It is the primary source of information for a gaming PC, and its speed and size should be carefully considered for optimal performance. RAM memory is dynamic, unlike hard drive and optical drive memory, which is static. This means that your computer must constantly access random-access memory to keep your games running smoothly, and having the wrong type of RAM can lead to stuttering, slow loading times, and other performance-related issues. In this article, we will discuss what makes a good RAM for gaming, and how to choose the right size and type for your system.
The first consideration when purchasing RAM is to select a memory size that is large enough to handle your gaming needs. The amount of RAM you should buy depends on the type of games you intend to play. If you are unsure, the recommended size is 8GB of RAM. This is enough to handle most modern games, while still leaving plenty of room to expand as time goes on. If you intend to play more intensive games or need more than 8GB, consider 16GB or 32GB in lieu of a better gaming experience.
The type of RAM you choose for your gaming computer is also important. The two most popular types of RAM are DDR3 and DDR4. DDR3 was the first of its kind and remains widely available, but it is comparatively slower than its DDR4 counterpart. While DDR4 is slightly more expensive and offers more speed and power, if you are looking for the best RAM for gaming, you should definitely look into DDR4 Kits.
Finally, you should look for RAM kits that are backed by warranties and offer good customer service. Look for reputable brands with reliable customer reviews, as these RAM kits will provide long-term benefits when compared to other options on the market. While there are many brands and models to choose from, some of the best RAM kits developed specifically for gaming include Corsair and G.Skill.
DDR3 – What You Should Know
DDR3 was first released in 2007 as a replacement for the preceding DDR2 technology. It is the most widely used type of RAM due to its low cost, high speed, and vast compatibility with most gaming motherboards. It is available in various speeds, from 1600MHz to 3200MHz and beyond, but most gaming setups will benefit from a high-speed DDR3 kit of 2133MHz or higher.
Because of the huge variety of DDR3 RAM out there, choosing the best type can be a bit overwhelming. The key is to pay attention to the latency settings – the low the latency, the better the RAM. DDR3 also comes with its own set of CAS Latency timings, which ranges from 9 to 11, with 11 being the lowest and providing the best performance.
Additionally, be sure to double-check the compatibility of your chosen RAM with your gaming motherboard. A mismatch in the speed can cause serious issues, leading to slow boot times and much worse.
DDR4 – What You Should Know
DDR4 RAM was released in 2014 as an upgrade from DDR3. It is faster, more energy efficient, and capable of handling more intensive calculations than its predecessor. It is available in various speeds, from 2133MHz to 3200MHz and higher, and is perfect for gaming. The best kits generally offer speeds of 2800MHz – 3000MHz or faster.
Unlike DDR3, DDR4 has its own set of timings that range from 12 to 15 – 15 being the lowest and providing the best performance. Also, keep an eye out for X.M.P profiles, which offer predetermined speed settings that are tested and guaranteed by the RAM manufacturers. This makes the whole setup process much simpler.
Finally, when buying DDR4 RAM, make sure that it is compatible with your motherboard. Some boards might require BIOS updates in order to work properly with DDR4 RAM, so be sure to check first before making your purchase.
Speed & Latency
The speed of your RAM and the latency topics are absolutely crucial when building a gaming PC. Low latency is essential for gaming as it needs to access data quickly and accurately for the best gaming performance. Higher RAM speeds also play an important role, as having more RAM bandwidth allows for more data to be sent and received in a given time.
A higher speed RAM will not always bring better performance, as other factors like memory latency also come into play. The best way to maximize your RAMs potential is to invest in DDR4 kits as they offer the most faster speeds and lowest latencies. Additionally, if you have a formidable non-gaming PC and all you need is faster RAM speeds, then you could go with a DDR3 kit instead since it’s more cost effective.
Keep in mind, however, that the type of RAM you choose should depend on the type of games you intend to play and the quality of the rest of your system. If you’re playing more stock or slower titles, you won’t need as much RAM as you would if you’re playing more intense or graphically intensive titles.
Overclocking
RAM overclocking is becoming increasingly popular among experienced gamers, as it allows for improved performance and better utilization of RAM resources. This process involves altering the RAM’s settings to run at higher speeds than what is rated for the particular RAM kit, allowing for improved performance and more leeway when it comes to gaming.
Care should be taken when performing any overclocking as it can lead to system instability and issues such as crashing, overclocking errors, and even CPU and GPU damage. Additionally, you’ll need to pay attention to the RAM’s power consumption and ensure that you have adequate cooling to prevent thermal throttling.
For these reasons, it’s highly recommended to have an experienced overclocker look at your PC before attempting any RAM overclocking. Doing so can potentially save you time and money in the long run, as you’ll have a PC that is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Conclusion
Overall, selecting the right RAM for gaming is a very personal decision that should depend on the type of games you intend on playing, the quality of the rest of your components, and budget constraints. However, the general rule of thumb is to take into consideration the speed and size of the RAM module before committing to a purchase.
When it comes to performance, DDR4 will yield the best results, although DDR3 can still provide decent performance at lower costs. For FPS games and other intensive titles, look into getting higher speeds and lower latency RAM kits, as they will ensure you get the most out of your gaming PC experience. Finally, RAM overclocking can also help to squeeze out extra performance, should you be looking for a more extreme gaming experience.
