When building or buying a gaming PC, the RAM you choose is just as important as the graphics card and processor. RAM is the component that stores all of the game’s code and graphical data, so having the right amount and speed of RAM is critical for gaming performance. But what makes a good RAM for gaming?
Types of RAM
The most popular types of RAM for gaming PCs are DDR4 and DDR5, but DDR3 is still available and compatible with many motherboards. DDR4 is an improvement on DDR3, with some models providing greater clock speeds. DDR4 still prices very well, so when picking RAM for a gaming PC, it’s recommended to go for DDR4 or higher.
Clock Speed
Speed is a key factor when it comes to RAM. The clock speed of the RAM is measured in MHz and ranges from 800MHz to 4133MHz on most DDR4 models. The higher the clock speed, the faster the RAM can be accessed, so this needs to be taken into consideration when picking RAM for gaming.
Capacity
When choosing RAM for a gaming PC, capacity is just as important as speed. Generally, you’ll want at least 8GB of RAM, and 16GB would be even better. Although 32GB is more than enough for most gaming systems, for the most demanding applications such as 4K gaming or VR, a higher capacity may be desirable.
Cost
When budgeting for a gaming PC, cost should be taken into consideration when choosing RAM. High quality RAM can be expensive, but it’s not necessarily the best option. It’s worth looking around to find the best RAM for your needs and budget.
Frequency Boosters
RAM boosters like XMP or DOCP can be used to boost the memory frequency beyond the default value. This can be useful for improving performance, but it should be used with caution as it may cause instability.
Overclocking
If you want to squeeze out extra performance from your RAM, you can try overclocking it. Overclocking involves increasing the clock speed of the RAM, but it does come with some risks. It’s best to do your research before attempting to overclock your RAM.
Types of RAM Cont.
When choosing RAM for a gaming PC, look for RAM with low latency. Lower latency RAM can provide faster data access, which can be beneficial for gaming performance. It’s also important to choose RAM which is compatible with your motherboard and processor. Some motherboards have limitations on what kind of RAM they can accept, so this needs to be taken into consideration when picking RAM.
Specific Brand Names
When picking RAM, there are many different brands to choose from. Some of the most popular brands for gaming RAM include Corsair, G.Skill, HyperX, and Crucial. There are also some budget friendly brands such as Patriot and Geil, which offer good quality RAM at a lower cost.
Colors and Designs
For gamers who want to make a statement, there are many RAM modules which come in different colors or with designs on the heatsinks. This is purely for aesthetic purposes, but if you want to give your gaming PC a unique look, this is an option.
Heat Spreaders
RAM modules come with pre-applied heat spreaders to dissipate heat. Most quality RAM modules will have a large and efficient heat spreader, but some models may have a smaller one which may be less efficient. If you’re looking for efficient cooling, it’s worth checking the size of the heat spreader before buying.
Testing RAM
Finally, it’s important to test your RAM if you want to make sure it’s performing to its specifications. The best way to do this is with an app like Memtest86 or Prime95. These apps stress test the RAM and can help identify any potential problems.
