The best RAM for your PC (2025)

DDR4 vs DDR5

There are currently two standards on the market and it is likely to continue to have some time as DDR4 phases. It is probably that if you are upgrading the older system, you will need DDR4 RAM and if you are building a new system, you will look for DDR5. Check your motherboard model to make sure because they are not compatible with each other. You can also look at an in -depth explanatory of Differences between DDR4 and DDR5 If you are curious.

Capacity

Once you find out if you need DDR4 or DDR5, the next major solution is how much memory you want. Unless you really plan to just browse the net and watch the random video, I recommend starting from 32GB. Most memory is sold in kits, so if you want 32 GB, you will usually buy a pair of 16GB sticks, often displayed in lists like 2x16GB, and install them according to your motherboard’s dual -channel board instructions. Some gamers may benefit from 64GB of memory, but all more would be in cases of special use.

Speed

The other issue you will probably see, shown in memory, is the speed of the clock measured in MHz. The DDR5 starts at 3200MHz, but most DIY memory seems to fall in the range of 6000-6,400MHz. Some enthusiastic RAM reaches up to 8,000mHz, but I don’t think the average user will take advantage of such a speed.

In particular, if you want to use the fully specified RAM speed, you will need to be sure that the XMP or Expo of AMD is activated in your BIOS. Check your motherboard guide for more information on activating the feature and set up your MHz correctly.

Latency

Productivity has another measurable function in the form of CAS or latency of CAS. While the clock speed measures how quickly RAM can move the data, CL indicates how fast it can gain access to this data with a smaller number, which means faster access. While clock speeds received a huge blow to the DDR5, CL numbers may look high for people who have experience with DDR4. Just know that the higher clock speeds compensate for this difference, so now we are looking at 28-30 for the first number instead of the 12-16 we had before.

Fit and compatibility

There are several considerations that you may also want to keep in mind when buying memory for your system. Most modules are approximately the same size, but if you have a large processor cooler, you may want to make sure that any spies in memory are not too high. Most DIY motherboards do not have restrictions on memory capacity that should be on your average user on a computer or even a gamer, but if you are upgrading the older system, you will want to check the manual and model of the motherboard to confirm how much storage can handle.

Know that there are usually two sizes of the memory module. You will usually find DIMMS on desktops and So-Dimms in laptops, but some very small desktops can choose a laptop memory.