9 best memory modules

DDR3 standard is gradually becoming obsolete. The memory modules belonging to it are still being sold and quite successfully used, but thanks to our selection you will understand that the future is for DDR4. If you build a brand new computer from scratch, then make sure that the motherboard supports the modern standard. Also think about the speed of data transfer, because it depends on how quickly the RAM will function (this will affect the speed of loading games). In today's compilation, we will look at modules of a different standard, with different speeds and different volumes. You can definitely choose the most suitable set for yourself.

Memory modules which company choose

Corsair

Corsair is headquartered in the United States. Unlike some other manufacturers of computer memory, this company also creates many other components and accessories. For example, gaming headphones, mice, keyboards, PC cases and cooling systems are in great demand among buyers. As for the memory modules, in its twenty-year history the company produced strips of various standards. There is now in its range and modern RAM-memory DDR4.

G.Skill

Taiwan G.Skill brand was born in 1989. This company was founded by a group of computer enthusiasts. Now it produces not so much “iron” - basically various memory comes off the assembly line. Solid-state drives and G.Skill flash drives are almost completely unknown to the Russian consumer, but the RAM has occupied a decent market share. Most employees of the Taiwanese company are focusing on modern standards of RAM. In this regard, the modules can boast not only a decent volume, but also a very high frequency. Many strips support overclocking, which should also appeal to a certain category of customers.

Hynix

Hynix was founded in South Korea more than thirty years ago. Now it belongs to the SK Group concern, whereas initially it was part of the well-known Hyundai group of enterprises. For some time under the brand Hynix produced a variety of audio and video equipment. He now everyone knows this brand only for semiconductor memory. Hynix RAM can easily be found in every store that sells computer accessories. It cannot be said that the products of South Koreans can boast of special characteristics, but it is very reliable. If the warranty is not provided for the entire period of use, it is equal to at least five to six years.

Kingston

Perhaps it is the products of the American company Kingston that are in greatest demand now. It is explained by its affordable price tag. Many notebook manufacturers make their choice in favor of RAM from this company. But RAM is not the only kind of memory that Americans have relied on. Kingston-owned factories are also running solid-state drives — SSD and memory cards. Without much difficulty on sale can be found and ordinary "flash drive" Kingston.

Mushkin

One of the youngest manufacturers of RAM. Founded in 1994. The head office is in the US state of Colorado. Under the Mushkin brand, power supplies and some other computer equipment are manufactured, but memory modules are in greatest demand now. Basically they are designed for desktops and servers, but there are also options for embedding in laptops. Among all the products stand out modules of the REDLINE series - they support overclocking, and therefore overclockers should be interested in buying them.

Patriot

The word "Patriot" is very popular in any language. Therefore, it is not surprising that in many countries there is at least one company with this name. The memory, under the Patriot brand, is produced by an enterprise founded in 1985.

Now this company has focused on the design, assembly and sale of RAM-modules for enthusiasts. They feature improved timings, high data transfer rates and overclocking capabilities. You can regret only the assortment, which can not be called very wide.

Rating of the best memory modules

In today's compilation, based on feedback from the owners, are taken into account:

• Memory standard;
• Clock frequency;
• Supported modes of operation;
• The volume of one strap and the whole set;
• Default timings;
• Module height;
• Supply voltage;
• Customer complaints;
• Estimated cost in the Russian Federation.

The best set of 64 GB DDR4 memory modules

G.Skill Ripjaws 4 (F4-2666C16Q2-64GRB)

A great option for those who want to pump your computer in full. To use such a kit, you will have to stock up on a motherboard with eight slots for DDR4 standard RAM. All the slats used here are four-channel, so in some cases it will really be possible to use all the available RAM.

Advantages:

• Cute radiator design;
• The total volume is 64 GB;
• Does not require a strong increase in voltage during acceleration;
• The maximum clock frequency is 2666 MHz;
• Almost infinitely long warranty.

Disadvantages:

• An unsightly looking box;
• Incredibly high cost.

The best set of 32 GB DDR4 modules

G.Skill Trident Z (F4-3000C15D-32GTZ)

This kit includes four relatively small strips, the volume of each is 8 GB. Each of the modules is equipped with a rather modest, but immaculately coping radiator. Ideal for those who do not spare money on your computer.

Advantages:

• Almost the maximum amount of each module;
• High default clock frequency;
• Overclocking is possible up to 3400 MHz;
• The total volume is enough for any person;
• Maximum service life;
• The minimum height of the slats.

Disadvantages:

• Extremely high price;
• For some people, the appearance will seem insufficiently refined.

Reviews on G.Skill Trident Z (F4-3000C15D-32GTZ) show that this is the best offer in the consumer segment. Of course, now there are more advanced memory modules, but they are either presented as an experiment or are available only to professionals. This RAM has no major flaws. It spoils the impression only the price. In terms of cost, such a set is comparable to a very good central processor or a very good video card.

Top 16GB DDR4 Memory Kits

Patriot Viper 4 (PV416G340C6K)

Usually, if the memory can be seriously overclocked, it is only due to the serious radiator of cooling. But this is not an instance of this. The operating frequency of this kit can be increased to 3808 MHz, but it does not require strong cooling, and therefore the dimensions of the radiator turned out to be minimal.

Advantages:

• Very high overclocking potential
• Stable work for many years;
• Relatively low price;
• Slight heat dissipation;
• Very small height of each slat.

Disadvantages:

• Low frequency, the default.

Reviews on the Patriot Viper 4 (PV416G340C6K) indicate that this kit can be used for many years. It was one of the first released sets belonging to the DDR4 standard - and almost none of the buyers have yet written about the failure of the RAM or some kind of malfunction. No wonder some specialized journalists awarded these memory modules with a distinction. The set consists of two strips, each of which has an 8-gigabyte volume and a two-channel structure.

Mushkin Enhanced Redline (994206F)

In the ranking of the fastest memory modules, this kit takes the second place (as of the summer of 2016). The difference with the leader is tenths of a percent. At the same time, which is good news, the manufacturer does not ask for too much money for his creation. Although cheap such a set can not be called yet.

Advantages:

• Overclocking is possible up to the frequency of 3280 MHz;
• The price in terms of 1 GB is quite good;
• Satisfying many total volume;
• Very high reliability.

Disadvantages:

• It is very difficult to find in Russia;
• Simple design.

Reviews on Mushkin Enhanced Redline (994206F) show that such a kit shows itself almost perfectly. Each slat here has a volume of 4 GB, and the total parameter will suit even those who regularly do video editing and processing a large number of photos. And certainly with a similar set you can forget about the stuff about gluttonous Chrome.

Corsair Vengeance LPX (CMK16GX4M4B3200C16)

This set of four-channel memory modules perfectly shows itself under acceleration. On the two-channel Skylake platform, stable operation is possible even at a frequency of 3636 MHz. On the four-channel machine, the results are slightly worse, but also worthy of mention - the frequency increases to 3200 MHz.

Advantages:

• Cost is not very high;
• Nice appearance;
• A special fan is supplied;
• Memory gives in to good overclocking;
• Very decent service life;
• The total volume is 16 GB.

Disadvantages:

• None.

Included in this kit slats have an impressive red radiator. But with a strong overclocking even he cannot cope with the cooling of the module. That is why the creators supplied the kit with a small fan. But reviews on the Corsair Vengeance LPX (CMK16GX4M4B3200C16) tell us that a rare buyer decides to use this “spinner”. At standard frequencies, it is completely unnecessary, and it makes sense to overclock the memory only for some completely non-trivial tasks.

Best AMD AM3 + Kit

G.Skill Ripjaws X (F3-17000CL9D-8GBXM)

Excellent kit consisting of two strips, the total amount of which is 8 GB. When overclocked, it allows you to increase the voltage to 1.65 V and achieve an operating frequency of 2133 MHz. And some overclockers have overclocked these modules even up to 2500 MHz!

Advantages:

• Beautiful blue radiator;
• A very inexpensive kit;
• Stable work on the AMD Socket AM3 + platform;
• The possibility of a strong overclocking;
• Very long warranty.

Disadvantages:

• I would like a larger volume.

Reviews on G.Skill Ripjaws X (F3-17000CL9D-8GBXM) show that people are not afraid to overclock these strips, if they are allowed by the capabilities of the motherboard.

The modules have an aluminum radiator - even if very high frequencies are reached, additional cooling is not required. But most of all, customers like the low price - often even lower voltage models for the above platform cost more.

The best dual-channel 8GB DDR3 kit

Crucial Ballistix Tactical (BLT2K4G3D1608ET3LX0)

For the first time on the shelves of stores, this operational memory appeared in 2012. Many buyers then realized that this kit squeezed out of the standard DDR3 almost all the juice. And profile journalists began to shower a set of awards. Is there anything else to say?

Advantages:

• Low voltage (1.3 V);
• Low cost;
• Operation with a frequency of 1866 MHz is possible;
• Everything is in order with reliability.

Disadvantages:

• 8 GB some will be small;
• In Russia, is not sold everywhere.

This kit is sold in a standard plastic blister, where only two 4 GB bars and an instruction manual are present. Additionally, the creators do not provide anything, but this applies to almost all the memory modules reviewed today.

It should be noted that this is one of the cheapest kits - the rest of the kits mentioned by us cost more, sometimes significantly. Reviews for Crucial Ballistix Tactical (BLT2K4G3D1608ET3LX0) show that there is no reason to wait for failures when using such memory. Standardly, it asks for a voltage of 1.3 V, but with a great desire you can raise it to 1.5 V, having achieved a higher frequency.

The best dual-channel DDR3 kit for 16 GB

G.Skill Ripjaws X (F3-14900CL-10D-16GBX)

This kit is on sale is not the first year. At one time he even won all sorts of awards. This set consists of two modules with a very immodest 8-gigabyte volume. A kit is sold for modest money, but the bars provide good overclocking options. Even by default, the data transfer rate is quite high here, and even with an increase in the frequency behind it, even many more expensive competitors remain behind!

Advantages:

• Very decent price;
• Impressive appearance;
• The volume is enough for almost any user;
• Supports overclocking to 2133 MHz;
• Very long warranty.

Disadvantages:

• The default frequency is pretty low.

This is a good option for those people who have only two slots on the motherboard for RAM. With this kit you get 16 GB of RAM - the gold standard as of 2016. Reviews on G.Skill Ripjaws X (F3-14900CL-10D-16GBX) indicate that the capabilities of a pair of slats are more than enough for video editing, games or image editing. Not to mention surfing the global web.

The best four-channel 32GB DDR3 package

Corsair Vengeance Pro (CMY32GX3M4A2800C12R)

A huge set, supplied in a cardboard box, which is very atypical for RAM. All modules are equipped with a large radiator. This kit is recommended for purchase for those who have a motherboard based on the Z97 or other super-powered platform.

Advantages:

• Accelerates to a frequency of 2855 MHz;
• Huge total volume;
• The warranty period is very long;
• Even the default parameters will be enough for everyone;
• Rich equipment.

Disadvantages:

• Decent height;
• Scary price tag.

Reviews on Corsair Vengeance Pro (CMY32GX3M4A2800C12R) show that this is the best choice for the enthusiast. With this RAM you can get an incredibly powerful machine. If the video card is installed appropriately, then the PC will be able to cope with editing films or solving other complex tasks without any difficulty. And games for many years will not be able to use absolutely all the available volume.

What memory modules to buy

We will not recommend you a specific kit. The choice of RAM depends entirely on what kind of motherboard you have. Only when building a computer from scratch in the first place, you can focus on the RAM.

It should be noted that in modern realities the absolute majority of PC owners have 16 GB. Only overclocking lovers and professionals can squeeze all the juices from a larger stock of volume.