Best DDR4 RAM: Review of 12 Great Memories Money Can Buy

Whether it is gaming, video editing, movie watching, or whatsoever, one thing that can destroy a good experience is a very slow computer system. And this is mostly as a result of the RAM you are using, so we are on to the best DDR4 Ram for you.

In the RAM market today, there are the DDR3 and the DDR4. The DDR4 is the latest generation, while the former is from the last generation. Nevertheless, both are still very much in use. This is even as the latest version is gaining momentum by the day.

Getting the best DDR4 RAM will not only afford you better frequency, lower voltage, better thermal performance and other things than the DDR4, it will also give you better than what others in the DDR4 market would. This, of course, means that they are more expensive than then DDR3 RAMs.

After putting hundreds of hours into going through many DDR4 RAMs, we have come to the conclusion that the Corsair Vengeance LPX Series is the overall best DDR4 RAM. While it is not the most expensive in the market, the kit has emerged as a piece that is almost complete in every way. The speed is top notch, the heat spreader is good, just as is the timing.

If however, what you want is a LED kit, we have found the G.SKILL TridentZ RGB and the Corsair Vengeance LED to be at the forefront. Not only are they satisfying because of their LED and looks, they also perform better than what the average market gives you.

Why You Should Trust Us

Before coming down to the DDR4 RAM review, we took a look at the best RAM for gaming. What we did there was to find the best of both DDR3 and DDR4 RAMS. The method we used for that review although deep, was quite simple.

We took to heart all we know about Memories, and we got what other reviewers had to say, the views of computer experts, and our real world experience as well as those of other buyers.

It was the same approach that we took for this, even though with this we were able to move much deeper. This is considering that we needed to find those that not only provide the advantages you get over the DDR3 but also do it better than other DDR4 kits.

Hence, we ensured that those that made our list are not only the best in speed, but those that also perform better in all ways including power consumption, thermal performance, and features among other things.

Review of 12 Great Memories Money Can Buy

Best DDR4 RAM – Our Collection

Corsair Vengeance LPX Series DDR4 RAM Review

DDR4 RAM
The Corsair Vengeance LPX Series DDR4 RAM

From our various research and analysis carried out, We discovered that The Vengeance LPX Series DDR4 RAM is the best DDR4 RAM overall available today

For many serious gamers, the best DDR4 ever has to be the Vengeance LPX series which Corsair has taken its time to design. Not like they have not been taking their time for their models, but this is different.

This comes in various capacities from 8GB (2 x 4GB) to 32GB (4 x 8GB) and the frequency moves from 2133 MHz to 3200 MHz depending on your needs. For this review, however, we have our eyes on the 16GB which should be able to serve any gaming need.

The Vengeance LPX has been optimized for Intel’s X99 and 100 series motherboards.

Based on the looks, although good, you can wave this away if you keep it beside most others from companies like G.Skills and Kingston. Nevertheless, in its build, this will stand its ground against any.

As regards the speed, you can select from the available, even though we have decided on the 2400MHz. With this, thanks to the XMP 2.0 profile it features, you will achieve that speed even without any overclocking.

Once you decide to have it overclocked by tweaking the BIOS setting, you will achieve even greater speed and performance.

The real takeaway is that the power consumption with this kit is 1.2V. Even if you decide to have it raised for the purpose of overclocking, you will still end up with low consumption. It has a latency timing of 16-18-18-35.

Another thing with the LPX is that it features an aluminium heat spreader and an eight-layer PCB. With these, you can count on having a cool performance and the right overclocking.

Whether you are looking to build your own rig or upgrade your PC, this appears to have good potentials.

It has a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • You get stability and reliability with it
  • Good heat spreader.
  • Great overclocking potentials.
  • If you can bring yourself to buy, it is very valuable

Cons

  • Requires a premium price.

Verdict

From the crowd of DDR4 RAMs, the Vengeance LPX pulls itself out due to a performance that stands higher than what is obtainable with most. If what you are looking for is a RAM that will give you more options than many others, even as it performs better, you may as well settle for this if your wallet wouldn’t mind.

HyperX FURY 16GB Kit DDR4 RAM Review

DDR4 RAM
The HyperX FURY 16GB Kit DDR4 RAM

Kingston has continued to dominate the computer component market with great pieces. Many gamers can easily vouch for the company when it comes to deciding the pace of the competition.

It has done the same thing with the Hyper Fury which overcompensates for its looks with amazing performance.

Designed for serious gamers, the memory comes in different capacities and speed options to satisfy various overclocking needs. We have decided on 16GB and 2666MHz speed.

Compatible with Intel’s 100/200 series and X99 chipsets, it has a plug-and-play functionality which is as a result of the XMP profile it features. With that, your computer system will automatically adjust to the 2666MHz it promises.

As always, however, when you tweak your BIOS setting, you will win a bet on an even better performance.

Surprisingly though, the power consumption of the kit is almost on the floor as it only requires 1.2V. Essentially, there is lower heat generation which helps it to be stable.

More so, it comes with a low-profile aluminum heat spreader for easy heat dissipation. When you add up everything in a single plate, there is no gaming field that this beast will not walk you through.

The module offers a lifetime warranty as you get with many others

Pros

  • It features a low profile heat spreaders.
  • Plug-and-play and easy installation.
  • Great for gaming and other complex works.
  • The power consumption is super low.

Cons

  • It is hard to find a thing against this kit.

Verdict

This kit can as well pass as the best DDR4 RAM for someone who has eyes set on crazy overclocking for gaming. It will also serve if you are looking for a RAM that will see you through many other complex works. This beats as while the performance is superb, other things such as low power consumption and good heat spreader also feature.

CORSAIR DOMINATOR Platinum Series DDR4 RAM Review

DDR4 RAM
The CORSAIR DOMINATOR Platinum Series

When it comes to building your own rig, Corsair has been the choice for many gamers for a long time now. But with the Dominator Platinum Series, we have hit upon a kit that should dominate your gaming block.

Even though it comes in various capacities and with different gaming frequencies, rising up to four rams which you can collect to give you 32GB, for this review, we have had our eyes on the 16GB module.

A double kit channel, this memory is optimized for Intel 100 series and most Intel X99 systems. Also, it is designed to be a high performing module with the speed of 3200MHz even without any overclocking as a result of the XMP profile it features.

This piece runs on the low power of 1.35V and a timing of 16-18-18-36.

For the cooling system, a Dual-path Heat Xchange (DHX) technology is used. Because of this, even though you get a heat sink that is not typical of the market, you still get cooling performance as well that is not typical.

Another thing with the DHX cooler worth mentioning apart from its great thermal control is that it is able to cool the PCB directly. The thing though, is that it is quite tall.

It is only fair that you do not expect this to come as cheap as many others in the market considering its features including LED lights and performance. In fact, the LED you get with this is among the best for DDR4.

Pros

  • Doesn’t lose its cool even when the burden is much
  • When you look at the speed, it is crazy in a good way.
  • Low power demands and good thermal control.
  • Comes with great LED lightening.
  • There are great features infused into the build.
  • You get a lifetime warranty with it.

Cons

  • It is not cheap
  • With the DHX cooling technology, it is quite tall and as such, it may not properly fit into some gaming systems using some dual-towered CPU coolers.

Verdict

Hardly can you find a gamer, extreme or not who would not appreciate this piece for one thing or another. It is good with looks, speed, thermal control, and ease of installation and use. If you are building a powerful rig, this may just be your genie in the rig.

Crucial Ballistix Sport LT DDR4 RAM Review

DDR4 RAM
The Ballistix Sport LT DDR4 RAM

The attraction for most people to the Crucial Ballistix Sport LT is first because of the lower price it offers compared to others. What makes it worth the buy at the end of the day, however, is that it is a great RAM for gaming.

When you combine the generous price and good performance, what you get is one of the most favorites for most people.

This comes optimized for the 100 series and X99 Intel platforms for people who want the best of their systems and most especially enthusiast gamers.

It is a rock solid performing piece that has a speed of 2400MHz. It even gets better when overclocked as it can reach 3000 MHz. This is even as it makes use of 1.2 v. of power before overclocking.

Featured also is a digital camo heat spreader which is not large enough to be inconvenient in fixing or removing. The spreader features very well most especially when considering that the entire module does not even require too much power to make it get heated unnecessarily.

With a plug and play memory, this is designed with the XMP 2.0 profile to aid the module in achieving good and reliable overclocking performance. Although with that you will get automatic overclocking even without any setting, getting it tweaked will ensure that there is even better overclocking.

Coming in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB, the module comes with a lifetime warranty. And although it doesn’t come with LEDs, it still has a beauty that speaks better for itself.

Pros

  • Very reasonably priced.
  • Not one that will get heated up easily.
  • Very good general performance
  • Although not the fastest, the speed is good
  • It is very enduring.

Cons

  • Not the fastest

Verdict

This may not give you the Bolt of speed, but it will keep you covered with decent performance if you are on a budget. It is one that at least should appear on the wish list of any enthusiastic gamer for the right reasons of performance, reliability, aesthetics, and price.

G.SKILL TridentZ RGB Series DDR4 RAM Review

DDR4 RAM
The G.SKILL TridentZ RGB Series DDR4 RAM

The G.SKILL TridentZ RGB Series is one of the RAMs that we found to be in a class of its own. Although it is quite confusing how it has not been well marketed, it is a piece worth the run.

Because it is a G.Skill, we didn’t have much doubt that it would satisfy, and yes it did. In fact, it is a piece that should satisfy even hungry gamers looking for the kill.

Without any tweaking and thanks to its XMP, you can achieve the well over the 3200 MHz it promises. Surprisingly, the power consumption is very low when you consider that with all its adventurous ride it pulls 1.3V with a timing of 16-18-18-38.

Another thing with the G.SKILL TridentZ RGB Series is the LED lighting it features. Now everybody is looking for something that is not only performing but trendy as well. Truth be told, we have come across RGB lights that are annoying. Literally. It is different with this.

More so, it offers a downloadable software with which you can easily customize the RGB LEDs and make it even more interesting.

This review will not be complete without bringing in its looks. Apart from the fact that it comes with RGB lighting, the module is built to be pleasurable to the eye. This is mostly as it features the very intelligent Trident Z heat spreader.

We have, however, found the heat spreader to be more on the high profile side of the aisle.

Just as it is with the other modules, you get a lifetime warranty with this piece.

Pros

  • Generous performance
  • One of the best RGB lighting option.
  • There is reliability to it.
  • It is easy to install and use.

Cons

  • Rather high profile
  • It is not a cheap module.

Verdict

If you have your eyes set not only on a great performing module but also one that has beauty, gives a very vivid RGB lighting, this may just be the solution to your riddle. With the RGB LED which can be customized, you will also get great performance even for heavy gaming.

Corsair Vengeance LED 16GB DDR4 RAM Review

DDR4 RAM
The Corsair Vengeance LED DDR4 RAM

It is hardly deniable that the Corsair Vengeance line has produced some of the greatest DDR4 which may even be sustainable for a very long time to come, most especially the Vengeance LPX which is our favorite over here.

This, however, is about the Corsair Vengeance LED 16GB which is only another statement of great make and features.

See Also: Best Wireless Mechanical Keyboards for Gaming or Office Use

Designed for the latest Intel x99 and 100 Series, this dual channel module comes with an amazing speed of 3200MHz. That should move whatever game you want to move.

It features the Intel XMP 2.0 to have you automatically running once you plug. Coupled with its great speed, there is also good power management as it consumes 1.35V. Yes, you get some that pull you at 1.2V, but the thing is they do not give the kind of performance this affords. The latency timing is also good at 16-18-18-36.

Apart from the performance of the Corsair Vengeance LED 16GB, it has become the pick for us as the best DDR4 RAM when considering a LED piece, even though the G.SKILL TridentZ RGB Series is as well very good. In fact, this is only better when you need it very subtle.

With the heat spreader, you will get an Anodized Aluminium piece that although functions well in keeping cool and getting the thermal performance managed properly, it is rather tall and may interfere with some cooling fans.

It comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Generous performance even without overclocking
  • It has very good LED lightening.
  • Good overclocking potentials.
  • Beautiful appearance.
  • Rightly priced.

Cons

  • It is a high profile piece.

Verdict

Most people would be satisfied once they know it is a Corsair Vengeance. This is not only a corsair vengeance; this is one of the most complete kit you can lay your hands on. Not only is it beautifully constructed, it is as well highly performing and has a very good LED light. For an enthusiastic gamer, there can hardly be a more complete kit.

Viper Elite Series DDR4 16GB RAM Review

Best DDR4 RAM
The Viper Elite Series DDR4 RAM

Sometimes you get to wonder what Patriot has been doing in the woods with its Viper collection of massive components. The company has not only done it great with memories, it has also done it with mechanical keyboards and even gaming headphones.

In the memory line, the DDR3 kits created by the company have come out outstanding even though they remained in the locks of very little publicity. That is not to say that they are not selling.

To the DDR4, they have their own fair share of the stage of the great ones. In fact, the Viper Elite series may just be the best DDR4 RAM for someone looking for sheer stability in the most wicked performance.

Optimized for the Intel 100 series platforms, the kit is a 16GB which brags of an automatic speed of up to 3000MHz thanks to the XMP profile it features. Essentially, even without tweaking your BIOS, you will achieve great speed, and still get the option for overclocking.

With that much speed, there may be a problem of stability right? Wrong. Actually, while the head of the kit is performance, the tail is stability.

That is mainly due to its heat spreader and the fact that it has a low power consumption of 1.3V, as well as a timing of 16-16-16-36.

Personal opinion: The heat spreader is not the coolest in looks. Still, when it comes to the coolness of performance, you can’t take it away from the module. It has an aluminum heat spreader that performs very good in thermal control.

A lifetime warranty is what the kit gives you.

Pros

  • Comes with stability you can count on
  • The performance is strong and all going
  • Doesn’t consume much power
  • The heat spreaders are rather very good
  • Well priced.

Cons

  • Costlier than the Vengeance LPX which performs a little better.

Verdict

After using this kit, you’ll wonder whether there was a way the module market would have been complete if Patriot had stayed away. With this piece, it has given something for rugged and extreme gamers. While you get speed, you also get stability with this.

Kingston HyperX Predator DDR4 RAM Review

DDR4 RAM
The Kingston HyperX Predator DDR4 RAM

With the HyperX series, Kingston designed memories that seem and come with names suggesting they are all out to bully; Fury, Impact, Savage and Predator. In truth, the memories in the line are all bullies. It is not any different with the Predator.

This module has predator looks that promise to deliver the speed to feed on any kind of game.

Although there are many options in terms of capacity and frequency that one can select from, for this review, we have decided on the 16GB and 3200MHz.

Optimized for Intel 100 and X99 motherboards as well as Intel Core i7 HEDT processor, this kit comes with a rather interesting XMP which allows you hand-tune to the speed you want and get lower power consumption.

The thing, however, is that when you overclock, you may not be able to get it past 3333MHz.

Also, the module comes with an aluminum heat spreader that is cool and threatening at the same time. It is not only beauty that the spread adds to the kit, it also ensures a proper thermal control.

Although most people rightly do not care about the looks of their memories, having one that looks like this will surely make you appreciate it.

The module comes with a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • The XMP profile allows you to hand-tune
  • It is extreme in performance
  • The kit keeps its cool even with extreme gaming.
  • Has a design to love.

Cons

  • It is expensive.
  • Overclocking potential is limited.

Verdict

Kingston has topped the chart of all the bullies with its predator. We have found the kit to be a good piece for extreme gamers looking for extreme performance. To it, you also get a great built piece which is cool even when ridden under unfavorable conditions as it runs on low power while still being stable. It may just be your winning horse if you need an all the way piece.

G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series DDR4 RAM Review

 DDR4 RAM
The G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series DDR4

We are unable to find something that could beat this G.Skill piece in beauty. And we have come across many Memories. Nevertheless, beauty is a personal thing.

To a more general thing, the G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series wears a ring of performance and quality of build around its neck, maintaining the reputation G.Skill has never lost.

This module is a massive performing memory that allows you to have up to 64GB on your computer system. However, we are taking a look at the dual channel 16GB memory which comes with a massive performance for any kind of game.

Optimized for the Intel Z170 and the X99 Platforms, the kit offers a speed of up to 3,200 MHz which is achieved even without any overclocking as it features the XMP 2.0 Profile. What is more is that if you need any further overclocking, you can get that once some tweaking is done.

There is also power efficiency to this as it is designed with a voltage of 1.35V. That is not only low, but it also allows you to enjoy cool performance even at that massive speed.

The module comes with an aluminum heat spreader that is not just Sleek and stylish in design, but also plays well as regards ensuring that heat is properly controlled.

More so, the spreader makes the kit quite large as it stands 42mm in height, meaning that it will be best for a rather large desktop and rigs.

The G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series has five colors from which you can choose and it has a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Generous performance
  • Has a beauty to beat
  • It is affordable
  • Broad overclocking potentials.
  • Has various options to choose from in both color and capacity.

Cons

  • It doesn’t answer the question of stability when pushed to the extreme.

Verdict

This may as well be the best DDR4 RAM for you if the beauty of make is your thing. More than that, you get a broad-shouldered performance with the kit. Also, even as it drags in stability when you force it to the extreme, it does exceptionally well all round. it is not expensive.

PNY Anarchy DDR4 Review

DDR4 RAM
The PNY Anarchy DDR4 RAM

Among other things, this RAM is somehow different from any other beast of performance. It should be one of the first stops for people set to build an anarchy of a rig. Even so, it will not win if you drag it in a popularity contest beside the likes of Kingston, G.Skill, Crucial, or others that have shouted their names well enough.

With an overwhelming design, it comes with a 16 GB capacity at 2 X 8 GB as the maximum you can get. That is one problem some gamers have with it, even though 16GB is very good to go with. However, it gives room for adding another memory.

The module comes with a memory processing speed of 2400MHz. This is while it has a Latency of 15 and a low voltage of 1.2v.

The XLR8 heat spreaders are not exactly beautiful, but we have to agree with PNY that they are actually aggressive. As regards its function of keeping you cool, the spreader doesn’t drag. When you put the low power consumption and the well-functioning heat spreader, you are sure to run cool even when you exploit the overclocking capabilities of the module.

The only thing as with any kit is to remember not to tune the voltage high when overclocking.

Even though it doesn’t come as expensive as many in the market, it will beat its chest quite well better than others when it comes to performance, just as it will when it comes to the quality of build.

It also offers a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Exaggerated overclocking capabilities.
  • Good heat control
  • Powerful design
  • It is a compact piece which has good quality build.

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer much in the variety of kits.
  • It has no XMP support.

Verdict

We can easily recommend this to a serious gamer whose eye is set on overclocking. The thing, however, is that if you need a RAM with a capacity that goes beyond 16 GB, this may not be for you. Nevertheless, it promises great performance and very generous endurance.

Crucial Ballistix Sport LT RAM Review

Best DDR4 RAM
The Crucial Ballistix Sport LT DDR4 RAM

You can have this kit as high as 64 GB if you think that is what your system needs, but we are going with the 16GB. In fact, for most games, even the 8GB memory should be good enough.

With the Ballistix Sport LT we are reviewing, Crucial has made a memory that carries two 8GB memories and runs at a speed of 2400MHz. More so, it has a 1.2V power consumption and a timing of 16-16-16-39.

At the speed of 2400MHz, the Ballistix Sport LT is good enough to run any game and be handled by any motherboard. Hence it will serve enthusiasts at the best of their gaming.

The kit comes with an Intel XMP 2.0 profile which is as most others on the list. This as others, helps to achieve the automatic speed it promises even without any form of tweaking. Just plug and you will play. The configuration is also very easy to achieve.

Optimized for the Intel X99 platforms, this memory has a military designed Digital Camo heat spreader which functions rather effectively as a thermal control. The spreader gives it a business-like look.

Finally, there is a lifetime warranty to the kit and they come in white, gray, and red colors.

Pros

  • Has good points as regards speed and responsiveness
  • Highly reliable
  • There is power efficiency to it
  • Easy to install and configure.
  • It is a valuable kit.

Cons

  • Not a product to get you excited in looks.

Verdict

On the list, this is not the one to break the ground, but we found it to be the best DDR4 RAM for someone who is looking for a kit that will keep one covered in every way even when it doesn’t stand as the extreme one. That is not to suggest you will not get it good with this kit as it is not only faster than the regular kit, but also more responsive.

ADATA XPG Z1 DDR4 RAM Review

Best DDR4 RAM
The ADATA XPG Z1 DDR4 RAM

The ADATA XPG Z1 DDR4 looks like a wing ready to fly. Being the company’s first DDR4 kit, it is quite understandable why it looks as beautiful as it does since it will need all the attention there can be. Well, the performance has also given it a considerable amount of that attention.

In this line of modules, ADATA made many variations that are all distinguished by size, speed, and of course, price.

For this review, we have selected the dual channel 16GB DDR4. The kit comes with an automatic speed of 2400MHz without any tweaking as it features the XMP 2.0 profile. It gets interesting when you consider that its power consumption is at 1.2V.

When this kit is overclocked, the performance even gets much higher reaching up to 3000MHz and there is still power efficiency at 1.35v. More so, it doesn’t lose its stability even when overclocked. With the timing, it is placed at 16-16-16

For the heat control, the module comes with something very different. It has an aluminum jet fighter wing-inspired heatsink which functions very good in heat dissipation. The company said it makes use of the thermodynamically efficient aluminium and it works rather well and unique for us.

It comes like others, with a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • Massive overclocking capabilities
  • It doesn’t lose its coolness thanks to its unique heatsink.
  • The kit comes with many options in both capacity and speed from which you can select.
  • It maintains its stability.
  • Not expensive.

Cons

  • While everything is good, the timing isn’t the best you can get.

Verdict

To be clear, this is not one kit that many people may have high hopes on, easily making it one with many surprises to all doubters. In performance, it comes out very good just as it allows for massive overclocking. This is even as it is not as expensive as one would expect.

Conclusion

For us, there was no consideration of 4GB RAMs even though they are still being sold, and cheaply. In fact, we did not even consider that 8GB is good to go although there are many people that settle for that. Why we state this is because the capacity you decide to go with is very important. Some computers can take up to 64GB, but we have decided to make our reviews using 16GB which is sufficient enough.

There are many motherboards that still depend on the DDR3 RAMs, but if yours doesn’t, getting the best DDR4 RAM for it is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

We have been able to collect some that have good speed, thermal control, overclocking capabilities, and the most important things that can define a great DDR4 RAM.

Tim Flaherty
Tim Flaherty
Tim is our talented senior tech writer and editor, the one who plays music on replay, drinks more coffee than beer, plays video games, and reads poetry. In between, Tim reviews products, write about computers, games, hardware, software, guides, reviews and talk tech and arts. If there is a WWIII, he thinks it could be caused by bad writing.

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