RAM

How to choose RAM

Memory is the simplest upgrade that noticeably speeds up a computer — provided you pick the right type. DDR4 and DDR5 slots are physically different, so the first step is always the motherboard or laptop specification.

• Type. DDR5 is the standard for Intel 12th–14th gen, Core Ultra and the AMD AM5 platform. DDR4 fits Intel 10th–12th gen and AMD AM4 and is cheaper per gigabyte. DDR3 is for old machines only.
• Capacity. 16 GB is the minimum for office work and ordinary games, 32 GB is the right choice in 2026 for gaming and creative work, 64 GB for video editing and virtual machines. Buy a two-module kit (2×8, 2×16) — dual-channel mode is up to 20% faster than a single stick.
• Speed. For DDR4, 3200–3600 MHz is the sensible ceiling; for DDR5, 6000 MT/s is the sweet spot for AMD Ryzen 7000/9000 and Intel is happy at 5600–6400. Higher speeds add 2–5% in games, no more.
• Latency. CL is the delay in clock cycles: DDR4-3200 CL16 and DDR5-6000 CL30 are good, CL28 is top tier. At the same speed, lower CL is better.
• Profile. You get the advertised speed only by enabling a profile in the BIOS: Intel XMP 3.0 or AMD EXPO. Without it the module runs at the default 4800–5600 MT/s.
• Form factor. A desktop takes DIMM (288 pins), a laptop or mini PC SO-DIMM (262 pins). A NAS or server wants ECC memory that corrects bit errors.

RAM in our range

Desktop DDR5 at 5200–6800 MT/s is the top of the range: G.Skill Trident Z5 and Z5 RGB (5600–6600), Trident Z5 Neo RGB with an EXPO profile for AMD down to CL28, Ripjaws S5, Flare X5 and Aegis 5, Kingston Fury Beast in black and white, Fury Beast RGB, Fury Beast EXPO, plus Lexar ARES and ARES RGB at 6400–6800. DDR4 memory at 3000–3600 MHz — G.Skill Ripjaws V, Trident Z RGB and Z Neo, Aegis, Flare X and Sniper X, Kingston Fury Beast and Beast RGB, ValueRAM 3200, ADATA Premier and XPG Gammix D10, Lexar 8 GB. Laptop SO-DIMM — Kingston Fury Impact DDR4 3200, G.Skill Ripjaws DDR4 3200 and DDR5 5600 SO-DIMM, and Kingston 8–32 GB DDR4 and DDR5 5600 modules. NAS and server memory is the Synology D4ES02 ECC 4 and 8 GB and a 4 GB DDR4 2666, and for old machines G.Skill Value and Aegis DDR3. Kits come as 2×8 and 2×16 GB. Filter on the left by capacity, type, form factor and CL.

Brands

G.Skill is the overclockers' favourite — Trident Z5 holds speed records and Ripjaws is the dependable value pick; every module carries a lifetime warranty. Kingston Fury Beast is the most common memory in gaming PCs, and ValueRAM and the KCP series are tested for compatibility with specific laptops and boards. Lexar ARES offers high DDR5 speeds for less, ADATA XPG and Premier cover basic DDR4 needs, Synology is the only officially supported memory in Synology NAS units.

Related products

Check your board's memory support before buying — Intel and AMD motherboards tell you DDR4 or DDR5. A faster processor and an NVMe SSD go well with new memory; the full selection is in PC components.

Frequently asked questions

Does DDR4 fit a DDR5 slot? No — the sticks have a different pin count and the notch is in a different place. Check the motherboard or laptop specification.

How much RAM for gaming? 16 GB works, 32 GB is comfortable for 2026 titles with Discord in the background. Games do not use more than 32 GB.

Why does my memory run at 4800 rather than 6000 MT/s? The XMP or EXPO profile is off. Enter the BIOS, enable the profile and save — it takes a minute.

Can I mix different modules? It usually works, but at the slower module's speed and sometimes unstably. Always buy a kit rather than two single sticks.

How is memory delivered? To a parcel locker (Omniva, DPD) or by courier within 1–2 working days, in anti-static packaging.