The main reason why DDR4 memories are so popular these days is because they are the ultimate high end tech when it comes to RAM. If you really want the best return for every penny you put into building a gaming PC, DDR4 RAM is the best bet.
The second reason for buying DDR4 chips is the decreased cost. DDR4 used to be very expensive compared to DDR3 until last year. Now the pricing difference is almost negligible and it has become a matter of compatibility for most. You can purchase both DDR3 and DDR4 in same capacities at the same price, so if your gaming motherboard supports DDR4 RAM, just make the obvious choice.
DDR4 RAMs are also highly recommended for the Skylake platform which has overtaken Intel’s Haswell architectures by a storm. Skylake processors like the i5 6600k and i7 6700k are comparatively faster than the older versions and also utilize less power. DDR4 RAM coupled with these processors ensures there is no bottleneck anywhere and you get the best performance.
DDR3 vs DDR4 Gaming Performance:
DDR4 chips are better than DDR3 memory in many ways. The new version performs better with many desktop applications like video editing softwares, media players and especially games. You can observe the difference in graphic intensive games, where DDR4 chips deliver slightly better frame rates.
Other than that, DDR4 RAMs also consume less power and have obviously faster clock speeds. DDR4 memories have a regular clocking speed of 2133 MHz (which is the highest speed for DDR3) and can go as high as 3200 MHz which is twice as fast as most DDR3 chips.
Above that, both these types have the same prices so why not go for the better option that will be future proof? If you want to read more about the difference between DDR3 and DDR4 RAMs, check out this post.
All the processors that are scheduled to release next year are also going to be supporting DDR4 memory types. Here’s a list of the top DDR4 memory sticks for you:
Kingston DDR4 Memories for Budget Builds
The HyperX series from Kingston has been well known for quite some time now. They have been a part of the gaming equipment market for the past few years and are trusted by customers who want cost effective performance RAMs.
Kingston HyperX Fury 8GB (2×4) DDR4 2133MHz
This HyperX Fury chip sports a 2133 MHz clock which is the lowest when it comes to DDR4s. The main advantage here is that this kit is very affordable with two 4GB chips and can be used for any budget gaming PC build for decent performance.
Specifications:-
- Optimized for Intel’s 100 series and X99 chipsets
- Cost-efficient high-performance DDR4 upgrade
- Timing: 2133MHz, 14-14-14, 1.2V.
- At 1.2V, low power consumption compared to DDR3
- Stylish, low-profile heat spreader in signature FURY asymmetrical design
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Kingston HyperX Predator 16GB (2×8) DDR4 3333MHz
The HyperX Predator is the fastest DDR4 kit, with the max clock option available at 3333MHz. It’s got a beefy heatsink and an aggressive design alongside a relatively affordable price tag. The only thing you need to make sure is that your motherboard supports 3333MHz DDR4 chips, or you may want to go with the slightly cheaper 3200MHz variant.
Specifications:-
- Quad channel available
- Timing: 3200MHz, 16-18-18, 1.35V
- Fierce heat spreader in black aluminum
- High speeds and low latencies for extreme DDR4 performance
- Intel XMP-ready profiles optimized for Intel 100 series chipset and X99 motherboards
- Lower power consumption than DDR3
- 100-percent factory tested at speed
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Crucial Ballistix Sport LT 8GB (2×4) DDR4 2400MHz
The Crucial Ballistix RAM comes in both DDR3 and DDR4 memories for gaming. This sport version has a clock rate of 2400 MHz and CAS latency of around 16. The latency is a little setback but that factor is covered up by its low price. It is clocked 300 MHz above the HyperX Fury by Kingston and can be purchased for nearly the same price.
The choice is yours in the end, whether you want higher speed with lower latency or decent speed with good latency. There won’t be a huge difference in performance, and both the HyperX Fury and the Ballistix Sport can make for good budget RAM chips in any gaming PC.
A single chip is less expensive than a pair, but we always recommend buying RAMs in pairs to take advantage of dual-channel performance boost.
Specifications:-
- Speeds start at 2400 MT/s
- Timing: 2400MHz, 16-16-16, 1.2V
- Faster speeds and responsiveness than standard Crucial DDR4 memory
- Ideal for gamers and performance enthusiasts
- Four channel memory architecture maximizes data rates
- Digital camo heat spreader available in white, gray and red
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Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB (2×4) DDR4 3000MHz
The Corsair Vengeance lineup is known for reliable RAM chips and they have a decent variety of DDR4 gaming memories. Once again we are opting for the 8GB kit for a balance of affordability and performance and going with a pair of 4GB chips clocked at 3000MHz.
While this kit is a little expensive compared to others, you pay for lower CAS latency rates and consequently better performance in budget and mid-level gaming rigs. As an added bonus, these memories also come in four different colors, so you can match them with your build’s color scheme.
Specifications:-
- Designed for high-performance over clocking
- Clock speed: 3000MHz
- Available in 4 colors
- Heat spreader: Anodized Aluminum
- Compatible with X99 platform
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Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2×8) DDR4 3000MHz
More RAM never hurts really, and if your budget allows, we recommend going for the Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB kit which includes two 8GB chips clocked at 3000MHz.
While the latency on these chips is 15, it is compensated for by the higher clock speed. Compatible with the Z190 and X99 chipsets, this DDR4 kit comes highly recommended for mid-high level gaming rigs.
Specifications:-
- Each Vengeance LPX module is built with a pure aluminum heat spreader for faster heat dissipation and cooler operation
- Each IC is individually screened for performance potential. Available in multiple colors to match your motherboard, your components, or just your style
- Vengeance LPX is optimized and compatibility tested for the latest Intel 100 Series motherboards and offers higher frequencies, greater bandwidth, and lower power consumption
- XMP 2.0 support for trouble-free automatic over clocking
- The Vengeance LPX module height is carefully designed to fit smaller spaces
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G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2×8) DDR4 3200MHz
G.skill is a popular enthusiast gaming brand and their Ripjaws lineup is known for performance RAMs. The Ripjaws V Series has a good variety of DDR4 chips and we have chosen a kit with two 8GB sticks clocked at 3200MHz.
These are relatively faster than the fastest Corsair Vengeance has to offer thanks to the lower timings. If you’re into it, overclocking these sticks isn’t a hassle either..
If you decide on picking this RAM for your system, make sure to buy a motherboard that supports it. These sticks go very well with the Z170 chipset which also allows for RAM overclocking.
Specifications:-
- High Performance and Gaming Memory
- Power Efficient
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
- XMP 2.0 support for trouble-free automatic over clocking
- Available in 5 different colours
- Timing: 3200MHz, 16-16-16, 1.35V
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Avexir Red Raiden 8GB (2×4) DDR4 2666MHz
If you’re looking for fancy DDR4 sticks that go with your ROG motherboard and light up your already beaming system, look no further than the Avexir Red Raiden kit.
While clocked at a decent 2666MHz, the lighting effect and design of these sticks is their major selling point. Three color options are available, including red, green and blue, and you’re going to be paying extra for all the fanciness. Regardless though, if you can afford it, it’s worth leveling up your gaming rigs.
Specifications:-
- Machined Aluminum Heat Sink For Convective Heat Dissipation
- Hand Sorted IC By AVEXIR IC Sorting Technology
- Custom 10 Layers PCB For Better Conductive Heat Transfer
- Unique memories with Plasma lightings
- Available in 3 different colours
- Timing: 2666Hz, 15-15-15, 1.2V
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That’s all for now guys. We hope you like our list of the best DDR4 RAMs for gaming. If you’re still confused in the choice between DDR3 and DDR4 for gaming, just go for a DDR4 kit that fits your budget and is compatible with your motherboard and you should be fine. Please feel free to comment below if you have any feedback or want to ask any questions regarding gaming computers and builds.
