When it comes to gaming, you want to make sure your computer’s performance is at its peak. One of the most significant upgrades you can make to your gaming rig is switching to DDR5 RAM.
From faster speeds to increased bandwidth and better efficiency overall, DDR5 RAM is quickly becoming the new standard for gamers. That being said, what are the best DDR5 RAM for gaming options?
Below, we explore five of the best DDR5 RAM options on the market today that deliver the speed, capacity, and compatibility you need for your gameplay. Let’s get started.
Why Choose DDR5 RAM for Gaming?
Before we start naming the best DDR5 RAM choices, let’s first discuss why it tends to be the ideal option for gamers.
Compared to its predecessor, DDR4, DDR5 offers significant improvements in speed, bandwidth, and power efficiency. With faster data transfer rates and the potential to reach even higher speeds, DDR5 RAM enables quicker load times and smoother gameplay, especially in modern, resource-intensive titles.
The enhanced bandwidth also means your system can handle more data at once, allowing for better multitasking – like streaming, recording, or running background applications while gaming – without compromising performance.
Let’s not forget about the future-proofing capabilities of DDR5 RAM, either. As game developers continue to push the limits of graphics and physics engines, having the latest memory technology ensures your system is equipped to handle the requirements of upcoming releases.
All in all, for gamers who want to stay ahead of the curve and get the most out of their gaming setup, DDR5 RAM is the smart choice.
To learn about your other options, you can read our blog on The Best DDR4 RAM for Gaming.
Best DDR5 RAM for Gaming
Now, let’s answer the million-dollar question: what are the best DDR5 RAM choices for gaming? We’ve got four for you to explore.
Lexar® ARES RGB DDR5 Desktop Memory
Iif you’re looking for the best DDR5 RAM for gamers, our ARES RGB DDR5 is the way to go.
This RAM kit combines high performance, striking aesthetics, and great value, making it the best choice for gamers in 2024. With support for both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO standards, it ensures a seamless setup and easy overclocking across various platforms.
The customizable RGB lighting allows you to personalize your rig with stunning effects, while the low latency ensures smooth gameplay with minimal lag. Trust us, you’ll be incredibly satisfied with the performance that the Lexar ARES RGB can bring to your gaming setup.
- Key Features:
- 6000MHz speed and optimized timings for outstanding gaming performance
- Supports Intel XMP 3.0 & AMD EXPO, offering flexibility and easy overclocking
- Customizable RGB lighting to match your gaming setup’s style
- Heat spreader designed for optimal cooling and sustained performance
- Pros:
- Perfect balance of speed, aesthetics, and price, making it a top choice for gamers
- Excellent compatibility with a variety of gaming setups
- High-quality build that ensures reliability and longevity
- Cons:
- Limited manual overclocking headroom for extreme enthusiasts
Lexar® THOR OC DDR5 Desktop Memory
The Lexar THOR RGB DDR5 offers both high performance and customizable RGB lighting, making it a great choice for high-end gaming builds.
Operating at 6000MHz, it’s designed for gamers who demand smooth and fast data transfer rates, with full compatibility with Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO.
Key Features:
• 6000MHz speed with low latency
• Customizable RGB lighting
• Aluminum heat spreader for better heat management
Pros: Fast performance, great for visual setups
Cons: Requires specific motherboard compatibility
Lexar® DDR5 UDIMM Desktop Memory
The DDR5 UDIMM Desktop Memory is an excellent choice for gamers who want a balance of performance and stability. With speeds of 4800MHz, it ensures smooth gameplay and efficient multitasking, making it perfect for desktop gaming setups. Its compatibility with Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO allows for optimized overclocking with ease.
Key Features:
• 4800MHz speed for seamless gaming
• Supports Intel XMP 3.0 & AMD EXPO
• Low voltage for power efficiency
Pros: High-speed performance, reliable for gaming setups
Cons: No RGB lighting
Lexar® DDR5 SODIMM Laptop Memory
For laptop gamers looking for dependable performance, the DDR5 SODIMM delivers excellent speed at 4800MHz, making it a great choice for multitasking and gaming on the go. With support for Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO, it allows for seamless setup and optimized overclocking on both platforms.
Key Features:
• 4800MHz speed for smooth gaming
• Compact SODIMM form factor for laptops
• Low voltage for efficient power usage
Pros: High performance in a compact form factor
Cons: No RGB lighting
Factors to Consider When Choosing DDR5 RAM for Gaming
When choosing your ideal DDR5 RAM for your gaming setup, you should take the time to consider factors such as speed, capacity, and latency, and more.
Let’s take a closer look at some factors to take into account to ensure that you get the most out of your investment:
- Speed (MHz): DDR5 RAM speeds typically start at 4800MHz and can go beyond 7200MHz. Higher speeds can improve data transfer rates, resulting in smoother gameplay and faster load times. For gamers, RAM speeds of at least 6000MHz are recommended for optimal performance.
- Capacity (GB): While 16GB is generally considered the minimum for gaming, 32GB provides more headroom for multitasking and handling resource-intensive games. Consider 32GB if you often stream, record, or use memory-heavy applications while gaming.
- Latency (CL Timings): Lower latency (measured in CL or CAS latency) means faster response times when accessing data in memory. While DDR5 RAM tends to have higher latency than DDR4, choosing modules with lower CL timings will still result in better performance.
- Overclocking Capabilities: Look for DDR5 RAM that supports Intel XMP 3.0 or AMD EXPO profiles for easy overclocking. This ensures you can fine-tune the RAM speed without complicated manual adjustments.
- RGB Lighting and Aesthetics: If you want your gaming rig to stand out, choose RAM with customizable RGB lighting. Some models offer wide-angle illumination and various lighting effects that add visual flair to your setup.
- Compatibility with Motherboard: Make sure the RAM you choose is supported by your motherboard. Check for compatibility with DDR5 slots and ensure your motherboard can handle the desired speed and capacity.
6 Steps to Choose the Best DDR5 RAM for Your Gaming Setup
You know which DDR5 RAM options are the best, and you know what factors to look out for. Now, how do you choose which one is right for your specific needs?
Here are a few steps to walk you through making the best decision for your gaming setup:
- Match RAM Speed with Your CPU and GPU: The speed of your RAM should complement the capabilities of your CPU and GPU to avoid bottlenecks. For example, if you have a high-end processor and graphics card, choosing a RAM kit with speeds of 6000MHz or higher can help maximize performance.
- Prioritize Capacity Based on Your Use Case: Consider your gaming habits when choosing the RAM capacity. If you’re a casual gamer, 16GB might be enough, but for streaming, multitasking, or using virtual reality, 32GB will provide the best experience.
- Look for Overclocking Support: If you plan to tweak the settings for maximum performance, choose RAM that supports XMP 3.0 (Intel) or EXPO (AMD). These features allow for easy overclocking with preset configurations that are optimized for gaming.
- Check for Future Compatibility: Make sure your RAM choice aligns with future upgrades. For example, if you plan to upgrade your motherboard or processor in the next year or two, choosing a high-speed DDR5 RAM kit now can future-proof your setup.
- Evaluate Aesthetic Preferences: If you value the look of your gaming rig, opt for RAM with RGB lighting that matches the theme of your setup. As we mentioned, some RAM kits offer software for customizing the colors and effects to match other components like fans and GPUs.
- Set a Realistic Budget: While higher-performance RAM comes at a premium, it’s essential to balance your budget with your gaming needs. Often, RAM kits in the mid-range can offer a great balance of speed, capacity, and features without breaking the bank.
With all of these steps and considerations in mind, choosing the best DDR5 RAM for you becomes easier than ever before.
Upgrade Your Gaming Experience with the Best DDR5 RAM
When you’re ready to upgrade your gaming experience and get the best DDR5 RAM for your setup, let Lexar be your guide.
Explore our wide range of products for your computer to see what’s ideal to boost performance. Then, you can upgrade your gaming rig right away for a next-level experience.
