A DDR4 RAM is still a solid choice in 2024. It may not be as good as a DDR5 RAM, but it offers incredible performance at a relatively affordable rate. You could find very good DDR4 memory at less than a hundred dollars these days. For gamers on a tight budget, these RAM variants might be the right choice, as when paired with a good CPU and GPU combo, they prove to be really good.
However, choosing the right DDR4 RAM for gaming can be confusing. In this article, we'll simplify your task and list the best ones you can buy this year.
Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer
The best DDR4 RAM for gaming in 2024
1) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB Series 32GB (2 x 16GB)
Price: $79.99
G.SKILL is a popular brand in terms of RAM and storage, and the TridentZ RGB is a series of desktop memory providing decent performance at affordable rates. Its transfer speed of 3600 MT/s is reasonably fast, and its low latency of CL18 means that the RAM can respond very quickly. Moreover, its 32GB capacity is more than enough for most games today.
To put it simply, CAS latency refers to the number of clock cycles it takes for the RAM to access data. So, the lower it is, the faster your RAM can respond.
The TridentZ RGB has a nice heat spreader design, so you won't have to worry about the components heating up. It can be customized with lighting effects to further personalize it to your liking.
Pros:
- Provides great performance at very affordable rates
- The 32GB total capacity is good for multitasking and future games
- Has RGB lighting for aesthetics
Cons:
- Its heatsink design may interfere with large CPU coolers
- May require enabling XMP profile in BIOS for advertised speeds
2) Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB (2 x 16GB)
Price: $114.99
The Corsair Dominator Platinum is a pricey option compared to the others on the list. However, it's with good reason. Its higher transfer rate of 4000 MT/s makes a big difference in terms of performance.
This DDR4 RAM offers a low latency of CL18, which further adds to its speed, and the additional RGB lighting justifies the higher price tag.
However, this dual-channel kit features just 16GB of memory compared to the 32 gigs seen on the others. That shouldn't be a problem though, as 16GB should be enough for most modern games when paired with a good GPU.
Pros:
- Offers great clock speeds at 3600 MT/s
- The iCUE software offers many effects to customize the lighting
- Has a sturdy metallic build with RGB
Cons:
- The RGB lighting might increase the price slightly for those who don't prioritize it
- The bulky heatsink may limit compatibility with some cases
3) Kingston FURY Beast RGB 32GB (2 x 16GB)
Price: $82.99
The Kingston FURY Beast RGB is another affordable DDR4 RAM with RGB lighting effects. Its lower CAS latency of CL16 RAM allows the RAM to perform faster operations and process more clock cycles. This lower latency helps offset the slightly lower 3200MT/s transfer speed.
The FURY Beast RGB has a sleek build with a heat spreader design and shouldn't take too much space. The RAM is also Intel XMP-ready, so you can tweak the memory to achieve optimal performance.
Pros:
- Offers a solid balance between price and performance
- Kingston is well known for producing reliable memory
- It offers RGB lighting without a significant price bump
Cons:
- The transfer speed may not be the highest compared to some options
4) Team T-Force Delta RGB 32GB (2 x 16GB)
Price: $69.99
The Team T-Force Delta RGB is the most affordable DDR4 RAM on this list. Despite being a lesser-known brand, it puts up great value for money with its powerful features. Its high transfer speed of 3600 MT/s and low latency of CL18 makes it perfect for gaming. Even though it is DDR4 RAM, these features help make a powerful setup.
The Team T-Force Delta RGB is XMP 2.0 certified, so you can easily overclock the memory to achieve better speeds. While it has a thin heat spreader design, it can be quite bulky due to its shape.
Pros:
- It is the most affordable option for a 32GB DDR4
- Offers decent capacity for future game requirements
Cons:
- The brand is not very well-known compared to others
- Has a very bulky design which may limit compatibility in smaller cases
5) Crucial Pro 32GB (1 x 32GB)
Price: $84.99
Crucial is a reputed brand known to produce reliable and affordable memory. The Crucial Pro 32GB is a very simple DDR4 RAM with good speeds and decent latency. Unlike other options, it is a single-channel kit, so it comes with a single 32GB memory. This is good as you can upgrade in the future by using the additional slot.
3200 MT/s is a good transfer speed, but the Crucial Pro has a slightly higher latency of CL22, which may not be as fast as other options. Still, it shouldn't be a cause for concern, as its overall performance is relatively good. Its super thin and minimalist design hardly takes up space, so this might be the best option for cramped CPUs.
Pros:
- The single 32GB DIMM allows for easier future expansion
- Has a decent price for a single DIMM option
- Comes from a reputable brand known for reliability
Cons:
- Does not feature RGB lighting
- Might offer lower performance potential due to single-channel mode
Check out similar articles by Sportskeeda:
5 best DDR5 RAM for gaming laptops in 2024 || 16 GB vs 32 GB: How much RAM do you need for gaming laptops? || Should you get DDR4 or DDR5 memory for gaming in 2024?