7 Best DDR5 RAM For Gaming In 2022: Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

The best DDR5 RAM for gaming is built to provide outstanding efficiency while also offering more than enough capacity for any heavy activity or task you intend to utilize it for your PC.

As DDR4 RAMs are approaching the end of their life cycle, we are already witnessing costs on a few of the best DDR5 RAM units decrease gradually.

We remember that DDR5 RAM was costly and incredibly hard to buy in several regions when it first became available but that’s all started to change recently.

While they are still more expensive than DDR4 RAMs, it’s good to know that a PC part is going lower rather than higher in cost.

Although DDR5 is now available, it will take some time for the latest version to become the norm, as early adoption has already been limited by demand and availability problems.

However, searching for the best DDR5 RAM will surely be a difficult task for someone new to the industry but that doesn’t rule out the possibility of getting a bit of help.

As you’re on the journey of finding an ideal DDR5 RAM to combine along with your brilliant and brand-new Intel 12th Generation gaming PC, go no further!

We have thoroughly reviewed and assessed a wide array of DDR5 RAM and picked out 7 of the best units at varying budget ranges to match with gaming PCs of all types.

All of the 7 DDR5 RAM units we have mentioned in this article have been carefully researched and analyzed, so you don’t have to be concerned about how well they will perform in your gaming sessions.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

What is the Difference Between the DDR4 and DDR5 RAM?

In theory, the latest DDR5 RAM unit is expected to deliver nearly double the capabilities as compared to a typical DDR4 RAM unit.

Frequencies of over 8,400MHz are claimed by certain companies, with a baseline rate of 4,800MHz.

Even many overclocked DDR4 RAM units available in the marketplace can’t compete with the medium DDR5 RAM frequencies.

Importantly, DDR5 RAM can also support up to 128GB per unit which is a significant increase over DDR4’s maximum storage capacity of 32GB per unit.

Although, when it comes to the actual capabilities of the latest DDR5 RAM units, you will instantly find that they are not nearly there yet.

A DDR4 RAM unit with high specs will pretty much catch up with the latest gen of DDR5 RAM units. The gap between these two is not that significant to justify an upgrade right now.

However, if you’re an early adopter willing to invest a little bit of extra cash on your gaming PC, we have 7 of the best DDR5 RAM units for you that are worthy of consideration.

List of the 7 Best DDR5 RAM for Gaming

1. G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB 32GB DDR5-6000 RAM

Whenever it gets down to constantly high-performing DDR5 RAMs, G.Skill rarely makes a mistake. The firm consistently makes speedy units that easily make on the priority list of gamers, experts, and ourselves.

To begin with, this DDR5 RAM is more than sufficient to handle a 12th Generation processor in terms of efficiency and performance without any limitations.

Featuring a timing of 36-36-36-76, the G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5-6000 RAM definitely finds the perfect balance between fast speed and accurate timings.

This DDR5 RAM is offered in 2 colors: silver and black. With its wonderful illumination, its modern design and RGB integration feel amazing.

This RAM’s pricing has fallen a long way since its exorbitant debut. Now, it’s not more expensive than a good 5200MHz unit.

Ultimately, with its faster functionality and improved timings, the G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5-6000 RAM is easily our top pick. You get fantastic looks, top-notch performance, and a solid bang for your bucks.

2. Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB DDR5-5600 RAM

If you’re looking for sheer power and extreme efficiency, then the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 RAM is absolutely worth considering.

With a 2x16GB dual-channel capacity and a frequency rate of 5,600MHz, there is nothing more you need for high-end gaming in a DDR5 RAM unit.

By utilizing XMP overclocking, the Corsair Dominator aptly achieves its 5,600MHz frequency rate thanks to the Intel’s modified XMP 3.0 settings.

Please bear in mind that Corsair is as of now solely designed for Intel motherboards. This is due to the fact that AMD has not developed any CPU that is compatible with DDR5 RAM.

Although for those fortunate enough to have an Intel Alder Lake processor, it provides ideal efficiency, an integrated cooling system, and adjustable RGB lights that transform your gaming PC into a masterpiece.

Despite being costly, Corsair Dominator Platinum DDR5 RAM comes with a wide range of benefits and will be a smart pick if you’re looking for making a beast gaming system.

3. Crucial 64GB DDR5-4800 RAM

The Crucial DDR5-4800 DDR5 RAM is as basic as it comes, but it’s a brilliant option if you require plenty of RAM for whichever workload you choose to toss at it.

Since you only have a few choices if you need 64GB of DDR5 RAM. It’s because the Alder Lake storage controller suffers from large density layouts, that’s why only a limited 2 units of 32GB are supplied.

Throughout the evaluation, the Crucial RAM surprised us by occasionally reaching the capabilities of a 5200MHz RAM due to its double rank architecture.

When you consider the small voltage levels and fairly worth the money, it’s an impressively powerful DDR5 RAM for heavy gaming and intense tasks.

It’s also the type of hardware that will last a long time. 64GB of RAM will surely be highly sufficient in the following years.

However, games are not currently making use of 64GB of DDR5 RAM’s full strength and capacity, but that will surely end up changing in the near future.

4. Kingston Fury Beast 32GB DDR5-4800 RAM

If you’re looking for an inexpensive DDR5 RAM module to boost your latest Alder Lake processor, then the Kingston Fury Beast offers all the best things at affordable pricing.

Bear in mind that you’re not going to get vibrant RGB lights or insanely high frequencies of over 5000 MHz. However, as a latest-gen solution for early adopters, this DDR5 RAM can easily handle all of your gaming requirements.

While it’s not giving the best results we have seen in the initial days of DDR5 RAMs, it can still surpass past premium RAM models and efficiently compete with current-gen ones in real-world testings.

What it misses in aesthetics, it easily compensates in terms of speed and functionality, which are one of the most crucial aspects you have to consider when upgrading to DDR5 RAM.

If you have a Z960 board and want to build a gaming rig that can easily handle PCIe rates, then the Kingston Fury Beast DDR5-4800 is among the most cost-effective RAM available right now.

5. Corsair Vengeance 32GB DDR5-4800MHz RAM

If you don’t want to spend a lot of bucks on the Dominator DDR5 RAM but also wish to experience Corsair’s superior quality, then the Vengeance DDR5 RAM will be the best choice for you.

We chose the Corsair Vengeance for a wide range of factors. For one, this RAM gives top-level performance while still being a low-cost option.

The Corsair has also included a solid XMP 3.0 profile on this RAM which adds to one’s assurance in the overclocking method and obtains highly remarkable rates.

It also features Corsair’s proprietary iCUE program, which is a huge advantage. In terms of speed, the Vengeance boasts a timing of 40-40-40-77 with a rate of 4800MHz.

Furthermore, you are gaining an outstanding bang for the bucks as well with this DDR5 RAM, which is something you should not overlook.

Finally, if you need to buy a DDR5 RAM with excellent capabilities but can’t spend the extra money on RGB lights and fancy looks, then the Corsair Vengeance is the best RAM for you.

6. Adata XPG Lancer 32GB DDR5-6000 RAM

If you’re looking for a DDR5 RAM that will not cost you a fortune while still delivering solid effectiveness and power, then the XPG Lancer DDR5 RAM will be an ideal option for you.

Adata is not as well-known as some other companies such as G.Skill and Corsair, however, the firm has been working in the shadows for various years.

It’s one of the more fast DDR5 RAMs at the frequency of 6000MHz. It’s rather less expensive than other 6000MHz RAMs and not as pricey as a comparable 5200MHz RAM unit.

It also includes tall thermal spreaders with stylish RGB lights that runs all the way through the unit. This RAM is quite modest in comparison with other RGB units that use so intense flash beam-type lights.

You can easily operate this RAM at 6400MHz with a low CAS latency delay of 32 by adding more voltage. This will boost its functionality on par with one of the finest DDR5 RAMs.

Overall, we highly recommend the Adata XPG Lancer DDR5 for anyone searching for a value for money DDR5 RAM that is powerful, has substantial overclocking freedom, and looks fantastic.

7. GeIL Polaris RGB 32GB DDR5-4800 RAM

Unless you’re highly engaged with the PC equipment industry, you have likely never heard the name GeIL. Their RAM units’ style is known for sharp corners and dynamic arcs.

With a rate of 4800MHz and timing of 40-40-40-77, it’s not that outstanding when compared to the Dominator Platinum RAM, however, it’s quite decent nonetheless.

The Intel XMP 3.0 profile and Power Management IC chipset are the things to be thrilled about. This provides you with volt tracking, overload prevention, and intelligent resource control for safer and more efficient overclocking.

Considering this, it will be as easy as plug-and-play for anyone utilizing it in their high-end gaming desktop that is powered by the Intel Alder Lake.

It also has an improved RGB lighting system, which results in a more consistent and coordinated glowing look across the RAM’s body instead of only a single spot shining out.

How to Select the Best DDR5 RAM for Your Gaming PC: The Buyer’s Guide

There are multiple factors to bear in mind while choosing the best DDR5 RAM for your gaming PC.

Firstly, you have to make sure that your motherboard is supported with DDR5 RAM.

The older ones are not compatible with DDR5 RAM since they contain a distinct layout thus their pins are located in distinct locations which makes installation impossible.

A few of the latest motherboards are only built to support DDR4 RAM instead of DDR5, so please read the specs carefully before purchasing. At this time, just the Intel 12th Gen (LGA 1700 sockets) are compatible with DDR5 RAM.

So, in this buying guide, we will mention all the important things you need to consider when buying a good DDR5 RAM.

1. What you need to know

If you’re building your gaming rig from the ground up, the very first step is to determine what your picked motherboard can handle.

Nowadays, the dual-channel memory type is used on the majority of the latest motherboards. This type of memory basically implies that 2 units of RAM will function in tandem on the motherboard.

You will need to have at least 2 units of RAM. But if you want some more capacity, you can use all of its 4 sockets.

2. RAM frequency

A RAM’s frequency is measured in megahertz (MHz). Basically, the quicker you can get, the better. DDR5 RAMs provide a wide variety of frequency settings and are vastly quicker than DDR4 RAMs.

You will notice in this review that we have tested units with frequencies of 5,000 and 6,000 MHz. However, there are far quicker DDR5 RAM variants offered with frequencies of up to 8,000 MHz.

You also need to check and confirm how competent your motherboard is. A majority of them are capable enough to manage both the highest and lowest MHz frequencies.

Certain gaming motherboards can even support a peak frequency of 6,400 MHz to a low frequency of 4,000 MHz. So, you have to check that the RAM you’re going to purchase falls into the correct type.

You might be thinking that it’s so difficult but all you got to do is just to make sure you obtain a proper layout (structure, MHz, type, and channel) and you will be good to go!

3. RAM timings

RAM timings are yet another factor you need to keep an eye out for. These are represented in digits such as 20-15-15-36. The first 3 digits have to be as low as possible for better performance.

DDR5 RAM offers slower timings than DDR4 RAM at this time. As DDR5 hardware is still in its infancy, these timings will eventually get better.

However, several of the DDR5 RAM units we have tested compensate for this flaw by offering more power and better latency.

So whenever you’re going to upgrade to DDR5 RAM, be certain that your new unit can get fit in MHz, size, and frequency.

If you have managed to obtain rapid MHz, high memory, and excellent timings (lower) is a definite winning recipe. Although you will need to spend a lot more money on it.

4. How much DDR5 RAM do you need?

The size of RAM you need will be determined by what you intend to utilize it for. Its capabilities are affected by multiple factors, including capacity, frequency, and speed.

If you’re doing RAM-intensive operations such as video processing, 3D designing, heavy gaming, and simulations, you will need a sizable RAM.

For a mid-range gaming PC, we highly suggest you get at least 16GB of RAM. However, since 32GB of RAM is now easily obtainable, it became the latest standard for a high-end gaming PC.

With 32GB of RAM, you will get plenty of memory for almost any game and workload you toss at your gaming desktop.

You will have no trouble in gaming, multitasking, or using innovative or demanding software. You will also be future-proofed for a few years.

How We Picked the Best DDR5 RAMs for You

It’s difficult to make up your mind when there are breakthroughs in this sector with the newest cutting-edge advancements that are so expensive.

However, a common low to mid-range gaming PC user will be worried about the affordability and cost-effective options.

Choosing the finest DDR5 RAM units for solid gaming-centric processors is a big challenge to accomplish as DDR5 is the most recent memory technology.

In current times, the gaming PC industry has expanded significantly. Several renowned brands are now developing their own types of distinct DDR5 RAM for gaming.

Depending on your domain interests, it will be somewhat hard to select which one to choose. So how to deal with this issue?

We have embarked for you on this journey and compiled some of the best DDR5 RAMs that will surely be fantastic choices to explore if you’re looking for one.

You might be wondering how we went about executing this task. The criteria we listed below can be used to consider making your personal buying guide for DDR5 RAM.

So let’s have a closer look at some of these criteria to determine how these DDR5 RAMs will provide you with the best performance for your gaming rig.

DDR5 RAM compatibility

In the first half of 2022, only the Intel’s 12th Gen CPUs will be supported with DDR5 RAM.

AMD has confirmed that their upcoming AMD Ryzen 7000 CPU line, which is compatible with the DDR5 RAM, will be coming shortly.

So, when purchasing RAM, confirm whether your system is compatible with the DDR5 RAM type or not.

However, if you already have a system that supports it then confirm its cross-compatibility.

DDR5 RAM sockets

If you intend to purchase a DDR5 RAM, you have to make sure that your chipset’s RAM slots or DIMM ports can accommodate it.

Due to the sheer variation in latency, frequency, and volt distribution to the DIMM sockets, DDR5 RAM can’t be installed in a DDR4 RAM port.

CAS latency of DDR5 RAM

CAS latency is the time lag or delay that occurs between the execution when the RAM transmits data to the processor.

A RAM’s speed highly increases if it has very low CL latency. As a result, we opted for those DDR5 RAMs that contain the lowest CL latency obtainable.

However, in comparison to DDR4 RAM, the lowest latency achievable by DDR5 RAM is still considerably higher.

Nevertheless, it’s a fresh innovation with plenty of room for advancement and has a long way to go in terms of time and subsequent years.

From all the DDR5 RAM choices available to you, try to choose the one that has a lower CAS latency.

DDR5 RAM aesthetics

RAM efficiency is the highest in our list of priorities since people who have spent their money want the strongest RAM functionality attainable for their investment.

But RAM’s efficiency is not the sole criteria that should be considered. The attractive design could also influence your decision-making process.

As Most gamers enjoy showing off their gaming systems. So style and looks are also equally crucial aspects to keep in mind.

A gaming PC fitted with RGB lighting with elegant and artfully crafted parts appears highly attractive.

So, it was highly important for us to present DDR5 RAM units with a variety of styles that will attract a wider range of customers.

We made every effort to make this list as diversified as possible while still ensuring high-quality.

Value for money

The DDR4 RAM units for Alder Lake CPUs are currently less expensive as compared to the standard DDR5 RAM models. This is to be expected, as better tech typically costs a lot of money.

Although the DDR5 RAM improves general efficiency, it’s still debatable if this improvement is worthwhile for gaming alone.

When going to buy a DDR5 RAM, we would suggest you make sure you have enough cash to spend on other crucial parts like the graphics card and CPU. But this will be a matter of personal choice for a lot of gamers.

How We Test and Review Every DDR5 RAM Unit

We test all the PC hardware and products extensively in order to provide you with actually credible and unbiased reviews.

All of the listed DDR5 RAMs in our article have been carefully evaluated under various real-world scenarios.

The method and criteria used when performing the tests are by far the most important aspects of it.

We have informed you about the upsides and downsides of DDR5 RAMs. But all of these findings came from constant monitoring of these high-grade memories.

We are going to mention some of the tests and procedures we utilize to assess these DDR5 RAMs and how significant raw power they provide over the DDR4 ones.

Benchmark testings of DDR5 RAM

There are several procedures for testing the functionality of RAM. There are built-in programs, 3rd party apps, and benchmarking tests that provide the user with information on their RAM’s functionality, condition, and a variety of different data.

Our everyday activities include some tasks, but the majority of our time is spent playing. To be more specific, we employ built-in tools to do testing on a broad variety of games with all configurations pushed to the maximum.

This gives us a better understanding of how demanding games would perform using different DDR5 RAMs. If you use the Windows OS, you can also do some basic diagnostics and tests of the RAM by yourself.

You can easily launch the “Task Manager” by right-clicking on the taskbar. Navigate to the “Memory” section under the “Performance” tab.

You can obtain crucial data regarding RAM in the form of graphs which includes its transfer rates, remaining memory, consumption statistics, and other important details.

Several 3rd party tools can assist you in performing RAM tests, such as PassMark, MSI Afterburner, Userbenchmark, and many others.

Overclocking abilities of DDR5 RAM

DDR5 RAM can be overclocked as well. Overclocking was disabled on older models because it was harmful to the RAM’s circuit quality.

Now, with the rise of heavy RAM consuming apps and user requests, RAMs are generally enabled for overclocking which highly improves their functionality and effectiveness.

Overclocking your RAM increases the processing speed of your memory, which enhances the overall effectiveness of your gaming system.

Quality of DRR5 RAM

The above-mentioned testings and evaluations are primarily concerned with the RAM’s effectiveness. But, it’s not the only point to consider before purchasing a DDR5 RAM for your gaming PC.

The quality of RAM is also a critical factor that each buyer has to consider. A weak and flimsy RAM from the exterior can fail sooner than a RAM built with strong components.

Since RAM is made up of delicate components, such as pins, a slight increase in force can lead its pins to snap, leaving your new and costly RAM unusable.

For preventing this tragedy, you need to be extremely cautious when installing the RAM in its socket.

So, these were among the aspects and considerations we take into account for assessing every RAM.

Wrapping Up

That brings us to the end of our roundup of the 7 best DDR5 RAM units to buy for your latest gaming PC build.

There are a broad variety of DDR5 RAM units to choose from, but the decision is mainly based on how much you’re ready to pay and how quickly you need the RAM to work.

DDR5 RAMs are a major leap over DDR4 ones. However, it will take a while for the next-gen to progress until we get to see significant performance improvements.

For the time being, an ideal DDR5 RAM unit is one that suits your requirements, has very low latency (CL40 appears to be the standard for modern DDR5 units), and offers fast storage speed.

You will be gliding if your RAM’s speed is more than 5,000 MT/s. We have witnessed a few insane stats, and things are only going to get better as brands continue to push the limits.

However, before making a decision, double-check its specs to know whether the RAM you want to buy supports your gaming PC or not.

We only wish to offer you a simple overview of how every DDR5 RAM works in such a way that is simple and easy for you to understand.

I hope our guide of the 7 best DDR5 RAMs provided additional value to your perception and steered you in making a substantial verdict.

Frequently Asked Questions about DDR5 RAM for Gaming

Is DDR5 RAM ideal for gaming?

DDR5 RAM will be ideal for gaming in the long term. It’s also highly certain that it would become the prominent RAM choice and will continue to stay so for some time.

Although the barrier to entry is currently expensive, it will become quite affordable soon.

Will DDR5 operate on a DDR4 motherboard?

DDR5 and DDR4 RAMs are not technically compatible with each other despite the fact that they both contain the same number of pins.

The 2 versions feature distinct hole placements to restrict anybody from installing a DDR5 RAM unit into a DDR4 motherboard or vice versa.

Is DDR5 RAM supported on any motherboards?

Intel’s 12th Generation Alder Lake CPUs are currently the only ones that are compatible with DDR5 RAM.

As a result, the Z690 motherboards are the only option at the moment. Naturally, this will start to get better as new DDR5 RAM compatible motherboards come to market.

How fast should RAM be in a gaming PC?

To start, you need to buy a double channel unit whenever feasible. This equally applies to DDR4 and DDR5 RAMs. You will be able to squeeze the most from your processor while gaming if you do it this way.

A solid DDR5 RAM in the 5200MHz bracket would be highly ideal for a mid-range gaming desktop.

However, for getting the best performance from your gaming PC, you should buy RAM that has a speed of 5,800 to 6,400 MHz.