10 best memory modules

The current stage of rapid development of computer equipment and components put users in the position of a difficult and rather controversial choice. The memory modules, as well as many other components of the PC, are experiencing a milestone of a gradual change of generations - the more recent DDR4 has replaced the morally obsolete DDR3, but despite this state of affairs, it is these two extremes that bother consumers.

The purchase of the old format “RAM” module has a couple of significant advantages, especially if the consumer does not pursue high performance: relatively low cost and maximum compatibility with other system stuffing. But DDR4 memory modules are just necessary for those who want to get maximum performance from their computer and the potential for further overclocking. This is important in its own way, but the purchase can "fly into a pretty penny."

After analyzing the extensive market of computer equipment and components, we selected the top ten best memory modules in three thematic categories. The following parameters were taken as the criteria for the selection of goods and the formation of the final list:

• the amount of RAM module;
• RAM clock frequency;
• the number of positive and negative user reviews;
• general opinion of experts and competent sources;
• balance of cost and performance.

Best DDR3 memory modules

3 Patriot Memory PV38G160C9K

The memory modules from the Patriot Memory are somewhat controversial. On the one hand, we have a set of two “dies” of 4 GB each, which are not conveniently used with all motherboards for PCs. And the price tag is such that you can buy 8 GB of RAM in one module. But the advantages of the bronze medalist are also quite a few. The first is immediately noticeable - a metal radiator is put on top of the board for cooling. It looks good and keeps the temperature of the chips in an acceptable range, which ensures high reliability. The manufacturer is so confident in its products that it provides 10 years warranty!

In technical terms - middling. The base clock frequency is 1600 MHz. Timings: 9-9-9-24. Plus, memory modules support XMP and can be slightly accelerated, which is confirmed by users in the reviews.

Advantages:

• There are cooling system radiators.
• High reliability. Warranty 10 years.
• Almost complete absence of errors, high stability.
• XMP support.

Disadvantages:

• The radiator is too high - the module can rest against the CPU cooler.

2 Hynix DDR3 1600 DIMM 8Gb

Before us is one of the cheapest "RAM". And this is the main advantage of the company Hynix. For only 3.5 thousand rubles (and sometimes cheaper) you can buy a module with 8 GB. This price tag is due to the lack of "extra" bells and whistles, like cooling radiators and some technologies that are of interest only to enthusiasts. However, according to user feedback, the memory accelerates well.Stable operation is guaranteed at 1600 MHz with timings 9-9-9-24. Greater speed is also possible, but in this case errors occur periodically.

Note that there are reports of the fragility of these modules. However, such cases are extremely few, which indicates only a small percentage of the marriage, and not systematic problems in the workplace.

Advantages:

• Excellent value for money.
• Overclocking capability.

Disadvantages:

• Can get caught defective memory module.

1 Kingston HX318C10F * / 8

The manufacturability of this device does not cause any doubts - Kingston can do really high-quality things. Another thing is that the model itself belongs to the category of obsolete modules, and it is no longer possible to apply it on the platforms of the new generation.

Regarding the technical characteristics of the Kingston HX318C10F * / 8, there is not much to say - this is a perfectly balanced module with a pleasant, aesthetic look that responds well to overclocking (though not the most “force”). Its nominal clock frequency is 1866 MHz, however, in case of overclocking it can increase on average by 30 percent. A few non-standard timings played a significant role in this, allowing to achieve a boost due to a single increase in voltage.

Advantages:

• an abundance of options for coloring radiators;
• good cooling capacity;
• the possibility of overclocking the card and increasing the clock frequency;
• optimal performance (8 GB of memory and 1866 MHz nominally frequencies).

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

The best memory modules for laptops (SODIMM form factor) such as DDR3L and DDR4

3 Kingston HX316LS9IBK2 / 16

Regarding this kit, users have extremely good impressions, and numerous reviews prove this completely. Undervoltage memory modules provide the same clock speeds as full-featured DDR3 models — in this case, we are talking about the nominal 1600 MHz. Together with 16 GB (two modules of 8 GB each), the Kingston HX316LS9IBK2 / 16 operatives becomes a priority choice not only for the complete replacement of failed, but even serviceable regular modules. Timings are standard, minimal, but optimally complement other features. It is not known for certain how sensitive the modules are (and whether there is any at all) to overclocking, however, even at the nominal values ​​of the parameters they show themselves worthily.

Advantages:

• The kit includes two memory modules;
• good technical characteristics;
• minimum timings;
• good (aesthetic) appearance.

Disadvantages:

• not identified.

2 Crucial CT102464BF160B

Compared to the other two competitors, the model from Crucial interests users a little more. One of the reasons is more running memory. 16 GB is required only for very demanding users and many simply don’t want to overpay for it. Crucial companies make big profit owners of Apple technologies, namely the MacBook of various generations.

As for the main characteristics, the Crucial CT102464BF160B has 8 GB of memory and provides up to 1600 MHz frequencies at a voltage of 1.35 V. It has no "chips" in terms of design, so the device can be safely dubbed aesthetics. But still the main purpose of the memory module is a purely technical inclination, so aesthetics can be left out of the evaluation category.

Advantages:

• extraordinary interest in the module in the user environment;
• compatible with many MacBook models;
• optimal technical parameters with low timings.

Disadvantages:

• not found.

1 Kingston KVR26S19D8 / 16

Finally, the leader of the category becomes the second representative of the company Kingston.But if the previous participant was DDR3L type, then the leader is more modern - this is DDR4 memory. Attention immediately attracts the volume - 16 GB. And all the memory fit in a single module. Compared to competitors, timings seem incredibly high. For example, CL = 19, against 9-11 DDR3L memory. But this figure is more than offset by a very high frequency of operation - 2666 MHz. Finishing on the technical data, we note a very low voltage - only 1.2 V - an excellent indicator for use in a laptop.

There is no overclocking data, however, the factory figures are more than enough for the daily work of most users. In addition, the module is not equipped with a cooling radiator, which means overclocking can adversely affect reliability and durability.

Advantages:

• Large amount of memory.
• High speed work.
• Low power consumption.

Disadvantages:

• Not found.

Best DDR4 memory modules

4 Samsung DDR4 2400 DIMM 8Gb

Opens a modest category, against the background of competitors, a model from the well-known company Samsung. All subsequent participants provide 16 GB of memory, against 8 GB at Samsung. A more modest amount of extremely positive impact on the cost. At the same time, most users and this amount of memory will be quite enough. Also note the lack of cooling radiators. It looks simple, but, judging by user reviews, the heating is low without them.

On the technical side everything is fine. From the factory, the memory operates at 2400 MHz with timings 17-17-17-36. After a small “witchcraft”, you can either raise the frequency up to 3500 MHz (stable operation is provided at 3200 MHz), or significantly reduce the timings - to 13-13-13-28. And all the results at a voltage not higher than 1.3 V! In general, a great model for those who are not afraid of overclocking and want to save.

Advantages:

• Budget price.
• Good overclocking potential.
• High reliability.

Disadvantages:

• There is no cooling radiator. Simple appearance.

3 Kingston HX424C15F * 2K2 / 16

Another representative of the company Kingston has repeatedly proved its viability, however, very little did not reach the rank of memory modules for top-end systems. Let's make a reservation: it does not mean at all that Kingston HX424C15F * 2K2 / 16 cannot be installed on a computer with Core i9 or Ryzen processors, but there are a couple of more worthy candidates for this.

The indisputable advantage of the “bundle” of these modules is the cost - if not by much, but they are cheaper than their closest (and subsequent) competitors. 2400 MHz of the nominal frequency amenable to decent overclocking, but to work in this mode on a permanent basis, the device is not sharpened. Regarding the appearance of Kingston, as before, there are no complaints - the radiator gives the module an aggressive look, which (with an advantageous nest configuration) will complement any “open” system unit.

Advantages:

• high quality modules;
• 2400 MHz frequency with overclocking;
• reduced supply voltage (1.2 V).

Disadvantages:

• insufficient low timings.

2 Corsair CMK16GX4M1A2400C16

Corsair is known as a manufacturer of components for gaming computers. This RAM is no exception. The module is covered with a black radiator cooling a small height (total height of the module 31 mm) with a minimum of inscriptions - it will look great in an open stand or case with a large window. And the temperatures at work are kept in a more comfortable range. A distinctive feature of the silver medalist is the amount of memory per one module - 16 GB. This allows you to build a powerful system even with a small number of connectors for RAM.

Specifications are not far behind the exterior. The base clock frequency is 2400 MHz with timings of 16-16-16-39 and voltage of 1.2 V. Accurate data on numbers during overclocking is not, however, support for XMP and entry into the overclocking series speak for themselves - this memory can definitely show much higher speed.

Advantages:

• Minimalistic, high-quality, low-profile cooling radiator.
• Excellent overclocking support.
• Large amount of memory for one module.

Disadvantages:

• Not identified.

1 Patriot Memory PV416G320C6K

The emergence of a new generation of processors from AMD called Ryzen in a matter of time, turned the idea of ​​the true power of personal computers. In order to meet such a high level, the company Patriot has released the top-end peer-to-peer memory module Patriot Memory PV416G320C6K. The basis of the device were taken from Samsung's chip called D-Die, thanks to which it was possible to achieve a serious clock frequency of 3200 MHz. If desired, memory modules can be overclocked to higher values, raising the voltage to 1.4-1.45 V.

The original step was to equip the module with a removable radiator comb, whose position in the diagram can be varied. This opens up an additional set of possibilities for users - to be more precise, the possibility of modulating modules for overall coolers.

Advantages:

• 3200 MHz clock frequency at par (with the possibility of overclocking);
• feature in the form of a removable radiator flange;
• two boards included.

Disadvantages:

• availability of two versions of modules with 4 GB and 8 GB of memory (two- and peer-to-peer architecture), respectively.

How to choose the best RAM

The link between the central processor and the hard disk, providing instant data transfer from one component to another, is a key element of any system. Therefore, when choosing independently, we recommend paying attention to a number of the most important parameters:

1. Type of memory. A very important aspect characterizing the degree of compatibility of the module with the computer's motherboard. At the moment, two types of memory are common: DDR3 gradually goes out of sale and is only suitable for upgrading an old PC; DDR4 memory is more suitable for building / purchasing a new computer.
2. Memory. In modern conditions, the minimum level of memory should be at least 4 GB. For gaming needs, an 8 GB storage device is suitable, and for those who work with 3D modeling, graphics and clipmaking software, 16 GB. Also, do not forget that the motherboard, as a rule, has one or several free slots for additional modules, which, in case of a lack of RAM, can always be filled.
3. Clock frequency. The key parameter that determines the speed of transmission and receipt of data from the motherboard. The higher the frequency, the more productive the computer.
4. Timing The parameter that determines the response time of the RAM to the request of the central processor. The lower the timing value, the better the overall performance of the personal computer.
5. XMP. This profile is responsible for the possibility of overclocking the RAM. If the motherboard has XMP support, then by changing the parameters through the BIOS, you can improve the timing of the module, thereby affecting performance.
6. Form factor On modern personal computers, modules of the form factor DIMM are most often installed, and on laptops - SODIMM. The remaining versions in the personal technique of the current generation do not apply.
7. Supplied voltage. Another parameter is the rank of the key, which determines the possibility of operating the memory in nominal and given mode. It is very important that the power supply parameter is maintained by the motherboard, since an excessive value may cause a system failure.
8. The presence of a radiator. Element designed to remove heat from the chip. As a rule, it is installed on high-frequency high-performance modules.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of memory modules?
We vote!

Corsair

Crucial

Kingston

Patriot memory

Samsung

Hynix

Total votes: 67

Vote results