Best DDR4 RAM Kits to Upgrade Your PC

The most prominent feature in the Vengeance RGB series DDR4 RAM is not even its performance, though that also leaves very little to be desired, honestly. But what is quite interesting for many users, especially those looking for RAM upgrade for gaming, is the stunning looks and control over the LEDs used. It is true that LED-lighted RAM modules are not all that rare and to battle them, Corsair had to go some length. Which they did. Their patent is still pending, according to their official website, but the results are right here: the Vengeance RGB series needs no additional wires to control the lighting effects. Everything is done via the Corsair LINK, a proprietary technology that will allow you to program the colors and animations for your RGB RAM DDR4 memory as well as monitor its temperature, frequency, timings. It can also coordinate the RAM with other Corsair parts if you happen to have any.

Speaking of temperature monitoring, there is little need in it, most of the time: thanks to the anodized aluminum heat spreaders, the modules can work under quite a strain without overheating too much, so there is one less issue for you to constantly worry about and keep checking. Also, they look super cool.

Here's to another RGB-lighted RAM. They are exceptionally popular today among hardcore gamers willing to pay extra for a flashy looking PC and, consequently, among manufacturers who want to get those gamers to be their clients. Well, this DDR4 memory does look up to par and even a bit over it.

The TridentZ is actually the name of the proprietary heat spreader design. These heat spreaders were created for better heat dissipation without sacrificing the cool looks: they have a very thin aluminum finish and neat fins that will feel at home in the most futuristic-looking PC. The G.Skill TridentZ RGB DDR4 RAM has exposed RGB LEDs on it, and they are of a quality unrivaled by absolute most of the competitors.

The LED bar colors are gradient-like, they flow from one to another smoothly and look absolutely stunning. The LEDs colors are bright and beautiful, set to a diffused rainbow pattern by default, and you can control them in two ways: (1) if you have an ASUS motherboard, these RAM modules are fully compatible with the ASUS Aura Sync; or, (2) if yours is a different motherboard, the G.Skill has their own software to handle the LEDs.

Do keep in mind, though, that the heatsink is 44mm high and can be in conflict with the CPU cooler so check this out beforehand. Other than that, this model is a hit of sales among RGB lovers thanks to its exclusive design and top-shelf performance.

There are no bells and whistles on this DDR4 memory kit. No RGB lights, no unusual techs to boast. Instead, everything the RAM needs is high-quality, reliable, durable, and fast. That's where the manufacturer's money went and that's exactly what you are paying for.

The Corsair Vengeance LPX modules are among the smallest on the market, partially for the very reason that there are no RGB on them. The good thing about smaller DIMMs is that they allow more space for coolers, which is, for some users, is more important than looks. If you are one of these users, check out this model for this, if not anything else. Though there are more, of course, it wouldn't be on this list if the size was its only benefit.

The Vengeance LPX is one of the fastest DDR4 RAM models as well as one of the smallest, it is offered in a range of RAM speeds, from the minimum of 2166 MHz and all the way up to 3600 MHz. For the price, it is an exceptionally nice speed. We are reviewing the 3000 MHz option with the 16GB capacity here and it is a great module. With the same speed and latency as almost twice as expensive Corsair Vengeance RGB, we'd say it is a top bargain. Basically, the difference between them is minimal—RGB lighting and its supportive systems, and capacity. The latter can be chosen for both, too.

We are reviewing here a small 8GB DDR4 RAM kit as the tight-budget option but note that you can also purchase this model with the capacity of up to 64GB, though its price bites a bit.

Kingston products are known to be high-quality ones and this HyperX FURY is one more example of that. It is fairly small so if you're a fan of Kingston but had problems fitting their previous HyperX PREDATOR into the slot without hindering the cooling system, this RAM will be more up your alley. The heat spreader is anodized aluminum, the most used material for this kind of things. This and the XMP 2.0 support will ensure that the RAM does not overheat during the usual operation as well as during overclocking if you happen to wish to perform it.

Speaking of overclocking, there is a peculiar thing about the Kingston HyperX FURY 8GB RAM DDR4 that is not present in many other hi-end models. We are talking about automatic overclocking. That's right, with this kit, you have the choice to forego the precise BIOS adjustment and simply choose the XMP profile there and the RAM will do everything for you. Of course, this will not be as pinpoint as manual tweaking but if you are a beginner and this one is your first DDR4, an automatic option is a stress-relieving solution. If you are an experienced user, you can still make all the adjustments yourself, of course.

If you are looking for a budget option to upgrade your computer with a DDR4 RAM but an 8GB kit is not enough for you, here is your best bet.

The Ballistix Sport LT kit is a 16GB one, though, as with most models, there is a wide range to select from. It does not have RGB or any other LEDs but it still does look quite fancy thanks to the military-like pattern it sports over its heat spreaders as a finish and the cutouts at the top. The DIMMs of this model look aggressively attractive, just what you need for gaming. You can choose the kit in one of three colors to go with your computer's exterior and interior; the provided color solutions are red, gray, and white.

This DDR4 RAM 16GB kit has an average 2400 MHz of RAM speed and its overclocking ability is nothing to write home about—somewhere around 2666 MHz— but it is fairly decent for a DDR4 memory, sort of a middle terrain of the class's ability. The timings are not half bad, a bit slower than average but you will hardly notice the nanosecond difference as you work or play.

To counter the low-ish speed, the Ballistix Sport LT has a power consumption lower than the average. The said average is usually somewhere around 1.35V for most DDR4 kits but the select few work smoothly with the 1.2V and this model is one of them. Lower voltages stabilize the RAM operation, resulting in longer life and decrease in faultings.