Since DDR4 has existed since 2014, an upgrade was necessary. As the first generation of desktop CPUs to support DDR5, Alder Lake processors from Intel paved the way for the upgrade. So what are the benefits of the new standard? Significantly higher frequencies, greater power management, and the potential for future gaming and productivity breakthroughs. The best DDR5 RAM for gaming is still scarce and expensive, but it offers a tantalising view into the future.
5 Best DDR5 RAM For Gaming To Try In 2022
Two years were required for DDR4 to surpass DDR3 in terms of RAM market share. The improvements that made it the finely-tuned memory we rely on now occurred over an even longer place of time. We are still in the early phases of DDR5 adoption, so do not expect the selected kits to perform noticeably better than their more affordable DDR4 equivalents. However, quick progress and increased availability may drastically alter the current situation of affairs. The year 2022 is an exciting time for DDR5, since it has just ended.
1. G.Skill Trident Z5
G.Skill is one of our top DDR4 RAM recommendations. Thus, we are delighted to observe that they did not botch the design of the subsequent generation. The Trident Z5 has all the characteristics of a generational upgrade: updated aesthetics, enhanced performance, and a premium price. It is not just the best DDR5 RAM for gaming, but it is also the ideal kit for those who work as hard as they play. Additionally, the Z5 marks an aesthetic advancement. It alters the design of the Neo to a new silver and black colour scheme that looks far better than the original.
The characteristic fins of this series are more subdued and are best viewed over the RGB diffuser. The height of the DIMMs is 42mm, therefore interference with the vast majority of CPU cooling systems is unlikely. The Z5 is offered with or without RGB. If you are interested in multicoloured illumination, we propose picking the second option, which is currently not more expensive. The diffuser is milky and does an excellent job of combining individual LEDs into a beautiful, continuous glow. G.Skill offers the Trident Z Lighting Control software for advanced RGB customization, as in the past. Aside from that, you may always rely on the RGB synchronisation utility on your motherboard.
Blazing The Trail
Earlier high-end G.Skill memory kits utilised the famed Samsung B-die, and this kit keeps the same DDR5 variation. This allows the kit to operate between 4800MHz at CL40 and 6000MHz at CL timings of 36-36-36-96. DDR5 works at lower voltages; hence, 1.3V is required to keep the Z5’s XMP profile above average. When overclocking, an extra 0.1V is necessary. Consequently, the performance benefits of overclocking are minimal. Still, the fact that the initial generation of DDR5 RAM can be overclocked by several hundred MHz without affecting timings is encouraging.
On our list of the best DDR5 RAM for gaming performance, the top three competitors are comparable. In contrast, the Z5 distinguishes itself from the competition by dominating in areas such as memory latency, image retouching, and 3D rendering. This should encourage you to be more productive, but it also means that our following two options are possible if you can find them at a lesser price.
2. Teamgroup T-Force Delta RGB
Teamgroup enters the battle by revamping one of its most beloved memory lines. The most recent T-Force Delta DIMMs have a beautiful look and the fastest XMP speed currently available. Assume you can find them and are willing to pay the going price. It is the second-best gaming DDR5 RAM after the G.Skill variant. It is smart, given the circumstances, to take whatever is available and worry about aesthetics afterwards. Concerning the Delta RGB’s aesthetics, though, you should not worry. The sticks are tall, strongly armed, and equipped with a substantial heat dissipator.
They are essentially identical to their DDR4 predecessor, with the exception of a few more cutouts and a more noticeable lighting diffuser. RAM from G.Skill is 4mm shorter than RAM from Teamgroup. The majority of coolers will still be able to fit. Even verifying prior to committing is prudent. Teamgroup gets credit for increasing the Delta’s already amazing lighting. First, it is now more visible, and the soft glow is brighter than before. The diffuser extends beyond the heat spreader’s ends, and an R-shaped cutout adds visual appeal. This kit does not support RGB management. Alder Lake motherboards are compatible with all major board manufacturers.
Worthy Competition
The ICs used by this RAM are never stated. We are aware that they are manufactured by SK Hynix; consequently, they must be M-die, as this is the only DDR5 die that the business currently produces. The fact that M-die can compete with B-die in terms of performance and overclocking is excellent news for enthusiasts. The Delta RGB’s out-of-the-box performance is already great, clocking in at a steady 6400MHz with latencies of 40-40-40-76.
You may adjust these statistics further by increasing the clock speed by around 200 MHz while retaining the timings. This may result in a few more points for simulation-based examinations. However, it’s debatable if it’s worth risking stability for a hypothetical improvement of one frame per second or less in gaming, especially if you’re currently running games at 1080p Ultra with a frame rate of more than 100.
3. Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB
The vast majority of DDR5 RAM remains expensive and scarce. This may improve in the future, but when we list affordability as an advantage for a kit that costs more than $350, the situation is dire. The DDR5 version of the Dominator Platinum RGB from Corsair is an upgrade to a fan favourite. Expect the same RGB awe-inspiring news with the improved speeds and power efficiency of DDR5. Although its clock speed is low, the performance difference between this and our best DDR5 gaming RAM is considerably smaller.
Few aesthetic differences exist between the DDR4 and DDR3 versions of the Dominator Platinum, making it difficult for users to discern between the two. With a height of 55 millimetres, an inclined heat spreader, and an unusual LED placement, this memory is still fairly tall. For those with a white case, Corsair also offers the new kits in white. The advent of Capellix generated a sensation, and it remains the most top RGB light.
The price of Capellix and Dominator makes them the best DDR5 RAM by itself. Why? Because these lights are the brightest, consume the least space, and have the least impact on a stick’s power consumption. A downside is that they cannot be made to work with non-Corsair lighting through a motherboard. However, the existence of iCUE for ridiculously delicate colour tweaks and meaningful temperature or frequency information more than makes up for this shortcoming.
Dominating Once More
Corsair picked the more accessible Micron A-die for this kit. Even though approach produced an extremely low XMP frequency of 5200MHz at CL38, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. At these settings, the RAM only requires 1.2V to operate. LEDs are included in the package. However, overclockers are out of luck, as this is the highest speed that can be reached without compromising system stability.
Putting the Dominator Platinum through its paces produces more favourable outcomes. It matches the frame-by-frame performance of our main competitors in games like as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Even when it performs poorly, the difference is often less than 3 frames per second at framerates in the hundreds. Unfortunately, the kit’s performance is worst for specific productivity tasks, such as image editing. However, this may not apply to you.
4. ADATA XPG Lancer DDR5 RGB
The best DDR5 gaming RAM from XPG rounds out our brand-new top-three list. The Lancer has all the necessary components to compete with our top two choices, and if you’re willing to go all-out with overclocking, it can even significantly exceed either. It has the XPG aesthetic, fits any structure, and is less expensive than our predecessors. You may find a 5200MHz kit from XPG for around $50 less. If you want to save money for something like a new GPU and don’t mind a few percentage point difference in performance, this is a great alternative.
The XPG RAM is well-known for its peculiar geometric patterns. The Lancer does not fall short in this regard, since its heat spreader has deep diagonal cuts and acute angles. In addition, the diffuser’s placement is noteworthy. Typically, diffusers occupy the top part of other DIMMs. Here, the spreader covers the top along the edges while leaving a triangle-shaped region for the diffuser to display the RGB.
Here, subtlety reigns supreme, in contrast to the Dominator’s glaring Capellix lights. The LEDs on the Lancer initially provide a subdued light, and the diffuser significantly increases the light’s dispersion. This leaves you with a glow that may be as striking as the brightest light display. Alder Lake is ready since it can synchronise RAM with other coloured components on any major motherboard. The 40mm-tall sticks are compatible with any CPU air cooler or AIO.
Unique Look, High-End Performance
SK Hynix M-die is utilised by the second DDR5 RAM we’ve observed. Initial XMP timings of 0MHz, 1.35V, and 40-40-40-76 are excellent. These values are identical to those of the Delta. Skilled overclockers may therefore be able to match the frequency without adjusting the timings.
Conversely, it is possible to maintain 6000MHz while tightening timings to CL38! However, an extraordinary motherboard is required. However, as an early adopter, you are already paying an arm and a leg on RAM, so the additional expense is not as significant.
5. Kingston Fury Beast
All the DDR5 RAM alternatives we have shown thus far are 32GB kits. You don’t need as much to play games successfully and probably won’t for years, so why not purchase something smaller and more cost-effective? The objective of Kingston’s Fury Beast! This 16GB kit is significantly more expensive than similar DDR4 options. However, its price is half or less than that of the others, putting things in perspective. Remember that this is the standard 4800MHz model. Other Fury Beast modules are offered in 400MHz increments, with the 6000MHz kit being the most potent and expensive.
The design of the Fury Beast harkens back to a time when heat spreaders and diffusers resembling armour had no place on PC components. This is not imply that it is unattractive or dull, since a 35mm high RGB-free kit has a lot going on. Matte black metal with several even darker accents and a series of square cutouts on the top. If you’re looking for discrete memory that doesn’t sacrifice aesthetics, this is the best DDR5 RAM for gaming at the moment. The minimum JEDEC requirement for DDR5 memory is 4800MHz, while some kits are available with speeds as low as 4400MHz. Since there is no XMP profile to which to switch, the kit’s default settings are utilised. These are 4800MHz at CL38 and only require 1.1V of power. The die utilised is Micron A, which we have met previously in Corsair memory.
Primal Potential
In contrast to rivals that are factory-overclocked, the Fury Beast can be overclocked. Increasing the frequency by 400MHz without changing the timings to match the Dominator Platinum RGB is doable. Consider it an investment, though, as kits of higher tiers will function similarly but cannot replicate the overclocking bump of the lowest-tier kit.
So, how does 4800MHz DDR5 RAM affect your regular gaming? Its differences from kits with higher frequencies are difficult to distinguish. However, there is a significant difference when compared to the best available DDR4 RAM. Expect the “gap” in games like Far Cry 6 to be no bigger than a few frames per second.
