RAM review 2023

Welcome to our RAM test! We took a closer look at some RAM memory, compared them with each other and selected the best RAM bars for you, which we present to you on our website.

We have also compiled and answered important questions about working memory for you so that you are as familiar as possible with your new RAM memory and it is therefore easier for you to make your decision between different manufacturers and products. So if you want to learn more about RAM memory, then you should read our article to the very end!

The best DDR4 RAM modules for gaming PCs in comparison

The best DDR3 RAM modules for gaming PCs in comparison

A comparison of the best DDR3/4 RAM modules for gaming laptops

The Big Memory Guide: Everything you need to know

Here we answer all your open questions on the subject of "RAM modules" so that you can find your way around better and decide later - for example questions about the clock frequency, speed and compatibility of the main memory. So look forward to concentrated knowledge and a short guide on the subject of "working memory and RAM modules"!

What is working memory and what is it responsible for?

How much do RAM modules currently cost?

RAM is actually relatively affordable today compared to what it was back then. 32 GB of Crucial RAM memory costs about 4 euros with DDR2666 memory and a clock speed of 139,90 MT/s. In comparison, RAM modules with 8 GB of memory, a clock speed of 2400 MT/s and DDR4 memory are available for as little as 33,49 euros.

Current RAM is also leveling off in this price range – 16 GB DDR4 memory with a clock speed of 3200 MT/s costs around 74,90 euros. If you want to upgrade, you can expect around 30-50 euros per 8 GB of RAM memory.

Which RAM is compatible with my motherboard?

Unfortunately, DDR3 memory and DDR4 mainboards are not compatible - the same applies in reverse. Since DDR3 RAM modules have 240 pins and DDR4 modules have 288 pins, this would not work from a purely logistical point of view. In addition, RAM memory with DDR4 technology has a different operating voltage and is addressed differently by the processor than DDR3 memory.

So if you have a DDR3 mainboard, you need DDR3 bars - if you want to retrofit DDR4 bars right away, then you also need a mainboard that is (exclusively) compatible with DDR4 RAM modules - unfortunately RAM modules are not backward compatible.

Which memory should I buy?

Of course, which memory you should buy not only depends on an objective evaluation of the different products, but also on your individual demands on your computer and your needs in terms of performance and speed.

However, we dealt with three RAM memories earlier in our RAM test and would now like to briefly explain which RAM you should buy. If you value high frame rates, it should be at least 16 GB and clocked at 2666 MT/s. Otherwise, you can also buy RAM bars with 8 GB and retrofit them in the system.

Which RAM manufacturer can you recommend today?

As a rule, there should be no problems with Kingston, Corsair, Crucial and Samsung RAM modules. Basically, one can say that there are not too serious differences between the individual manufacturers, but no-name manufacturers should still be avoided, because with branded products such as the RAM modules from Corsair you can see increased mutual compatibility, which System runs better in dual and triple channel mode, which can be observed overall with higher-priced RAM modules with high speed.

What's the deal with CL, beat and timing?

CL is the CAS latency, i.e. the timing of the corresponding working memory - the RAM clock can be compared with the CPU clock; it describes the speed or performance of the main memory in the form of a number. If you divide the CAS latency by the effective clock rate of the working memory and multiply by 2000, the working memory access time is calculated in nanoseconds. 
Example: 3000 MT/s, CL15 – (15/3000)*2000 = 10 ns.

What are the differences between DDR2, DDR3, DDR4 memory?

What are the differences between DDR2, DDR3, DDR4 memory? All RAMs have one thing in common: All RAM modules are cross-technology SO-DIMM or DIMM RAMs - SO-DIMM is the abbreviation for "Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module". But there are also important differences that we want to address. DDR2 technology was twice as fast as DDR RAM because an improved bus signal was used.

The different DDR2 memories were available with clock speeds of 533 MT/s and 800 MT/s. However, DDR3 memory then consumed 40% less power than DDR2 RAM and could be clocked at up to 1600 MHz. DDR3 memory and DDR4 memory differ from each other in that DDR3 memory has 240 pins and DDR4 RAM has 288 pins. In addition, there are different operating voltages and the way the processor processes the data from the main memory or retrieves the data from the main memory also differs.

Buy memory? This is to be noted!

When buying new memory, you shouldn't just look at the price - because, as we have already described above, the memory is an important part of your system. If you want to build a really future-proof gaming rig, 32 GB for 139,90 euros with a decent clock rate is definitely worth it. You may want to run large and demanding applications all day - then a high clock rate in combination with a lot of RAM can definitely be worthwhile for you.

Last but not least, you should also calculate the access time, which you can calculate using the formula in the paragraph above. If you only want to upgrade RAM modules, you should make sure that the clocking is identical for all modules and that dual-slot technology is used if the mainboard allows it - this can result in many other performance advantages for you.

RAM test: conclusion

Our summary: When it comes to working memory, the access time is not least important if you want a smooth system. DDR4 RAM modules are definitely recommended nowadays if you want to run not only office but also multimedia applications. In any case, you can buy a decent working memory with high speed on the Internet and save money at the same time, because RAM modules are somewhat more expensive in specialist shops.

Install RAM: How it works!