Best DDR5 RAM for gaming and workflows in 2022 (8GB, 16GB, 32GB)
All the best DDR5 RAM kits available right now
DDR5 is finally here. That’s right, after what feels like decades, DDR5 is finally ready to hit shelves for desktop PCs. The new memory is set to offer over double the performance of its predecessor, all while utilizing less voltage. That being said, and like all maybe generational changes, DDR5 memory will be much more expensive than DDR4. However, with higher capacities, greater speeds, and generally better performance, your money isn’t going to waste.
In this article, we’ll be looking at all the best DDR5 memory modules to determine which are best. We’ll be looking at speeds, build, aesthetics, and overall performance to determine which are the best of the bunch.
DDR5 will be used exclusively on the up and coming AM5 platform, here’s everything we know about AM5 to date.
Our Top Picks
The Best DDR5 RAM In 2022
In-depth Review
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB 5200MHz DDR5
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB 5200MHz DDR5
Corsair has been designing high-performance memory modules for as long as I can remember. With that in mind, it was no surprise to see another one of their kits hit the top of our best DDR5 RAM page. This kit displays all the features and benefits you could want from a DDR5 memory module, including decent timings, good overclocking capabilities, fast frequencies, and an easy-to-use XMP profile too.
While Corsair’s flagship DDR5 kit is on the expensive side, it isn’t overly pricey when compared to other DDR5 memory modules. In fact, it actually shows OK value for money when compared to some of the other various options available.
The next-gen DDR5 kit from Corsair comes with similar styling to their DDR4 variant, showcasing the same black heat spreader and RGB top. Like always, the RGB can be customized via Corsair’s proprietary iCUE software.
Corsair has installed an onboard voltage regulation system within the iCUE software suite, meaning you can fine-tune your overclocking without having to enter the BIOS. Custom XMP 3.0 profiles built into the RAM allow you to quickly set the factory overclock settings, giving you an instant boost in performance right out of the box.
G.Skill Trident Z RGB 32GB 6600MHz DDR5
G.Skill Trident Z RGB 32GB 6600MHz DDR5
G.Skill recently announced this 6600MHz variant to the Trident Z RGB ranks, offering up flagship speeds as far as frequency and timings were concerned. If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to performance, G.Skill look set to take the number one spot.
As far as design goes, the G.Skill Trident Z RGB is an incredibly attractive kit – sporting a two-tone (silver/black) design that is finished with a splash of bright RGB on the top. Alongside great aesthetics, the heat spreader also provides excellent cooling to this memory – essential when it comes to getting the most out of the overclocking headspace.
Speaking of performance, it’s hard to knock the G.Skill Trident Z RGB, it really does tick all the right boxes. It’s the only memory kit in this guide that showcases DDR5 6600MHz speeds while still retaining decent CL36-36-36-76 timings. This is mainly thanks to the Samsung DDR5 ICs that are found at the heart of these great memory modules.
Corsair Vengeance 32GB (2X16GB) 5200MHz DDR5
Corsair Vengeance 32GB (2X16GB) 5200MHz DDR5
Our value pick goes to another great Corsair DDR5 module, the Vengeance series. Vengeance has been a fan-favorite for the DDR4 platform for years now, providing great performance at an excellent price tag. The same looks set for the DDR5 platform, with the Vengeance series sporting many of the same performance-enhancing features as the Dominator series.
Aesthetically, the Vengeance series kits are much more basic than the flagship offering. We see no RGB, a simple heat spreader, and a low-profile shell. However, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it still looks superb when compared to other variants in today’s market.
Moving onto performance, you really can’t knock the DDR5 Vengeance series all that much. Timings sing to the tune of C38-38-38-84 alongside a 5200MHz frequency. Furthermore, the Vengeance series doesn’t require the same 1.25 volts as the Dominator – running on 1.1V very efficiently.
Corsair has also equipped the Vengeance with the same XMP 3.0 profile for easy overclocking as the Platinum range, enabling you to quickly boost performance right out of the box.
GeIL Polaris RGB 32GB (2X16GB) 4800MHz DDR5
GeIL Polaris RGB 32GB (2X16GB) 4800MHz DDR5
Our budget pick comes in the shape of Geil’s Polaris RGB 32GB DDR5 memory kit, another great DDR5 memory offering that seems to tick all the right boxes.
Aesthetically, you’ll either love it or hate it. Geil doesn’t offer the sleek design of the Dominator Platinum series, they offer an RGB light show that is more Blackpool than Las Vegas – if you know what I mean. That said, many don’t prioritize aesthetics, and if you don’t, this RAM kit could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Performance-wise, the Geil performs fairly well. It comes equipped with a 4800MHz clock frequency and OK timing right out the box (C40-40-40-77). While these aren’t the best, they are far from the worst either. Better yet, the Geil Polaris series only requires 1.1 volts to run efficiently – less than the premium offerings in this guide. Furthermore, with local voltage regulation based on PMIC (Power Management IC), this RAM provides current monitoring, threshold protection, and intelligent voltage and power management for fine-tuning your overclocking.
Final Word
So, there you have it, our comprehensive breakdown of the best DDR5 RAM kits in 2022. We hope this article has helped you decide whether or not DDR5 is right for you, highlighting what we believe are the best of the available options in today’s market. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter which DDR5 kit you go for, it will inevitably be much better than DDR4. However, if you have any questions regarding any of the options we’ve chosen, feel free to drop us a comment in the section below.