DDR5 RAM represents the future of system memory technology with major improvements in speed, bandwidth, density, efficiency and scalability compared to the previous DDR4 standard. While still relatively expensive, DDR5 prices are coming down steadily, making now a good time to consider upgrading if building a new high end desktop.
But with so many DDR5 RAM options flooding the market, how do you select the best kit for your needs and budget? This guide compares the top 9 DDR5 memory kits available, examining their specifications, benchmarks, pros and cons to help identify the right choice.
What Makes DDR5 RAM Better Than DDR4?
Before diving into specific products, let‘s recap why DDR5 is better for the most demanding computing tasks like gaming, content creation and data analytics:
Faster Speeds: DDR5 supports up to 8400 MT/s native speeds versus DDR4‘s max of 3200 MT/s, over 2.5x faster. Real-world kits currently reach 6000+ MT/s.
Higher Bandwidth: Thanks to a doubled 16n prefetch architecture, maximum theoretical bandwidth rises from 25.6 GB/s per module on DDR4 to 51.2 GB/s for DDR5.
Higher Capacities: Improved memory IC density means larger modules up to 128GB per DIMM, allowing systems to reach 1TB+ capacities.
Better Power Efficiency: A new PMIC (power management integrated circuit) brings the voltage regulator onto the memory module itself for improved power delivery.
On-Die ECC: Built-in error correcting code enhances system stability and accuracy for critical computing processes.
Combining faster clock speeds with larger bus width and dies helps DDR5 accelerate memory bandwidth up to 4x versus last-gen DDR4 kits today. And capacities are doubled too—enabling more desktops to reach 128GB+. No wonder enthusiasts are lining up to upgrade!
Next, let‘s examine how to shop for a DDR5 memory kit that best fits your PC build…
How to Choose DDR5 RAM – What Specs Matter Most?
All DDR5 is not created equal, so beyond just capacity you‘ll want to consider four key characteristics:
1. Speed Grade
This indicates maximum certified speed in megatransfers per second (MT/s). Faster is better, but ensure your system can handle the frequencies without overtaxing memory controllers or coherence fabric. 6000 MT/s offers a nice sweet spot currently.
2. Latencies
Expressed as CL (CAS latency). Lower numbers mean faster response time. A CL36 kit will outperform CL40 given the same MT/s. But tuning subtimings also impacts latency.
3. Voltage
Default spec is 1.1V but most kits run at 1.25V-1.35V. Higher voltage permits faster speeds but runs hotter. 1.35V reasonable for air cooling.
4. Physical Dimensions
While the module type remains UDIMM like DDR4, check thickness as some coolers may have clearance issues. Standard is 31-36mm.
Beyond those core specs, you can also consider bandwidth, channels/ranks, error correction capabilities, RGB lighting, and other factors. Now let‘s move onto the kits!
The 9 Best DDR5 RAM Options for 2023
Based on specs, capabilities, performance benchmarks, build quality, value and early reviews, I consider these nine 32GB DDR5 RAM kits as the top options for building a new high-end desktop or upgrading an existing system:
1. Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB
| Speed | 6000 MT/s |
| Latency | CL36 |
| Voltage | 1.35V |
Dominating benchmarks thanks to excellent Samsung dies, Corsair‘s flagship Dominator Platinum offers some of the fastest clock speeds coupled with aggressive 36-36-36-76 timings. The patented DHX cooling system keeps temps low even when pushing 1.6V+ overclocks. And the addressable Capellix RGB lighting dazzles.
Pros: Top-tier performance, eight RGB zones, excellent cooling, Corsair iCUE software integration
Cons: Very expensive, tall heat spreaders may not fit some boards/coolers
2. G.Skill Trident Z5 RGB
| Speed | 6000 MT/s |
| Latency | CL36 |
| Voltage | 1.35V |
Featuring the same Samsung DDR5 ICs as Corsair above, the Trident Z5 RGB also clocks up to blistering 6000 MT/s speeds out of the box. Its sleek aluminum heat spreader incorporates smooth lines along a center light bar. And Asus Aura Sync software takes RGB lighting customization to the next level.
Pros: Equally fast as Corsair, gorgeous lighting effects, shorter profile clears CPU coolers
Cons: Runs warmer than Dominator, pricier than other G.Skill series
3. Crucial Max DDR5
| Speed | 5200 MT/s |
| Latency | CL38 |
| Voltage | 1.25V |
Micron subsidiary Crucial hits a nice price-to-performance ratio with their top-bin Max sticks. While not quite matching the speeds of Samsung ICs, 5200 MT/s and 38-38-38 still push boundaries while staying cooler under the Max‘s chunky heat spreaders.
Pros: Excellent value proposition, low voltage for cooler operation, slick extruded aluminum fins
Cons: Max height may not suit all systems, DDR4 version has faster 6000 MT/s SKUs
4. Team Group Delta RGB White
| Speed | 6000 MT/s |
| Latency | CL40 |
| Voltage | 1.35V |
Proving performance matters more than price, Team Group‘s Delta RGB modules stun with gorgeous symmetrical angular heat spreaders housing 12 integrated RGB zones. And they‘ve got the speed to back up those good looks, hitting 6000 MT/s at a reasonable 1.35V.
Pros: Beautiful design with smooth RGB effects, top-tier OC speed, lifetime warranty
Cons: High primary latencies, pricier than Vulcan Z or Night Hawk RGB
5. Kingston Fury Beast Black
| Speed | 6000 MT/s |
| Latency | CL40 |
| Voltage | 1.25V |
While brand new to the DRAM scene, Kingston subsidiary HyperX‘s Fury Beast impresses on all fronts thanks to a polished black aluminum heat spreader design housing fast 6000 MT/s Samsung dies. The extra chunky fins help dissipate heat. And certified Intel XMP 3.0 support enables easy one-click overclocking up to blistering 6400+ MT/s.
Pros: Clean symmetrical design, excellent Samsung ICs, efficient thermals, lifetime warranty
Cons: High primary timings, pricier than some rival Flagship DDR5 models
6. Patriot Viper Venom RGB
| Speed | 6000 MT/s |
| Latency | CL36 |
| Voltage | 1.35V |
Delivering speed nearly on par with models $100+ more expensive, Patriot‘s Viper Venom RGB brings a unique cyberpunk aesthetic via an angular plastic shroud housing vibrant Capellix LEDs. Each module even incorporates a tiny OLED screen for monitoring temps! Backed by a lifetime warranty.
Pros: Incredible value for the performance, stand-out aesthetics, Capellix RGB & OLED monitoring
Cons: Taller than competing kits, some stability issues reported at XMP settings
7. Adata XPG Lancer RGB
| Speed | 6000 MT/s |
| Latency | CL40 |
| Voltage | 1.1V |
The XPG Lancer nabs excellent efficiency running at spec using just 1.1V to hit advertised 6000 MT/s speeds, enabled via integrated PMICs as part of an impressive 10-layer PCB. The machined aluminum heat spreaders are taller than average but house vibrant RGB lighting visible through frosted accent strips.
Pros: Highly efficient thanks to low voltage, beautiful transparent lighting effects, lifetime warranty
Cons: Overall performance trails faster kits, taller than competing flagships
8. Silicon Power Gaming DDR5
| Speed | 5600 MT/s |
| Latency | CL36 |
| Voltage | 1.25V |
Flying under the radar from Silicon Power, this diamond-cut aluminum kit clocks a quick 5600 MT/s with tight 36-36-36-92 timings rivaling Dominator. A unique Toxic Cobra top bar adds customizable RGB edge lighting shining down. And it‘s hundreds less than the competition.
Pros: Incredible value DDR5 kit, beautiful RGB implementation, solid Samsung IC performance
Cons: Brand not as established for memory as Corsair/G.Skill, limited XMP tuning options in BIOS
9. OLOy Blade RGB
| Speed | 5600 MT/s |
| Latency | CL40 |
| Voltage | 1.25V |
Last but not least, ultra budget-friendly OLOy hits amazing performance heights given the reasonable price. While lacking the peaks of elite Samsung kits, these Micron sticks still achieve 5600 MT/s with decent 40-40-40-77 timings for under $100. The Blade RGB cooling takes inspiration from exotic supercar grilles.
Pros: Extreme value DDR5 proposition, aggressive styling/RGB, surprising OC potential
Cons: Primary latencies higher than preferred gaming tier, maximum heights may not fit all boards
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are excellent DDR5 RAM options for practically every budget now from $80 up to $300+. The 69% increase in average bandwidth versus DDR4 kits translates into big performance advantages—especially for gaming.
I recommend G.Skill Trident Z5 or Corsair Dominator RGB for no-compromise enthusiasts builds where money is no object. But TeamGroup, Patriot and Silicon Power modules represent outstanding bang for buck. Just enable XMP in BIOS and watch your system fly! Memory overclocking headroom depends more on the specific platform than RAM itself.
With Intel Raptor Lake 13th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 supporting higher memory clocks and optimized DDR5 subsystems, these kits will serve you well for years to come. Hit the comments which one you think is best!
