11 best RAM modules

RAM in a personal computer, or even in a laptop, is the kind of component that for the most part can not be too much – along with a hard drive or graphics card memory. RAM architecture has naturally evolved over time, and DDR3 and DDR4 are now the most common standards. The differences between these standards are quite significant and numerous, but the main one, if strongly generalized, is the speed. In our today’s review, we take a look at the most affordable RAM modules on the market and at the same time optimal in other factors from different manufacturers. Thanks to the work of our experts, the editorial staff of Expertology presents you an overview in a format of rating specific models sorted by specs.

Rating of the best RAM modules

Best DDR3 RAM modules

To begin with, we look at a selection of five models of DDR3 RAM from different manufacturers, each of which is well known even to the layman. First, a few words on what this memory is. The memory module looks very similar to DDR4 – the same “bar” with chips, but not quite. This standard is about 10 years old and DDR4 memory is quite expected to be faster and more efficient than the previous generation memory. Here’s where the compatibility issue arises.

When it comes to buying a computer from scratch, it often makes sense not to bother and take a DDR4-compatible configuration. But very many users have already had for several years in the presence of the machine is more than enough, and the problem is only in increasing productivity, which is exactly what can be achieved through a simple upgrade – an expansion of RAM. This is why the DDR3 standard memory remains relevant and in demand. DDR3 – this is actually the third generation of random access synchronous dynamic type RAM with twice the speed of the previous generation (DDR2) and improved bandwidth. On the background of these improvements, DDR3 is also noticeably less demanding in terms of power consumption.

DELL 370-ABGJ

Rating: 4.9

Number one in the review is memory from one of the most famous and reputable electronics manufacturers in the world – the American corporation DELL. The company manufactures and sells computers and almost all kinds of components around the world, recognized for their quality.

370-ABGJ memory card is full-format, not low-profile. Number of contacts – 240. The memory itself is register memory with full ECC support, which means that its target use is server systems only. It will not work on regular desktop PCs. Memory capacity in this configuration is 8GB.

The memory chips run at 1866 MHz, delivering 15,000MB/s of throughput. All things being equal the memory has a relatively high latency (latency in clock cycles between read and write) – CL13, but this is done largely for the sake of reliability and uptime, which is so important in server systems. Not least also for the same reason the number of ranks is minimal – one.

Some more information from the manufacturer, which may be of interest to the specialist: nominal operating (operating) temperature – 85 ° C; the required voltage – 1.5 V; standard cooling and visual “bells and whistles” like backlight are not provided; manufacturer’s warranty is 36 months; comes in a package with dimensions 70x130x50 mm.

Advantages

• High fault tolerance;
• 3 year warranty;
• reputable manufacturer.

Disadvantages

• no downsides noted.

Cisco N01-M308GB2

Rank: 4.8

Next in our rating is another server memory generation DDR4 production of the American multinational corporation, the very name of which already causes trust and is associated with professional server and communication equipment. According to a number of parameters, this model is much better than the previous one.

Like its predecessor this model is made in the same full-size form factor with 240 pins. Because the memory is server-class, it is register-based and ECC-enabled.

The RAM operates at a clock frequency of 1333 MHz, providing a bandwidth of 10600 MB/s. Built in Dual Rank. No support for memory overclocking in BIOS via Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP), but the timing scheme is much better than the previous model’s 9-9-9. It is powered by a 1.5 v.

One module of this modification has the capacity of 8 GB. Comes without regular cooling and backlighting.

Advantages

• Increased timing compared to the previous model;
• higher throughput;
• Dual Rank.

Disadvantages

• none.

HyperX HX318C10FR/8

Rating: 4.8

The third item in our rating let’s consider memory production HyperX – division of the American corporation Kingston Technology, whose name is firmly associated with storage media of various form factors.

The memory module we are considering is of the same size as the two previous ones – 8 GB. Made in a 240-pin full-format (not low-profile) DIMM block form factor.

The difference between the two aforementioned models lies in the parameters of the module electronics. In terms of conditional “speed” this memory is something in between the two server variants described above. Chips are clocked at 1866 MHz, the unit holds up to 14900 MB/s. The timings are as follows: CL-10,

-10.

Radical difference of this RAM is that it is not register memory and has no ECC support, and thus has no strictly server “specialization”, and can be freely used in home desktop PC. Support of overclocking on XMP also is not realized, but technologically the memory is built on a double-rang basis.

One module contains 16 chips. In the nomenclature of this modification there are letters “FR”, which stands for “Fury Red”. This is a peculiar name printed in company font right on the heatsink with a stylish bright red coating. There is also a complete counterpart to the HyperX line, only with a black heatsink and the nomenclature “Fury Black (FB)”.

In the memory module design, the presence of the regular radiator with a clever design there is a distinct gamer’s theme. 5 years manufacturer warranty.

Advantages of

• Suitable for home desktop PCs;
• five year warranty;
• built-in heatsink;
• Stylish heatsink design (good for open cases).

Disadvantages

• Relatively expensive (based on customer feedback).

Kingston KVR16S11

Rating: 4.7

Next in the rating of the best RAM-memory modules according to Expertology experts is the memory of another form-factor than the previous three. Namely SODIMM with 204 pins. Adapted module for notebook computers. The producer is world known American corporation Kingston which is on everyone’s lips who has any business with electronics.

Full product range has an additional marking at the end – /8, indicating 8GB memory capacity. There are other versions marked with S8/4 at the end which implies 4 GB capacity.

RAM operates at a clock frequency of 1600 MHz and provides a data flow rate of 12800 MB/s. Built on a dual peer-to-peer model. ECC error correction technology, XMP overclocking is not supported. Also, the memory is obviously non-registered (not buffered).

One module holds 16 chips. Operates on voltage 1.5 v. Parameters of timings: CL-11,

-11.

Advantages

• Smooth operation in dual-channel mode;
• Suitable for laptops;
• relatively inexpensive.

Disadvantages

• Spot complaints about the factory defect (no problem with the replacement).

Corsair CMSX8GX3M1A1600C10

Rating: 4.7

And the group is completed by a relatively young (founded in 1994) American company Corsair production model of DDR3 generation RAM. This is also “laptop” memory, made in a SODIMM form factor with 204 pins. Operates at the same voltage as all of the above – 1.5 v.

The module runs at a clock frequency of 1600 MHz and is capable of data transfer rate of 12800MB/s. The memory capacity of this modification is 8 GB. Timing scheme: 10-10-10-27.

Like the previous model from Kingston, this RAM does not support ECC, is not register and is not low-profile. In the design there is a claim to the original design in the form of an insert with the trademark Corsair, but a full-fledged radiator is not. Oddly enough, this fact is enough for many users to highlight it as an advantage.

Advantages

• reliability and fault tolerance;
• Suitable for laptops;
• “honest” performance;
• interesting design.

Disadvantages

• problems with dual-channel mode on a large number of modern laptop models.

The best DDR4 RAM modules

The second selection of RAM modules in the rating from Expertology is memory, a generation above the previous group – DDR4. The differences between these generations are quite significant.

DDR3 module has 240 pins, while DDR4 module has 288 pins. More pins in this case are needed to maximize addressing of memory areas. The connector key (the same groove) is in a different place – closer to the center, so that it is physically impossible to mix up when installing DDR3 and DDR4. There are also differences in the size of the reference board, but for the most part they are not principal.

Much more interesting differences start at the level of fine electronics. So, DDR4 memory is powered from 1.2V vs.5V in DDR3. A very noticeable difference in minimum clock frequency. If the third generation operates at a minimum of 1066 MHz, the fourth generation is from 2133 MHz and higher. It’s fair to say that doubling the frequency doesn’t automatically mean doubling the performance.

But the most important difference between the two adjacent generations is the memory access architecture. Here, a fundamentally new bus with naturally formed name Point-to-Point takes over the main tasks, which links each channel to a separate module, while the M

ti-Drop in DDR3 had a hard limit of two channels, and even with four modules, the interaction was literally taking turns, which was detrimental to speed.

Another important point about the technology is that a DDR4 chip with the same size as a DDR3 has twice as many memory banks, and the memory strings themselves are four times shorter.

HPE 876181-B21

Rating: 4.9



Let’s go directly to the review of models, and start with an interesting variant from the HPE brand. This brand may seem unfamiliar to many, but it is a well known to all experts and fans of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, that is the corporation, the credibility of which is beyond any doubt.

The card is made in the standard PC form factor DIMM with 288 pins. The module volume in this specification is 8 GB. The memory runs at 2666 MHz with a bandwidth of 21300 MB/s. Timing parameters: CL-19,

CD-19,

-19. The module is full-format, not low-profile.

This model has full ECC support, the RAM is register-based, all indicating a strictly server “orientation”. Built on a dual-range basis. Comes without cooling.

Advantages

• fair performance;
• Reliability and continuity;
• Reputable manufacturer with a solid warranty.

Disadvantages

• high price.

DELL 370-ABUN

Rating: 4.8



Next in our rating is the memory of American corporation DELL. The form factor is the same full-profile module with the standard DDR4 pin count of 288.

This is, expectedly, the most expensive 8-gigabyte memory in this selection – has ECC support, buffered (is case-based), full-profile. All this points to its server specialization – it won’t work on ordinary home PCs.

RAM chips are clocked at 2133 MHz. The module is built on a dual peer-to-peer basis. Nominal operating temperature of the chips is 85°C. CAS Latency timing value is 15.

Dimensions of one module – 133.35×31.25mm, weight incl. packing: 34g. Comes without a regular radiator, in a “clean” form. One year warranty from the manufacturer.

Advantages

• server;
• reliable;
• reputable manufacturer.

Disadvantages

• 12 months official warranty only (not long enough for servers).

Bal

stix BLE8G4D26AFEA

Rating: 4.7



Now we present you the memory of the world-known South Korean technological giant. Even the model nomenclature reflects minimal information. Traditionally for low-profile DDR memory, it is made in the form factor of 288-pin strips.

Clock speed of RAM is a bit less than the previous one, 2400 MHz. 19200MB/s bandwidth. Module capacity is 8 GB.

ECC, Registered and Low Profile parameters are negative. Timing parameters: CL-17,

CD IS 17,

– 17.

Each module contains 16 chips. Powered by 1 source.2 v. Built on a peer-to-peer architecture.

Advantages

• Overclocking is good;
• No heating;
• throughput.

Disadvantages

• Shipped without heatsinks.

HyperX HX424C15FB2/8

Rating: 4.6



And another well-known brand in our ranking, it is also a division of the American company Kingston. The board is made in 288-pin format with a clock frequency of 2400 MHz. As you can see, the frequency of this memory is similar to the previous one. The bandwidth is much less than in the previous variant.

Module capacity 8GB. No ECC, XMP or buffering support, so the memory can work in desktops. At the same time this module – low-profile, which means it can be used in laptops.

The timing scheme is as follows: CL-15,

CD-15,

-15. It’s also worth adding that each module contains 8 single-sided packing chips. Working voltage – 1.2 v. The module is based on a peer-to-peer system. There is a spectacular radiator

Advantages

• overclocks well;
• reliability
• excellent appearance (heat sink);
• 10-year warranty;
• adequate price.

Disadvantages

• Peer-to-peer at the same cost
• stix.

Crucial CT8G4DFD8213

Rating: 4.5



And our rating ends with the RAM module from the multinational corporation Micron Technology, which once released into a separate brand brand Crucial Bal

• stix, after which the brand got a new, more succinct name – Bal
• stix.

  Traditional module format – 288-pin DIMM module. Memory clock speed – 2133 MHz. Throughput is 17000 MB/s, and a single module is the traditional 8GB.

  Exactly the same as previous model does not support ECC, XMP and buffering. Similar to the previous module, this memory is low-profile, so it’s suitable for installation under coolers.

  Timings parameters: CL-15. The number of chips in each module is 16 with double-sided packing. Working voltage is 1.2 v. Number of ranks – 2.

  Advantages

  • well overclocked;
  • working speed;
  • stable performance.

  Disadvantages

  • Defaults at standard timings.
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