DDR5 is the next step up for PC memory, succeeding DDR4. The previous generation of RAM hadn't been around for too long, and we quickly saw modern processors support DDR5.
Unfortunately, DDR5 and DDR4 modules are not interchangeable, meaning you can't use a DDR4 RAM module on a DDR5 motherboard or vice versa. Clock speeds and latency ratings also differ greatly between DDR4 and DDR5, making the process of picking the right RAM kit a little more confusing.
This is where our DDR5 buyer's guide comes into play.
The quick list
Best overall
Perfect for modern Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors with XMP 3.0 and EXPO profiles, on-die ECC error correction, and an onboard power module for efficiency.
Best for AMD
Trident Z5 Neo RGB is affordable and reliable RAM that works perfectly with AMD CPUs with EXPO profiles, making the ideal 6000MT/s DDR5 speeds easy to reach.
Best for Intel
Corsair's Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 kits feature a nostalgic design with flashy lighting, aluminum heatsinks, Micron modules, and an onboard PMIC for efficiency.
Best for gaming
Crucial's Pro Series DDR5 RAM offers high performance without RGB light distraction, with compatibility for Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO overclocking profiles.
Budget RGB
GeIL Polaris RGB SYNC DDR5 RAM is a reliable and high-performance kit with a slick design and a lifetime warranty. It runs at 4800 MT/s with a CAS latency of 38, but it can be overclocked to 5200MHz without any real-world issues.
The best DDR5 RAM in 2024
Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Below, you'll find detailed information about my best DDR5 RAM picks, with insights and explanations into each category and why it's the best in its class.
The best overall DDR5 RAM
XPG's Lancer RGB DDR5 RAM is perfect for anyone choosing modern Intel Core or AMD Ryzen processors. ADATA's solid design features sleek aesthetics and a robust feel with aluminum heatsinks alongside Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO profiles, an onboard power module (PMIC) for efficiency, and on-die ECC error correction.
A 32GB DDR5 kit easily reached 6000MT/s with 40-40-40-75 timings at 1.25V when tested with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12600K and an MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi motherboard, proving perfectly stable. Overclocking headroom is limited however, hitting 6200MT/s at 1.35V showed stability issues and minimal performance gains. If you're embarking on a new PC build with 13th Gen Intel or modern AMD Ryzen CPUs, the XPG Lancer RGB DDR5-6000 is an excellent choice.
The best DDR5 RAM for AMD
G.SKILL has been my personal choice for a while now, admittedly for the RGB aspect at first, but later because the overall value was better than my previous options. Geared towards AMD CPUs with EXPO profiles, a set of DDR5-6000 RAM from G.SKILL works perfectly with Ryzen 7000 series chips like the previously reviewed Ryzen 7800X3D. It's affordable and reliable, never causing any issues with my personal builds.
The EXPO profile makes it easy for anyone to achieve fast DDR5 speeds, but you can push for a little extra performance if you're willing to tweak values in your BIOS and run tests. There are faster kits available, but at least for AMD, I haven't seen much besides diminishing returns for the majority of users. If you're not sure what to buy for a Ryzen 7000/8000 build, and you're an RGB fan, stick with G.SKILL Trident Z5.
The best DDR5 RAM for Intel
Corsair's Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 kits combine a nostalgic, almost '80s design with flashy lighting alongside modern features. The aluminum heatsinks and premium aesthetic look brilliant, with Micron modules and an onboard NXP LPC82X PMIC (power management integrated circuit) for efficiency.
Intel XMP 3.0 support and on-die ECC error correction held under testing, with a 32GB DDR5 kit hitting 5200MT/s at 38-40-40-78 timings with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12600K. Overclocking reached 5400MT/s with a voltage bump to 1.35V. While it might not have been groundbreaking at the early stages of DDR5, Corsair's Dominator Platinum impresses with solid speeds, overclocking potential, and a gorgeous aesthetic.
The best DDR5 RAM for gaming
Crucial offers high-performance DDR5 RAM without the distraction of RGB lights in its latest Pro Series: Overclocking Edition kits clocking in at 6000MT/s, hitting the 'sweet spot' for AMD Ryzen 7000/8000 CPUs, though you get compatibility with Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO overclocking profiles. I tested it with a Ryzen 7800X3D, and the results were solid in both 32GB and 64GB setups during my Crucial Pro Memory OC DDR5 review.
Testing with the 6000MT/s EXPO profile, AIDA64 benchmark tests reported latency at 71.7 ns for a 32GB pairing and 75.3 ns for all four modules at 64GB. The read and copy speeds, especially on the 32GB side, are less impressive than the write speeds, but it's nothing terrible. The pre-installed heat spreader helps with temperatures, though it's not the prettiest solution in the world. There's no focus on aesthetics here; it's a no-frills solution for those who want to focus solely on smoother framerates for PC gaming.
The lack of RGB might not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who prioritize pure performance, this RAM delivers. Whether you're team Intel or AMD, its cross-compatibility with XMP and EXPO profiles makes it versatile, and in a market flooded with options, Crucial's offering stands out as a straightforward choice for flexible DDR5 RAM that can be swapped to multiple different custom builds.
The best budget RGB DDR5 RAM
GeIL's Polaris RGB SYNC DDR5 RAM presents an affordable blend of aesthetics and overclocking support with a slick design in its metal heatsink with a sense of real craftsmanship, or at least that of an alien spaceship. Backed by GeIL's lifetime warranty, these RAM DIMMs are a reliable choice.
Performance-wise, the 32GB kit at stock settings runs at 4800 MT/s with a CAS latency of 38 at 1.1v. The ASUS Enhanced Memory Profile can push it to 5200MHz at 1.25v with slightly adjusted timings, and while the CAS latency may seem high, real-world tests showed no issues in our GeIL Polaris RGB SYNC DDR5 RAM review.
It's a kit that's been around for a while, and being an early DDR5 adopter meant paying a premium. The GeIL Polaris RGB SYNC originally carried a significantly higher cost compared to older DDR4 kits, but price drops and discounts over time help pair with excellent performance in a 12th, 13th, or 14th Gen Intel PC build.
How to choose the best DDR5 RAM for your PC
There are countless DDR5 RAM kits available, but the choice largely comes down to how much you're willing to spend and how fast you require the memory to be. DDR5 is a substantial upgrade over DDR4 (see our DDR4 vs. DDR5 comparison) but the new generation has some time to mature before we see considerable performance gains.
For now, the best DDR5 RAM kit can be one that fits your budget, has a low enough latency, and has high memory speeds. Anything higher than 5,000MT/s and you'll be sailing. We've seen some ridiculous numbers with DDR5 RAM and things will only improve as manufacturers look to push the boundaries further.
