Best ddr3 8gb ram. Plank dimensions or the so-called Form Factor

Is DDR4. It is she who is supported by current Intel processors (although they also left partial support for DDR3). DDR4 will also be available in new boards for AMD processors, which will appear in early 2017. How to choose DDR4 for a build or a new PC or upgrade, how RAM for laptops differs from it, the article will help you find out.

Before choosing DDR4 memory, you need to familiarize yourself a little with the features of this type of RAM. In fact, DDR4 memory is a BGA (solder ball array) surface-mount chip, which makes it universal for all types of electronics, from routers to servers. However, for ease of installation, as well as maintaining the ability to upgrade, increasing the amount of RAM available and universal unification, PCs usually use a modular design.

Format

DDR4 memory chips are soldered on small boards, ranging from 4 to 16 pieces. Such boards are called DIMM (Double In-line Memory Module - double-sided memory module) and are equipped with 284 pins. They are the same size (5.25″ or just over 13 centimeters), but are physically incompatible with DDR3, as the latter's DIMM has 240 pins. In addition, the modules have a different location of a special key cutout that prevents the board from being installed on the wrong side or in an incompatible slot. DIMMs are the main type of RAM for desktops and servers.

For laptops where there are increased requirements for compactness, SO-DIMM modules (Small Outline DIMM - double-sided memory module with small outputs) have been created. Also, such boards are used in monoblocks, nettops and other types of compact personal computers. They are half the size of DIMMs (6.76 cm) and have only 260 pins.

Characteristics

The second criterion by which DDR4 memory can be classified is its performance. The main ones are clock frequency (and the bandwidth directly related to it), latency and voltage.

The clock frequency and bandwidth characterize the speed of the memory in the mode of sequential reading and writing data. DDR4 RAM is available with support for frequencies from 1600 MHz (very rare in practice) to 3200 MHz. The most common frequencies at the moment are 1866 MHz (bandwidth - 12800 MB / s), 2133 MHz (17064 MB / s) and 2400 MHz (19200 MB / s). Most computers are designed to work with them.

CAS latency is the delay (measured in the number of working cycles) between the submission of a request for reading / writing data and the execution of this operation. This parameter characterizes the memory performance in random read/write mode. The lower the delay value, the more responsive the memory. With equal frequencies, the module with the lower delay duration (latency) will be faster.

Voltage— supply voltage of the module. At the moment, the only common value is 1.2 V. There is also LPDDR4 (Low Power DDR4) memory that uses lower voltages. It is not yet popular, and is used only in compact equipment (ultrabooks, tablets, smartphones) that do not support its upgrade. The disadvantage of this type of memory is reduced, for the sake of efficiency, performance.

Choosing DDR4 memory when building a new PC

Choosing DDR4 RAM for a computer that is being built from scratch is the easiest. As of late 2016-early 2017, the only platform supporting this memory is Intel SkyLake (Core i3-i7 6xxx, Celeron and Pentium of this family). The base memory frequency for this platform is 2133 MHz. Higher frequencies are not supported by all boards and are only achieved during overclocking.

When buying a board equipped with two memory slots, it is advisable to purchase one large-capacity bar (8 or 16 GB). This will leave the possibility in the future to add another one to it and double the amount of RAM. For cards with four DIMM slots, you can choose a set of 2 smaller brackets. In this case, the possibility of an upgrade is preserved, and the performance is at least a little, but increased due to the dual-channel mode.

Heatsinks on DDR4 memory sticks are more decorative than functional. The power consumption of this generation of RAM is scanty (about 0.5-2 W), so there is no need for additional cooling. In a case with a transparent wall and backlight - heatsinks on the memory rails will decorate the insides of the PC. However, if the choice is between trims with the same parameters, and the aesthetic component fades into the background, there is no point in overpaying for radiators. They are really useful only for overclockers who overclock RAM much higher than factory frequencies.

Slow down over time and if your computer starts to show age, you may want to consider replacing, upgrading, or adding better RAM. However, before you do that, there are a couple of things you need to consider. Capacity, speed and overclockability are key considerations when choosing the best RAM for your PC. And, if your computer is only a few years old, you should keep a close eye on the best DDR4 RAM as DDR3 won't work on it.

However, as soon as you open any online store looking for the best DDR4 RAM, you will notice that there are hundreds of different RAM sticks. Anyone unfamiliar with PC components will be a little confused. However, we are here to support you, we have prepared a ranking of the best RAM in 2018.

Every RAM kit on this list has been tested by our editors, so you can be sure you're getting the best RAM on the market, no matter what your needs are. So, whether you're looking to upgrade to open more Chrome tabs on your laptop, or you're a gamer looking for the fastest RAM available today, read on to find the best RAM in 2018.

| CORSAIRVENGEANCELED

BEST RAM OF 2018

The best RAM, whatever your needs, comes from Corsair. Their Vengeance series offers something for everyone, but LED DDR4 memory tops our list. In addition to PC designers specifying additional backlight colors, Corsair Vengeance's built-in heat spreaders maximize cooling for higher overclocking and peak performance. Corsair Vengeance LED DDR4 offers CL16 latency and 3466MHz clock speeds, as well as color matching to your PC's backlight.

| G.SKILLRIPJAWSVSERIES

BEST DDR4 RAM

If you're looking for high-speed, high-quality DDR4 RAM for your computer, look no further than the G.Skill Ripjaws V Series. G.Skill designed its flagship RAM with reliability, low voltage power, and easy XMP 2.0 overclocking for power users. With CL14-CL19 latency and speeds from 2133MHz to 4000MHz, this is fast RAM. And while the Ripjaws V Series doesn't support RGB lighting, it comes in five colors: Blazing Red (Red), Steel Blue (Blue), Classic Black (Black), Radiant Silver (Silver) and Gunmetal Gray (Gray).

| KINGSTONHYPERXPREDATOR

BEST DDR3 RAM

Kingston's high-performance HyperX memory offers some of the best DDR3 on the market, while Predator models are specifically tuned for extreme performance and expandable with XMP profiles. The Predator DDR3 series provides CL9-CL11 latencies and speeds between 1866MHz and 2666MHz.

| KINGSTONHYPERXFURY

BEST BUDGET RAM

Kingston HyperX Fure is an auto-overclockable RAM that won't empty your wallet. This intelligent DDR3 or DDR4 memory automatically detects system components for overclocking to maximum frequencies, allowing you to optimize the performance of all the latest Intel chipsets. It comes with CL14 and CL16 delays and also offers speeds between 2133MHz and 2666MHz. And while RAM is inexpensive, it can have a huge impact on your PC's performance.

| CORSAIRDOMINATORPLATINUM

BEST HIGH PERFORMANCE RAM

Corsair's Dominator Platinum is the best RAM for high-intensity workloads, and will also suit users who need chrome-plated heatsinks for maximum performance. The massive heatsinks and built-in fans of your memory may seem absurd, but they are absolutely essential for running C19 memory up to 4000MHz. In the budget segment, Corsair also offers a 2400MHz Dominator Platinum version of the C14.

| NIGHTHAWKTEAMT-FORCE

BEST GAME RAM

When you're looking for the very best in gaming, look no further than DDR4 Team T-Force Night Hawk RAM. It comes with CL15 or CL16 latency and clock speeds between 2666MHz and 3200MHz, so no matter which kit you buy, the RAM will perform at peak performance. The memory is also available in full RGB models for users who want more personalization in hardware.

| G.SKILL TRIEDN Z RGB

BEST RGB RAM

G.Skill introduces the amazing performance of Triden Z RGB with full backlight customization to further personalize your PC. At the top of each stick of RAM there is a full rainbow panel that can glow in accordance with the RGB lighting of the rest of the PC components. Triden Z RGB DDR4 RAM comes in CAS latency between 14 and 19, and clock speeds between 2400 and 4266MHz. Whatever your style, you only get the best RGB RAM with the G.Skill Trident Z RGB.

| CORSAIRVENGEANCELPX

BEST LOW PROFILE RAM

Corsair's Vengeance LPX Series RAM is designed for users who want maximum performance in a small package. This low profile RAM is essential for building PCs with massive CPU coolers. Despite the size of Corsair's RAM sticks, they also feature eight-layer heat spreaders to keep them cool when overclocked. And while the slim design doesn't allow LED backlighting, you can get the memory in three colors: black, red, or blue. Corsair's Vengeance LPX DDR4 series runs at CL12 to CL19 latencies and between 2400 and 4600 MHz clock speeds.

| G.SKILLRAMMAC

BEST RAM FOR MAC

Along with custom RAM for desktops and laptops, G.Skill offers matching upgrades for Mac. Buying the missing set of RAM from the Apple Store is prohibitively expensive, so switching to third-party memory can save you a lot of money - if you think your computer is one of the last MacBooks or iMacs that still support the upgrade. These SO-DIMM sticks have CAS latency between 9 and 11, with clock speeds ranging from 1333MHz to 1600MHz. G.Skill DDR3-1333 RAM for Mac promises the best performance for the money.

| CRUCIALBALLISTIXSPORT

BEST RAM FOR LAPTOP

Crucial is a manufacturer of laptop memory. The company has designed the Crucial Ballistix Sport SO-DIMM RAM to make efficient use of the battery while still retaining speed headroom for multitasking. The memory is ideal for those who want to squeeze a little more out of their laptop and this memory will likely deliver faster speeds than anything your laptop can offer. CL16 latency and speed from 2300MHz to 2666MHz.

History random access memory, or RAM, began back in 1834, when Charles Babbage developed the "analytical engine" - in fact, the prototype of a computer. Part of this machine, which was responsible for storing intermediate data, he called the "warehouse". Memorization of information there was organized in a purely mechanical way, by means of shafts and gears.

In the first generations of computers, cathode-ray tubes, magnetic drums were used as RAM, later magnetic cores appeared, and after them, in the third generation of computers, memory on microcircuits appeared.

Now the RAM is performed according to the technology DRAM in form factors DIMMs and SO-DIMMs, is a dynamic memory organized in the form of semiconductor integrated circuits. It is volatile, that is, the data disappears when there is no power.

The choice of RAM is not a difficult task today, the main thing here is to understand the types of memory, its purpose and main characteristics.

Memory types

SODIMM

SO-DIMM form factor memory is designed for use in laptops, compact ITX systems, monoblocks - in a word, where the minimum physical size of memory modules is important. It differs from the DIMM form factor by a module length reduced by about 2 times, and a smaller number of pins on the board (204 and 360 pins for SO-DIMM DDR3 and DDR4 versus 240 and 288 for boards of the same types of DIMM memory).
In terms of other characteristics - frequency, timings, volume, SO-DIMM modules can be any, and they do not differ from DIMMs in any fundamental way.

DIMM

DIMM - random access memory for full-size computers.
The type of memory you choose must first of all be compatible with the socket on the motherboard. RAM for a computer is divided into 4 types - DDR, DDR2, DDR3 And DDR4.

DDR memory appeared in 2001 and had 184 pins. The supply voltage ranged from 2.2 to 2.4 V. The operating frequency was 400 MHz. Still found on sale, however, the choice is small. Today, the format is outdated - it is suitable only if you do not want to completely update the system, and in the old motherboard the connectors are only for DDR.

The DDR2 standard was released already in 2003, it received 240 pins, which increased the number of threads, decently speeding up the data transfer bus to the processor. The operating frequency of DDR2 could be up to 800 MHz (in some cases - up to 1066 MHz), and the supply voltage from 1.8 to 2.1 V - slightly less than that of DDR. Consequently, the power consumption and heat dissipation of the memory have been reduced.
DDR2 vs DDR Differences:

240 contacts vs 120
· New slot not compatible with DDR
Less power consumption
Improved design, better cooling
Higher maximum operating frequency

Also, like DDR, an outdated type of memory - now it’s only suitable for old motherboards, in other cases it makes no sense to buy, since the new DDR3 and DDR4 are faster.

In 2007, RAM was updated with the DDR3 type, which is still massively distributed. The same 240 pins remain, but the connection slot for DDR3 has changed - there is no compatibility with DDR2. The frequency of the modules is on average from 1333 to 1866 MHz. There are also modules with frequencies up to 2800 MHz.
DDR3 is different from DDR2:

· DDR2 and DDR3 slots are not compatible.
· The clock speed of DDR3 is 2 times higher - 1600 MHz versus 800 MHz for DDR2.
Differs in a reduced supply voltage - about 1.5V, and lower power consumption (in the version DDR3L this value is on average even lower, about 1.35 V).
· Delays (timings) DDR3 more than DDR2, but the operating frequency is higher. In general, the speed of DDR3 is 20-30% higher.

DDR3 is a good choice today. Many motherboards sell DDR3 memory slots, and due to the massive popularity of this type, it is unlikely to disappear soon. It's also slightly cheaper than DDR4.

DDR4 is a new type of RAM developed only in 2012. It is an evolutionary development of the previous types. Memory bandwidth has increased again, now reaching 25.6 GB/s. The operating frequency has also risen - on average from 2133 MHz to 3600 MHz. If we compare the new type with DDR3, which lasted on the market for 8 years and became widespread, then the performance gain is insignificant, and besides, not all motherboards and processors support the new type.
DDR4 differences:

Incompatibility with previous types
Reduced supply voltage - from 1.2 to 1.05 V, power consumption also decreased
Operating memory frequency up to 3200 MHz (can reach 4166 MHz in some brackets), while, of course, proportionally increased timings
May slightly outperform DDR3

If you already have DDR3 sticks, then there is no point in rushing to change them to DDR4. When this format spreads massively, and all motherboards already support DDR4, the transition to a new type will happen by itself with an update of the entire system. Thus, we can summarize that DDR4 is more of a marketing than a really new type of RAM.

What memory frequency to choose?

Choosing a frequency should begin with checking the maximum supported frequencies by your processor and motherboard. It makes sense to take a frequency higher than supported by the processor only when overclocking the processor.

Today, you should not choose memory with a frequency below 1600 MHz. The 1333 MHz option is acceptable in the case of DDR3, if these are not old modules lying around at the seller, which will obviously be slower than new ones.

The best option for today is memory with a frequency interval from 1600 to 2400 MHz. A higher frequency has almost no advantage, but costs much more, and is usually overclocked modules with raised timings. For example, the difference between modules at 1600 and 2133 MHz in a number of work programs will be no more than 5-8%, in games the difference can be even less. Frequencies in 2133-2400 MHz are worth taking if you are engaged in video / audio encoding, rendering.

The difference between the frequencies of 2400 and 3600 MHz will cost you quite a lot, without adding any noticeable speed.

How much RAM to take?

The amount you need depends on the type of work being done on the computer, the operating system installed, and the programs you use. Also, do not lose sight of the maximum amount of memory supported by your motherboard.

Volume 2 GB- for today, it may be enough only for browsing the Internet. More than half will be eaten up by the operating system, the rest will be enough for the leisurely work of undemanding programs.

Volume 4 GB- suitable for a medium-sized computer, for a home PC media center. Enough to watch movies, and even play undemanding games. Modern - alas, with difficulty pull. (Will be the best choice if you have a 32-bit Windows operating system that sees no more than 3 GB of RAM)

Volume 8 GB(or a set of 2x4GB) - the recommended volume for today for a full-fledged PC. This is enough for almost any game, to work with any resource-demanding software. Best choice for general purpose computer.

16 GB (or 2x8GB, 4x4GB sets) will be justified if you work with graphics, heavy programming environments, or constantly render video. It is also perfect for online streaming - here with 8 GB there can be freezes, especially with high quality video broadcasts. Some games at high resolutions and with HD textures may perform better with 16 GB of RAM on board.

Volume 32 GB(set 2x16GB, or 4x8GB) - so far a very controversial choice, it will come in handy for some very extreme work tasks. It would be better to spend money on other computer components, this will have a stronger effect on its performance.

Operating modes: better 1 stick of memory or 2?

RAM can operate in single-channel, dual-, three- and four-channel modes. Definitely, if your motherboard has a sufficient number of slots, then it is better to take several identical smaller ones instead of one memory bar. The speed of access to them will increase from 2 to 4 times.

In order for the memory to work in dual-channel mode, you need to install brackets in slots of the same color on the motherboard. As a rule, the color is repeated through the connector. It is important at the same time that the memory frequency in the two bars is the same.

- Single channel mode– single-channel operation mode. Turns on when one memory bar is installed, or different modules operating at different frequencies. As a result, the memory runs at the frequency of the slowest bar.
- dual mode– two-channel mode. Works only with memory modules of the same frequency, increases the speed by 2 times. Manufacturers produce specially for this kits of memory modules, in which there can be 2 or 4 identical strips.
-Triple Mode- works on the same principle as the two-channel. In practice, it is not always faster.
- Quad mode- four-channel mode, which works on the principle of two-channel, respectively, increasing the speed of work by 4 times. It is used where exceptionally high speed is needed - for example, in servers.

- Flex Mode- a more flexible version of the two-channel mode of operation, when the bars are of different volumes, but only the frequency is the same. In this case, the same volumes of modules will be used in dual-channel mode, and the remaining volume will operate in single-channel mode.

Does memory need a heatsink?

Now is not the time when, at a voltage of 2 V, an operating frequency of 1600 MHz was reached, and as a result, a lot of heat was released, which had to be somehow removed. Then the heatsink could be a criterion for the survival of an overclocked module.

At present, memory power consumption has dropped significantly, and a heatsink on a module can be justified from a technical point of view only if you are fond of overclocking, and the module will operate at frequencies beyond its limits. In all other cases, radiators can be justified, perhaps, by a beautiful design.

If the heatsink is massive and noticeably increases the height of the memory bar, this is already a significant disadvantage, since it can prevent you from installing a processor supercooler in the system. By the way, there are special low-profile memory modules designed for installation in compact cases. They are slightly more expensive than regular sized modules.

What are timings?

Timings, or latency (latency)- one of the most important characteristics of RAM, determining its speed. Let us outline the general meaning of this parameter.

Simplified, RAM can be represented as a two-dimensional table in which each cell carries information. Cells are accessed by specifying the column and row number, and this is indicated by the row access strobe. RAS(Row Access Strobe) and column access gate CAS (Acess Strobe) by changing the voltage. Thus, for each cycle of work there are calls RAS And CAS, and there are certain delays between these accesses and write / read commands, which are called timings.

In the description of the RAM module, you can see five timings, which for convenience are written as a sequence of numbers separated by a hyphen, for example 8-9-9-20-27 .

· tRCD (time of RAS to CAS Delay)- timing, which determines the delay from the RAS pulse to CAS
· CL (time of CAS Latency)- timing, which determines the delay between the write / read command and the CAS pulse
· tRP (time of Row Precharge)- timing, which determines the delay in transitions from one line to the next
· tRAS (time of Active to Precharge Delay)- timing, which determines the delay between the activation of the line and the end of work with it; is considered the main value
· command rate– determines the delay between the command to select a single chip on the module until the command to activate the line; this timing is not always indicated.

To put it even more simply, it is important to know only one thing about timings - the smaller their values, the better. At the same time, the bars can have the same frequency of operation, but different timings, and a module with lower values ​​will always be faster. So it is worth choosing the minimum timings, for DDR4 the timings of 15-15-15-36 will be the benchmark for average values, for DDR3 - 10-10-10-30. It is also worth remembering that the timings are related to the memory frequency, so when overclocking, you will most likely have to raise the timings, and vice versa - you can manually lower the frequency, while lowering the timings. It is most beneficial to pay attention to the totality of these parameters, choosing rather a balance, and not chasing the extreme values ​​of the parameters.

How to decide on a budget?

With more money, you can afford more RAM. The main difference between cheap and expensive modules will be in timings, frequency of operation, and in the brand - well-known, advertised ones can cost a little more than noname modules from an incomprehensible manufacturer.
In addition, the radiator installed on the modules costs extra money. Not all planks need it, but manufacturers now do not skimp on them.

The price will also depend on the timings, the lower they are, the higher the speed, and, accordingly, the price.

So, having up to 2000 rubles, you can purchase a 4 GB memory module, or 2 x 2 GB modules, which is preferable. Choose depending on what your PC configuration allows. Modules like DDR3 will cost almost half as much as DDR4. With such a budget, it is more reasonable to take DDR3.

To the group up to 4000 rubles Includes 8 GB modules and 2x4 GB kits. This is the best choice for any task, except for professional work with video, and in any other heavy environments.

Into the amount up to 8000 rubles The amount of memory will cost 16 GB. Recommended for professional purposes, or for avid gamers - enough even in reserve, waiting for new demanding games.

If not a problem to spend up to 13000 rubles, then the best choice would be to put them in a set of 4 sticks of 4 GB. For this money, you can even choose prettier radiators, possibly for subsequent overclocking.

I don’t advise taking more than 16 GB without the purpose of working in professional heavy environments (and even then not in all), but if you really want to, then for the amount from 13000 rubles you can climb Olympus by purchasing a 32 GB or even 64 GB kit. True, this will not make much sense for an ordinary user or gamer - it is better to spend money on, say, a flagship video card.

I think it's no secret to anyone that RAM is an important component of a gaming system, and several RAM parameters affect the performance in games at once. For example, not so long ago, the 3DNews lab found out that AMD Ryzen CPUs are very sensitive to DDR4 frequency. Testing showed that the use of fast DDR4-3200 memory compared to the standard DDR4-2133 at the same timings increases FPS in games by 12-16% depending on the application. So if you want to get the most out of your system, buying a fast RAM kit is one of the most effective options.

Performance is affected not only by frequency, but also by delays. And yet the most important parameter of RAM is the volume. If, in the case of using a slow kit, we lose FPS units, then if a certain number of gigabytes is not enough, the game will either slow down or not start at all. Therefore, we decided to find out how much RAM a gaming computer needs in 2017. Obviously, the main "battle" will unfold between sets of 8 and 16 GB.

A good example - the user has upgraded his computer, supplementing the existing configuration with a GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB video card. Now its system unit fully complies with the recommended requirements of Watch_Dogs 2, which I so wanted to play. However, even without using the maximum graphics quality settings, pastime in your favorite “sandbox” was overshadowed by micro-freezes that appeared every now and then. And it looks like the GeForce GTX 1060 does a great job, as the average keeps around 50 FPS, but these drawdowns spoil the whole impression! It turns out that the lack of RAM was involved in the appearance of a visually noticeable drop in frame rate, because adding another 8 GB partially solved this problem - with the same settings and with the same video card, it became more comfortable to play.

The main topic is marked, but, in my opinion, it is equally important to answer one more question: will the use of a fast swap file fix the situation with the lack of RAM in games?

⇡ Modern gaming platforms

A very large number of configurations fall under the definition of a "gaming computer". For example, in the monthly column "" ten different systems are considered. The cheapest includes the Pentium G4560, GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB and 8 GB DDR4. Using this amount of RAM is the most common option, according to the official statistics of the Steam game client. But modern platforms allow you to install 64 and even 128 GB of RAM.

Current gaming platforms
	Intel					AMD
socket	LGA1155	LGA2011	LGA1150	LGA2011-v3	LGA1151	AM3+	FM2/2+	AM4
Year of sale	2011	2011	year 2013	year 2014	2015	2011	year 2012	2017
Supported processors	Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge	Sandy Bridge E, Ivy Bridge-E	Haswell, Haswell Refresh and Devil's Canyon, Broadwell	Haswell-E, Broadwell-E	Skylake, Kaby Lake	Zambezi, Vishera	Trinity, Richland, Kaveri, Godavari (Kaveri Refresh)	Ryzen, AMD 7th Generation A-series/Athlon
Memory controller	DDR3-1066/1333	DDR3-1066/1333 /1600/1866	DDR3-1333/1600	DDR4-2133/2400	DDR4-1866/2133/ 2400, DDR3L-1333/1600	DDR3-1066/1333/ 1600/1866	DDR3-1600/1866/ 2400	DDR4-2133/2400/ 2666
	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, four-channel	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, four-channel	Built-in, two- channel	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, two-channel
Maximum RAM	32 GB	64 GB	32 GB	Haswell-E - 64 GB Broadwell-E - 128 GB	64 GB	32 GB	64 GB	64 GB

Even now, without testing, we can safely say that the indicated maximum amount of RAM is redundant for gaming configurations, although the entertainment industry has recently been the most active engine of computer progress. As already mentioned, most users install 8 or 16 GB in their systems. The table lists both the most modern (LGA1151, LGA2011-v3, AM4) and time-tested platforms that can be classified as gaming in 2017. In most cases, AMD and Intel CPUs use dual-channel RAM controllers. This means that on motherboards for the corresponding platform, either two or four DIMM slots are used. And boards with an LGA2011 and LGA2011-v3 socket have four or eight slots for installing RAM, respectively. For Haswell-E and Broadwell-E processors, there is an "exotic" exception to the rule - ASRock X99E-ITX / ac.

The dual-channel mode of the memory controller built into the central processor implies the use of an even number of modules. In order to easily increase the amount of RAM over time, it is better to use a motherboard with four DIMM slots. So, we can purchase a 16 GB memory kit, consisting of two 8 GB modules, and eventually buy two more modules with similar characteristics. Some motherboards have only a couple of slots for installing RAM - these are either very budget motherboards (for example, based on the H110, B250 and A320 chipsets for Kaby Lake and Ryzen processors), or mini-ITX form factor devices, or exclusive overclocking solutions, such as ASUS Maximus IX Apex. These devices support half the amount of RAM: 32 GB for Skylake, Kaby Lake and Ryzen processors; 16 GB for Haswell, Broadwell, Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge and Vishera processors. Consider this moment when upgrading or when assembling the system unit from scratch.

⇡ Test stand

During all tests, the LGA1151 platform was used along with the Core i7-7700K processor, overclocked to 4.5 GHz. Changed video cards, RAM and drives. A complete list of accessories is presented in the table.

Test stand configuration
CPU	Intel Core i7-7700K @4.5 GHz
Motherboard	ASUS MAXIMUS IX Hero
RAM	Kingston HyperX Predator HX430C15PB3K4/64, DDR4-3000, 4×16 GB
	Kingston HyperX Fury HX421C14FB2K2/16, DDR4-2133, 2 × 8 GB
Drives	Western Digital WD1003FZEX, 1 TB
	Samsung 850 Pro
Video cards	ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 (DUAL-GTX1060-3G), 3 GB
	ASUS Radeon RX 480 (DUAL-RX480-O4G), 4 GB
Power Supply	Corsair AX1500i 1500W
CPU cooler	Noctua NH-D9DX
Frame	Lian Li PC-T60A
Monitor	NEC EA244UHD
Operating system	Windows 10 Pro x64
Video card software
AMD	Crimson ReLive Edition 17.4.2
NVIDIA	GeForce Game Ready Driver 381.65
Additional software
Uninstalling drivers	Display Driver Uninstaller 17.0.6.1
Measuring FPS	Fraps 3.5.99
	FRAFS Bench Viewer
	Action! 2.3.0
Overclocking and Monitoring	GPU-Z 1.19.0
	MSI Afterburner 4.3.0
Optional equipment
Thermal imager	Fluke Ti400
Sound level meter	Mastech MS6708
Wattmeter	watts up? PRO

⇡ RAM consumption in modern games

Determining how much RAM modern games consume is not so difficult. There are a large number of diagnostic utilities. But it is important to understand that the amount of RAM used depends on several parameters, and therefore can differ markedly on different systems. So, along with the launch of games, various software does not stop working.

For example, opening just ten Chrome tabs results in an increase in RAM consumption of 1.5 GB. Google's browser appetites have long been a "meme", but let's not forget about the constantly active messengers, antiviruses, drivers and other utilities that are loaded with the operating system.

I recently did a comparative test between the GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB and the Radeon RX 470 4 GB. There is an opinion among users that an additional gigabyte of video memory is another argument in favor of an AMD graphics adapter. A small experiment showed that out of twelve games, exactly half consumed more than four gigabytes of video memory in Full HD resolution. The stand used accelerator GeForce GTX 1080 with 8 GB GDDR5. It turns out that in the event of a lack of video memory, all data that did not fit into the GDDR5 cells will be placed in RAM. Some games immediately inform the user that the video memory limit has been exceeded. Some - GTA V, HITMAN, Battlefield 1 - will simply not let you set a higher quality of graphics until the user himself removes a special "fuse" in the settings menu. Therefore, for a more detailed study of the issue, it is necessary to use several video cards. My choice was on three running NVIDIA models: the GeForce GTX 1060 with 3 and 6 GB GDDR5, as well as the GeForce GTX 1080.

Graphics settings in games
		API	Quality	Full screen anti-aliasing
				1920×1080 / 2560×1440 / 3840×2160
1	The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Novigrad and surroundings	DirectX 11	Max. quality, NVIDIA HairWorks on	AA
2	Mass Effect Andromeda, the first task		Max. quality	Temporal smoothing
3	Ghost Recon Wildlands, built-in benchmark		Max. quality	SMAA + FXAA
4	GTA V, city and surroundings		Max. quality	4 × MSAA + FXAA
5	Rise of the Tomb Raider, Soviet base		Max. quality	SMAA
6	Watch_Dogs 2, city and surroundings		Ultra, HBAO+	Temporal anti-aliasing 2 × MSAA
7	Fallout 4, Diamond City and surroundings		Max. quality, high resolution textures, bullet fragments off.	TAA
8	HITMAN, built-in benchmark	DirectX 12	Max. quality	SMAA
9	Total War: WARHAMMER, built-in benchmark		Max. quality	4× MSAA
10	Battlefield 1 Jobs for the Young Mission		Ultra	TAA
11	Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Utulek Complex		Max. quality	2× MSAA
12	Sid Meier's Civilization VI built-in benchmark		Ultra	8×MSAA
13	Star Wars Battlefront, Battle of Endor map		Max. quality	TAA
14	Tom Clancy's The Division, built-in benchmark		Max. quality	SMAA
15	DOOM, OIC mission	Vulkan	Ultra	TSSAA 8TX

RAM consumption was measured in fifteen applications. The graphs show the maximum download rate that was recorded after 10 minutes of random gameplay. The results have been rounded for clarity. RAM loading was measured using MSI Afterburner with a 100ms polling rate. Among other programs, only the Steam, Origin, and Uplay clients, as well as Windows Defender, FRAPS, and MSI Afterburner, were active when launching games.

The assumption made earlier has become a fact - already in Full HD resolution, we see that with the use of the 3 GB version of the GeForce GTX 1060, nine games out of fifteen overcame the bar of 8 GB of RAM. That is more than half. The same games launched on stands with a GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB and GeForce GTX 1080 turned out to be less “gluttonous” in terms of RAM.

With an increase in resolution, the trend continued - already thirteen out of fifteen games consumed more than 8 GB of RAM in a stand with a GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB installed. Consistently more than 10 GB of RAM was consumed in seven projects. The loading of the RAM has noticeably increased in the case of using the GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB in the stand. This means that six gigabytes of video memory is not enough for games with the graphics quality settings we have set.

Testing in Ultra HD resolution was carried out only with the participation of the GeForce GTX 1080, because it makes no sense to use versions of the GeForce GTX 1060 in this resolution - the graphics processors of these video cards simply cannot cope with the increased load.

The results were quite predictable. We can safely say that many modern AAA projects at close to the maximum graphics quality settings consume more than 8 GB of RAM. In addition, measurements in Rise of the Tomb Raider, Watch_Dogs 2, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Mass Effect Andromeda show that there is no serious margin of safety in the presence of 16 GB of RAM in the system. In addition, testing was carried out with a minimum of active applications in Windows 10. In my opinion, there are all prerequisites for the fact that projects will soon appear that will not have enough 16 GB of RAM at maximum or close to them graphics quality settings.

I think many have already paid attention to the fact that I considered only one scenario - games at maximum (or close to them) graphics quality settings. However, most gamers use less powerful video cards, and therefore use different quality modes.

Computer games are good because, as a rule, they have a large number of settings that worsen or improve the quality of the displayed picture. For example, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided has five pre-programmed modes: Low, Medium, High, Very High and Ultra. Many developers use similar categories. Please note that it is quite difficult (sometimes even unrealistic) to determine by eye where high quality is set, and where very high quality is set. Thus, unscrewing the sliders to the maximum in a number of games makes no sense. And video memory and RAM are used noticeably less.

From the list of games that at maximum (or close to them) quality settings consumed the most RAM, I chose five applications: Watch_Dogs 2, Mass Effect Andromeda, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Ghost Recon Wildlands. Using all the same NVIDIA video cards, I measured the consumption of RAM when activating the modes prepared in advance by the developers. In some games (Watch_Dogs 2 and Ghost Recon Wildlands) when you change the overall quality of the graphics, the anti-aliasing automatically changes as well. In other applications, the anti-aliasing parameter must be set separately. In fact, in Mass Effect Andromeda, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, anti-aliasing was not used at all for this part of the experiment. The results are listed in the summary table.

Green highlights areas in which a gratifying fact is recorded - when a certain graphics quality mode is activated, games consume less than 8 GB of RAM. The table clearly shows that setting the parameters "High" and "Medium" is suitable for video cards with video memory of 4 GB or less, for graphics adapters with 6+ GB GDDR5 - even more so.

There is also a noticeable drop in RAM consumption in Rise of the Tomb Raider when using the 3 GB version of the GeForce GTX 1060. We see a logical confirmation of the fact that when using the "High" picture quality mode, the game requires less video memory than at "maximum speeds".

Of course, the consumption of video RAM and system memory also affects the disabling of anti-aliasing, which should eliminate irregularities (ladders) along the edges of objects. Anti-aliasing is one of the parameters that is critical to the amount of video memory. Therefore, in a gaming system with 8 GB of RAM and a graphics accelerator with 2, 3 or 4 GB of video memory, it makes sense to turn off anti-aliasing or use "easy" modes, if such are supported by the application.

Textures are the second parameter that is critical to the amount of video memory, and, consequently, RAM. The use of low-resolution textures significantly spoils the image, but at the same time, there is not much difference between the "High" and "Very high" modes in Rise of the Tomb Raider (in other games, too). Therefore, if there is not enough video memory and RAM, this parameter can be sacrificed in order to achieve a comfortable frame rate.

Maximum RAM consumption (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB), MB
Texture quality
Rise of the Tomb Raider (general quality settings - maximum, but no anti-aliasing)		Watch_Dogs 2 (general quality settings - "Ultra" mode, but without anti-aliasing)		Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (general quality settings - maximum, but no anti-aliasing)
very high	11600	Ultra	11000	Ultra	11000
high	6900	high	9700	very high	9600
The average	6400	The average	8800	high	7800
Low	6200	Low	7800	The average	7100
				Low	6900
Shadows
very high	10700	HFTS	11600	very high	11000
high	10500	PCSS	11000	high	10900
The average	10300	Ultra	11000	The average	10800
Off	10300	very high	11000
		high	10400
		The average	10400
		Low	10300

There are a lot of image settings in computer games. Developers work closely with hardware manufacturers - AMD, NVIDIA and Intel, and therefore applications are replete with a different number of various options. For example, Rise of the Tomb Raider has a PureHair mode, which significantly changes the hairstyles of the characters in this game. It also uses various ambient light blocking technologies (SSAO, HBAO, HBAO+, VXAO, and so on) that darken troughs and corners, adding visual depth to them.

All these settings to some extent affect the consumption of video memory and RAM. However, not as much as anti-aliasing, shadows, and texture size.

It seems that the answer to the main question has been received: measurements of RAM consumption show that 16 GB is our everything if you plan to play with maximum graphics quality settings. On the other hand, there is evidence that even 8 GB of RAM is still enough for any modern project - you just need to reduce the image quality. Most often, it is enough to set the mode to "High" or "Medium". According to the author, the picture will still be quite acceptable level. However, it is interesting to know how typical gaming systems will behave when there is not enough RAM? The second part of the experiment is devoted to this question.

The current stage of the rapid development of computer technology and components has put users in a position of a difficult and rather controversial choice. Memory modules, as well as many other components of a PC, are experiencing a milestone of a gradual change of generations - the obsolete DDR3 has already been replaced by a more recent DDR4, but despite this state of affairs, it is these two extremes that worry the minds of consumers.

Buying an old “format” RAM module has a couple of significant advantages, especially if the consumer is not chasing high performance: relatively low cost and maximum compatibility with other system stuffing. But DDR4 memory modules are just necessary for those who want to get maximum performance from their computer and the potential for further overclocking. This is important in its own way, but the purchase can cost a pretty penny.

After analyzing the vast market of computer equipment and components, we have selected the top ten best memory modules in three thematic categories. The following parameters were taken as criteria for selecting goods and forming the final list:

• the amount of RAM of the module;
• RAM clock frequency;
• the number of positive and negative user reviews;
• the general opinion of experts and competent sources;
• balance of cost and performance.

The best DDR3 memory modules

3 Patriot Memory PV38G160C9K

10 year warranty
The country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 4 190 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.5

The RAM modules from Patriot Memory are somewhat controversial. On the one hand, we have a set of two “sticks” of 4 GB each, which are not convenient to use with all PC motherboards. And the price tag is such that you can purchase 8 GB of RAM in one module. But the bronze medalist also has a lot of advantages. The first is immediately noticeable - a metal radiator is put on top of the board for cooling. It looks good and keeps the temperature of the chips in an acceptable range, which ensures high reliability. The manufacturer is so confident in its products that it provides a 10-year warranty!

Technically, it's average. Base clock frequency 1600 MHz. Timings: 9-9-9-24. Plus, the memory modules support XMP and can be slightly accelerated, which is confirmed by users in the reviews.

Advantages:

• There are radiators of the cooling system.
• High reliability. 10 year warranty.
• Virtually no errors, high stability.
• XMP support.

Disadvantages:

• The radiator is too high - the module can rest against the processor cooler.

2 Hynix DDR3 1600 DIMM 8Gb

The most affordable memory module
Country: South Korea
Average price: 3 550 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.6

Before us is one of the cheapest "RAM". And this is the main advantage of Hynix. For only 3.5 thousand rubles (and sometimes cheaper) you can purchase an 8 GB module. Such a price tag is due to the absence of "extra" bells and whistles, such as cooling radiators and some technologies that are of interest only to enthusiasts. However, according to user reviews, the memory overclocks perfectly. Stable operation is guaranteed at 1600 MHz with 9-9-9-24 timings. High speed is also possible, but in this case errors occur periodically.

Note that there are reports of the fragility of these modules. However, such cases are extremely rare, which indicates only a small percentage of defects, and not systematic problems in production.

Advantages:

• Excellent value for money.
• Overclocking capability.

Disadvantages:

• You may have a defective memory module.

1 Kingston HX318C10F*/8

Best Standard Clock (1860 MHz)
The country: USA (Made in China)
Average price: 4 470 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.8

The manufacturability of this device is beyond doubt - Kingston can do really high-quality things. Another thing is that the model itself belongs to the category of obsolete modules, and it is no longer possible to apply it on new generation platforms.

Regarding the technical characteristics of the Kingston HX318C10F*/8, there is no need to say much - this is a superbly balanced module with a pleasant, aesthetic appearance, which responds well to overclocking (albeit not the most "forcing"). Its nominal clock frequency is 1866 MHz, however, in the case of overclocking, it can increase by an average of 30 percent. A noticeable role in this was played by somewhat non-standard timings, which made it possible to achieve forcing due to a single increase in voltage.

Advantages:

• an abundance of color options for radiators;
• good cooling capacity;
• the ability to overclock the card and increase the clock frequency;
• optimal performance (8 GB of memory and 1866 MHz nominal frequency).

Disadvantages:

• not detected.

Best Notebook Memory (SODIMM Form Factor) Type DDR3L and DDR4

3 Kingston HX316LS9IBK2/16

Stylish appearance and 16 GB of memory
The country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 8 933 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.6

Regarding this kit, users have had exceptionally good impressions, and numerous reviews fully prove this. Undervoltage memory modules deliver the same clock speeds as full-fledged DDR3 models - in this case, we are talking about the nominal 1600 MHz. Together with 16 GB (two modules of 8 GB each), the Kingston HX316LS9IBK2/16 RAM becomes a priority choice not only for the complete replacement of failed, but even serviceable standard modules. Timings are standard, minimal, but optimally complement other characteristics. It is not known for certain how high the susceptibility of the modules (and whether there is any at all) to overclocking, however, even at the nominal values ​​of the parameters, they show themselves worthy.

Advantages:

• the kit includes two memory modules;
• good technical characteristics;
• minimum timings;
• good (aesthetic) appearance.

Disadvantages:

• not identified.

2 Crucial CT102464BF160B

The most favorable price
The country: USA (Made in China)
Average price: 4 125 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.7

Compared to the other two competitors, the Crucial model is of interest to users a little more. One of the reasons is a more affordable amount of memory. 16 GB is required only by very demanding users and many simply do not want to overpay for it. Crucial's big profits are made by owners of "apple" technologies, namely MacBooks of various generations.

As for the main characteristics, the Crucial CT102464BF160B has 8 GB of memory and delivers up to 1600 MHz frequencies at a voltage of 1.35 V. It has no “chips” in terms of design, so you can safely slap a “minus” on the aesthetics of the device. But still, the main purpose of the memory module is a purely technical inclination, so aesthetics can be left out of the evaluation category.

Advantages:

• extreme interest in the module among users;
• compatible with many MacBook models;
• optimal technical parameters at low timings.

Disadvantages:

• not found.

1 Kingston KVR26S19D8/16

The largest volume and speed of work
The country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 10 782 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.8

Finally, the second representative of Kingston becomes the category leader. But if the previous participant belonged to the DDR3L type, then the leader is more modern - this is DDR4 memory. Attention is immediately attracted by the volume - 16 GB. Moreover, all the memory fit in one module. Compared to the competition, the timings seem incredibly high. For example, CL = 19, versus 9-11 DDR3L memory. But this indicator is more than offset by a very high frequency of operation - 2666 MHz. Finishing with the technical data, we note a very low voltage - only 1.2 V - an excellent indicator for use in a laptop.

There are no data on overclocking, however, the factory indicators are more than enough for the daily work of most users. In addition, the module is not equipped with a cooling radiator, which means that overclocking can adversely affect reliability and durability.

Advantages:

• Large amount of memory.
• High speed.
• Low power consumption.

Disadvantages:

• Not found.

The best DDR4 memory modules

4 Samsung DDR4 2400 DIMM 8Gb

Best price
Country: South Korea
Average price: 5 802 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.6

The category opens with a modest, against the background of competitors, model from the notorious Samsung company. All subsequent participants provide 16 GB of memory, against 8 GB for Samsung. A more modest volume had a very positive effect on the cost. At the same time, for most users, this amount of memory will be enough. Also note the absence of cooling radiators. It looks simple, but judging by the user reviews, the heating is low even without them.

On the technical side, everything is fine. From the factory, the memory runs at a frequency of 2400 MHz with timings of 17-17-17-36. After a little "witchcraft", you can either raise the frequency up to 3500 MHz (stable operation is provided at 3200 MHz), or significantly reduce the timings - to 13-13-13-28. And all the results at a voltage not higher than 1.3 V! In general, a great model for those who are not afraid of overclocking and want to save money.

Advantages:

• Budget price.
• Good overclocking potential.
• High reliability.

Disadvantages:

• There is no cooling radiator. Simple appearance.

3 Kingston HX424C15F*2K2/16

Great price for 16 GB of memory
The country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 10 490 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.6

Another representative of Kingston has proven its worth more than once, but it did not reach the rank of memory modules for top systems quite a bit. Let's make a reservation: this does not mean at all that Kingston HX424C15F * 2K2 / 16 cannot be installed on a computer with Core i9 or Ryzen processors, but there are a couple of more worthy candidates for this.

The indisputable advantage of the "pack" of these modules is the cost - albeit not by much, but they are cheaper than their nearest (and subsequent) competitors. 2400 MHz of the nominal frequency lends itself to decent overclocking, but the device is not sharpened to work in this mode on an ongoing basis. Regarding the appearance of Kingston, as before, there are no complaints - the radiator gives the module an aggressive look, which (with an advantageous configuration of sockets) will complement any "open" system unit.

Advantages:

• high quality modules;
• 2400 MHz frequencies with the possibility of overclocking;
• reduced supply voltage (1.2 V).

Disadvantages:

• insufficiently low timings.

2 Corsair CMK16GX4M1A2400C16

The largest amount of memory per module (16 GB)
The country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 10 250 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.8

Corsair is known as a manufacturer of components for gaming computers. This RAM is no exception. The module is covered with a black cooling radiator of small height (total height of the module is 31 mm) with a minimum of inscriptions - it will look great in an open bench or case with a large window. And the temperatures during operation are kept in a more comfortable range. A distinctive feature of the silver medalist is the amount of memory per module - 16 GB. This allows you to assemble a powerful system even with a small number of slots for RAM.

Technical characteristics do not lag behind appearance. The base clock frequency is 2400 MHz with timings of 16-16-16-39 and a voltage of 1.2 V. There are no exact data on overclocking numbers, but XMP support and entry into the overclocker series speak for themselves - this memory can definitely show much higher speed.

Advantages:

• Minimalistic, high-quality, low-profile cooling radiator.
• Excellent overclocking support.
• Large amount of memory per module.

Disadvantages:

• Not identified.

1 Patriot Memory PV416G320C6K

Best rated clock speed (3200 MHz)
The country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 11 940 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.9

The emergence of a new generation of processors from AMD called Ryzen in a matter of time turned the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe true power of personal computers. In order to meet such a high level, Patriot has released a top-end single-rank memory module Patriot Memory PV416G320C6K. The device was based on chips from Samsung called D-Die, thanks to which it was possible to achieve a serious clock frequency of 3200 MHz. If desired, memory modules can be overclocked to higher values ​​by raising the voltage to 1.4-1.45 V.

An original step was to equip the module with a removable radiator comb, the position of which on the diagram can be varied. This opens up an additional set of options for users - to be more precise, the possibility of placing modules under overall coolers.

Advantages:

• 3200 MHz nominal clock frequency (overclockable);
• feature in the form of a removable radiator comb;
• two boards included.

Disadvantages:

• the availability of two versions of modules with 4 GB and 8 GB of memory (two- and one-rank architecture), respectively.

How to choose the best RAM

The link between the CPU and the hard drive, enabling instantaneous transfer of data from one component to another, is a key element of any system. Therefore, when choosing on your own, we recommend paying attention to a number of the most important parameters:

1. Memory type. A very important aspect that characterizes the degree of compatibility of the module with the computer motherboard. At the moment, two types of memory are common: DDR3 is gradually disappearing from sale and is only suitable for upgrading an old PC; for building / buying a new computer, DDR4 memory is more suitable.
2. Memory. In modern conditions, the minimum level of memory should be at least 4 GB. For gaming needs, a storage device of 8 GB is suitable, and for those who work with programs for 3D modeling, graphics and clip-making, 16 GB. Also, do not forget that the motherboard, as a rule, has one or more free slots for additional modules, which, in case of a shortage of RAM, can always be filled.
3. Clock frequency. A key parameter that determines the speed of transmitting and receiving data from the motherboard. The higher the frequency, the more productive the computer.
4. Timing. A parameter that determines the response time of RAM to a request from the central processor. The lower the timing value, the higher the overall performance of the personal computer.
5. XMP. This is a profile responsible for the possibility of overclocking RAM. If the motherboard has XMP support, then by changing the parameters through the BIOS, you can improve the timing of the module, thereby affecting performance.
6. Form Factor On modern personal computers, DIMM form factor modules are most often installed, and on laptops - SODIMM. Other versions are not used in personal technology of the current generation.
7. Supply voltage. Another key rank parameter that determines the ability of RAM to work in the nominal and specified mode. It is very important that the power supply voltage is supported by the motherboard, as an excessive value may cause the system to fail.
8. The presence of a radiator. An element designed to remove heat from microcircuits. As a rule, it is installed on high-frequency high-performance modules, which are characterized by high cost.