Buying Guide
The Best DDR4 Ram for PC
We weighed five memory kits on CAS latency and rated speed; the Ripjaws V White has the fastest rated speed, and the Signature Line costs the least.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
DDR4 memory suits AM4 and older Intel boards. Every pick is a DDR4 kit.
We ranked these memory kits on CAS latency, rated speed and capacity using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these memory kits ourselves, and where a maker leaves out CAS latency, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Patriot Signature Line 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200The lowest price among these memory kits at the time of writing.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4.
Check price for Patriot Signature Line 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
TEAMGROUP Elite 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 CL22A 1.2V standard-voltage module.
Best for: Buyers who want 1.2V standard-voltage module.
Check price for TEAMGROUP Elite 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 CL22 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
PNY 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Low ProfileA low-profile design.
Best for: Buyers who want low-profile design.
Check price for PNY 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Low Profile on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3200 CL16Timings of 16-20-20-38.
Best for: Buyers who want timings of 16-20-20-38.
Check price for CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Rated Speed
G.SKILL Ripjaws V 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 WhiteThe fastest rated speed here (3600MT/s).
Best for: Buyers who put rated speed first.
Check price for G.SKILL Ripjaws V 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Patriot Signature Line 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200
Patriot Signature Line lists DDR4-3200 at the lowest price among the kits here.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4.
Skip if
- The maker gives no CAS latency, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
On rated speed it ties with the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4, the PNY Low Profile and the Vengeance LPX 32GB at 3200MT/s. It matches the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 on capacity (16GB (2 sticks)). It also offers a plain module without a heatspreader and 16GB as two 8GB modules for dual-channel.
Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR4 kit, so it fits AM4 boards and LGA1700 boards sold in DDR4 versions; it does not fit AM5, LGA1851 or any DDR5 board. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 was the next step up.
Key specs
- Rated speed
- 3200MT/s
- Capacity
- 16GB (2 sticks)
- Memory type
- DDR4
Pros
- Plain module without a heatspreader
- The lowest price among the kits here
- 16GB as two 8GB modules for dual-channel
- The lowest price among these memory kits at the time of writing
Cons
- No published CAS latency
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed CAS latency should compare it with the PNY Low Profile, which offers CL16.
Also Consider2 of 5
TEAMGROUP Elite 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 CL22
What the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 brings to the table is a 1.2V standard-voltage module, plus a fallback to 2933 or 2666MT/s on older boards.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1.2V standard-voltage module.
Skip if
- Skip it if CAS latency matters most to you; the PNY Low Profile offers CL16.
Why we like it
It also offers a CL22 CAS latency and offers a 3200MT/s rated speed. Its CL22 CAS latency is the loosest in this group; the PNY Low Profile leads at CL16. It matches the Signature Line, the PNY Low Profile and the Vengeance LPX 32GB on rated speed (3200MT/s).
On capacity it ties with the Signature Line at 16GB (2 sticks). Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR4 kit, so it fits AM4 boards and LGA1700 boards sold in DDR4 versions; it does not fit AM5, LGA1851 or any DDR5 board. It was priced above the Signature Line and below the PNY Low Profile at the time of writing.
Key specs
- CAS latency
- CL22
- Rated speed
- 3200MT/s
- Capacity
- 16GB (2 sticks)
- Voltage
- 1.2V
- Memory type
- DDR4
Pros
- Tight CL22 timings
- 1.2V standard-voltage module
- Fallback to 2933 or 2666MT/s on older boards
Cons
- CAS latency trails the PNY Low Profile (CL16)
- Capacity trails the PNY Low Profile (32GB (2 sticks))
- Costs more than the Signature Line at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on CAS latency, where the PNY Low Profile offers CL16.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
PNY 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Low Profile
The PNY Low Profile stands out for a low-profile design.
Best for
- Buyers who want low-profile design.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Signature Line, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also offers a CL16 CAS latency and offers a 3200MT/s rated speed. On CAS latency it ties with the Vengeance LPX 32GB at CL16. On rated speed it ties with the Signature Line, the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 and the Vengeance LPX 32GB at 3200MT/s.
It matches the Vengeance LPX 32GB and the Ripjaws V White on capacity (32GB (2 sticks)). Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR4 kit, so it fits AM4 boards and LGA1700 boards sold in DDR4 versions; it does not fit AM5, LGA1851 or any DDR5 board. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 and the pricier Vengeance LPX 32GB, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- CAS latency
- CL16
- Rated speed
- 3200MT/s
- Capacity
- 32GB (2 sticks)
- Low profile
- Yes
- Memory type
- DDR4
Pros
- Tight CL16 timings
- Low-profile heatspreader that clears large air coolers
- Low-profile design
- Capacity of 32GB (2 sticks), ahead of the Signature Line
Cons
- Costs more than the Signature Line at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3200 CL16
Vengeance LPX 32GB lists DDR4-3200 at CL16 in a low-profile heatspreader, a long-running default for DDR4 builds.
Best for
- Buyers who want timings of 16-20-20-38.
Skip if
- Skip it if rated speed matters most to you; the Ripjaws V White offers 3600MT/s.
Why we like it
On CAS latency it ties with the PNY Low Profile at CL16. On rated speed it ties with the Signature Line, the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 and the PNY Low Profile at 3200MT/s. It matches the PNY Low Profile and the Ripjaws V White on capacity (32GB (2 sticks)).
It also comes with timings of 16-20-20-38. Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR4 kit, so it fits AM4 boards and LGA1700 boards sold in DDR4 versions; it does not fit AM5, LGA1851 or any DDR5 board. Its price falls between the PNY Low Profile and the Ripjaws V White, based on our last check.
Key specs
- CAS latency
- CL16
- Rated speed
- 3200MT/s
- Capacity
- 32GB (2 sticks)
- Voltage
- 1.35V
- Profiles
- XMP 2.0
- Low profile
- Yes
- Memory type
- DDR4
Pros
- Tight CL16 timings
- Low-profile heatspreader that clears large air coolers
- Timings of 16-20-20-38
- Capacity of 32GB (2 sticks), ahead of the Signature Line
Cons
- Rated speed trails the Ripjaws V White (3600MT/s)
- Costs more than the Signature Line at the time of writing
The catch
If rated speed is your priority, the Ripjaws V White (3600MT/s) is the stronger choice.
Fastest Rated Speed5 of 5
G.SKILL Ripjaws V 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4-3600 CL18 White
The Ripjaws V White is built around timings of 18-22-22-42, with a white heatspreader on top.
Best for
- Buyers who put rated speed first.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Signature Line, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a CL18 CAS latency and offers a 3600MT/s rated speed. This white version of the Ripjaws V kit runs at 3600MT/s with CL18 timings once XMP is enabled. It is a non-ECC DDR4 desktop kit, and the rated speed depends on the motherboard and CPU.
The white heat spreader suits a white build. Its CL18 CAS latency ranks third of 4 here, behind the PNY Low Profile (CL16) and ahead of the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 (CL22). Its 3600MT/s rated speed is the fastest here; the Signature Line comes next at 3200MT/s.
On capacity it ties with the PNY Low Profile and the Vengeance LPX 32GB at 32GB (2 sticks). Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. Only the Vengeance LPX 32GB came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- CAS latency
- CL18
- Rated speed
- 3600MT/s
- Capacity
- 32GB (2 sticks)
- Voltage
- 1.35V
- Profiles
- XMP 2.0
- Memory type
- DDR4
- Colour
- White
Pros
- Tight CL18 timings
- Timings of 18-22-22-42
- White heatspreader
- Fastest rated speed of the picks (3600MT/s)
Cons
- Costs more than the Signature Line at the time of writing
How We Chose
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We set side by side five kits on CAS latency, rated speed, capacity and voltage from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 7 fields compared are stated for every pick, while CAS latency and voltage have gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Signature Line to the Ripjaws V White, state rated speed, capacity and memory type and share DDR4 memory type.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Signature Line gives no CAS latency; the Signature Line and the PNY Low Profile give no voltage.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Signature Line ($100 to $150) to the Ripjaws V White ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a DDR4 Ram for PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Rated speed
Here rated speed runs from 3200MT/s on the Vengeance LPX 32GB to 3600MT/s on the Ripjaws V White, a 13% spread. The Ripjaws V White is the pick for rated speed.
Capacity across these picks
Across these 5 picks capacity spans 16GB (2 sticks) (the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4) to 32GB (2 sticks) (the PNY Low Profile). Start with the PNY Low Profile if capacity decides it.
A laptop memory module installed in its SO-DIMM slot How much CAS latency you need
Across these 4 picks CAS latency spans CL22 (the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4) to CL16 (the PNY Low Profile). If CAS latency is your first filter, the PNY Low Profile sets the ceiling at CL16. The Signature Line gives no CAS latency figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Low profile
The PNY Low Profile and the Vengeance LPX 32GB have it. Sort out low profile before price: it splits 2 stated picks into groups of 2.
Extras that separate them
The PNY Low Profile: a low-profile design. The Vengeance LPX 32GB: a low-profile heatspreader. The Ripjaws V White: a white heatspreader.
How to Choose a DDR4 Ram for PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 | Signature Line | The lowest price among these memory kits at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want 1.2V standard-voltage module | TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 | A 1.2V standard-voltage module |
| Buyers who want low-profile design | PNY Low Profile | A low-profile design |
| Buyers who want timings of 16-20-20-38 | Vengeance LPX 32GB | Timings of 16-20-20-38 |
| Buyers who put rated speed first | Ripjaws V White | The fastest rated speed here (3600MT/s) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Ripjaws V White leads on rated speed at 3600MT/s, ahead of the Signature Line at 3200MT/s. "Not listed" marks CAS latency where the Signature Line leaves the figure out.
| Kit | CAS latency | Rated speed | Capacity | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signature Line | Not listed | 3200MT/s | 16GB (2 sticks) | Not listed |
| TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 | CL22 | 3200MT/s | 16GB (2 sticks) | 1.2V |
| PNY Low Profile | CL16 | 3200MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | Not listed |
| Vengeance LPX 32GB | CL16 | 3200MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | 1.35V |
| Ripjaws V White | CL18 | 3600MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | 1.35V |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The Signature Line was the lowest-priced pick ($100 to $150) and the Ripjaws V White the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Kits |
|---|---|
| About $100 to $150 | Signature Line, TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 |
| About $150 to $250 | PNY Low Profile, Vengeance LPX 32GB, Ripjaws V White |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the fastest rated speed: the Ripjaws V White or the Signature Line?
Between the top two, it is 3600MT/s on the Ripjaws V White against 3200MT/s on the Signature Line, a 13% difference.
What does the Ripjaws V White add over the Signature Line?
The spec sheets show rated speed (3600MT/s against 3200MT/s) and capacity (32GB (2 sticks) against 16GB (2 sticks)) in its favour. On our last price check the Signature Line was in the $100 to $150 tier and the Ripjaws V White in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if rated speed and capacity decide your purchase.
Why is the Ripjaws V White our Fastest Rated Speed pick?
It carries the badge for the fastest rated speed here (3600MT/s). On rated speed it leads the Signature Line, 3600MT/s against 3200MT/s, a 13% margin. The Signature Line, the cheapest pick, sat in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who puts rated speed first.
Do the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 and the Vengeance LPX 32GB differ on voltage?
The TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 uses 1.2V; the Vengeance LPX 32GB and the Ripjaws V White use 1.35V. The Signature Line and the PNY Low Profile have no voltage listed, so 3 of 5 picks are covered here.
What extras do the Signature Line and the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 include?
The Signature Line: a plain module without a heatspreader. The TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4: a 1.2V standard-voltage module. The PNY Low Profile: a low-profile design.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Signature Line, chosen for the lowest price among these memory kits at the time of writing. Look at the TEAMGROUP Elite DDR4 for a 1.2V standard-voltage module, the PNY Low Profile for a low-profile design and the Vengeance LPX 32GB for timings of 16-20-20-38 if those matter more to you.
DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable; check your board.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best DDR5 RAM for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best DDR5 RAM Kits
- Related guideThe Best DDR4 RAM Kits
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget RAM for Gaming PCs
- Similar guideThe Best DDR4 RAM for Gaming
- ExplainerHow Much RAM Do You Need?
- ExplainerRAM Speed and Timings Explained
- Check compatibility: motherboardsATX vs Micro-ATX vs Mini-ITX
- Similar guideThe Best 64GB RAM Kits
- Topic hubAll memory (ram) guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
View all articles