Check out our RAM hierarchy for benchmarks. But the number of extra frames you get with faster RAM will vary significantly from game to game. In games, that means higher frame rates at mainstream resolutions like 1080p (1920 x 1080) and a smoother performance at higher resolutions. Increased memory speeds on AMD Ryzen-and Threadripper-based platforms often translate to real-world performance gains. For example, file compression programs love fast memory.ĪMD’s Zen-powered processors benefit more from higher memory frequencies, which you can read about in detail here. On the other hand, some workloads will scale well with higher data rates, including some games and software. For example, if you’re running an Intel system with one of the best graphics cards, most programs won’t respond meaningfully to faster or slower system memory. The hard part is evaluating whether faster memory improves your system’s performance.
Whether you’re building a new PC or upgrading an existing system that was once one of the best gaming PCs but now struggles to tackle today’s games, the best RAM kit for your money depends on the platform you pick and the workloads you plan to run.