DIMM (Desktop)
DIMM RAM for Desktop Computers
858 modules from Kingston, G.Skill, Patriot, GoodRam, Samsung, Micron, Silicon Power and PNY. The upgrade that fixes the stalls when you have many things open at once.
- Kingston 264 · G.Skill 205 · Patriot 80 · GoodRam 65 · Samsung, Micron, Silicon Power, Afox, PNY, Synology
- DDR5 and DDR4 — not compatible with each other
- Single modules and kits for dual-channel operation
- The warranty is stated separately on each product
DDR4 or DDR5 first?
You do not choose — your motherboard decides. The two types have a different notch, a different voltage and will not fit in each other’s slots. AM5 platforms and newer Intel boards use DDR5; AM4 and earlier Intel generations use DDR4.
If you are upgrading an existing system, look at what is already installed or what the board manual states. If you are building new, the question is settled along with the motherboard and processor.
Always in pairs
Current platforms run in dual channel: two modules share the work and effectively double the bandwidth. Two 8GB modules are noticeably faster than one 16GB module, even though the total capacity is the same.
So whenever possible, buy a kit of two rather than two separate modules: the modules in one kit are tested to work together. And if the board has four slots, the manual states which two to use — usually not the first two.
How much memory and how fast
16GB — comfortable for office work, browsing and gaming. The balance point for most people.
32GB — for video editing, virtual machines, many tabs and heavy applications at once.
64GB and above — professional use, 3D rendering, large datasets.
On speed: memory is sold with a rated frequency reached through a BIOS profile. Without enabling that profile the memory runs at the platform’s base speed — one click that many people forget, losing performance they have already paid for.
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Frequently asked questions about memory
- DDR4 or DDR5?
- Whatever your motherboard accepts. They are not interchangeable: different notch, different voltage, different slot.
- One 16GB module or two 8GB?
- Two 8GB, because they enable dual channel and perform noticeably better at the same total capacity.
- Can I add memory to what I already have?
- Yes, but ideally of the same type and speed. Modules with different specifications usually run at the speed of the slowest, and can sometimes cause instability.
- Why does my memory not run at its rated speed?
- Because the relevant profile has not been enabled in the BIOS. Without it the memory runs at the platform base speed.
- How much memory do I need for gaming?
- 16GB comfortably covers current games. 32GB makes sense if you also stream or work with heavy applications.
Two modules instead of one, the correct slots, and enabling the BIOS profile — three things that cost nothing and make all the difference. For laptops, see the SO-DIMM range.