What is RAM

The initials stand for Random Access Memory and it is essentially a memory that supports the functions of your processor by temporarily storing information that is useful for its tasks. 

The difference with your hard drive is that its storage works only while your PC or laptop is powered on, therefore it does not serve as a means of permanent data storage.

Depending on the capacity and the speed at which it can receive and transmit information, we have different types and models for almost every budget.

So let's take a look at the most important features you need to know to choose your next RAM!

First and most important: Compatibility with Motherboard & CPU

Imagine you’ve found the perfect RAM for your PC and then discover that it can’t work with the rest of your hardware. Disaster!

So, to avoid this admittedly unpleasant situation, you need to make sure that the type of RAM you choose is compatible with your CPU and your Motherboard. 

Let’s see how!

RAM type

The type of RAM is characterized by the initials DDR followed by the generation number. 

Specifically, we have

DDR3: Older technology that offers the lowest performance. It is now outdated and we do not recommend it for any use, unless it concerns a very old PC that is not compatible with any of the following

DDR4: The most widespread generation, offering satisfactory performance at an affordable price

DDR5: The newest technology, offering the highest performance but with a larger budget

And now the key point...

You need to choose a RAM type that is supported by both your Motherboard and your CPU!

For convenience, the table below shows the Motherboard (chipset) and CPU (generation), from Intel and AMD respectively, that support DDR4 or DDR5. 

If you don’t know enough about chipsets or CPUs, you can read the Motherboard buying guide as well as the Processor buying guide.

You’ll see that in some cases, there is compatibility for both DDR4 and DDR5. In this scenario, you’ll need to decide whether it’s worth investing in the newer technology, something we’ll look at next.

DDR4 vs DDR5

In case your existing hardware allows you to choose between types of RAM, we would recommend going for the newer generation 5, as beyond the noticeable difference in performance, you will be able to make your PC future proof for the coming years.

Now, if you want to spend the least possible budget, a type 4 RAM will serve you more than satisfactorily and there is no reason to avoid it.

However, beyond the generation, there are many other factors that affect the performance of RAM. 

Let's take a look at them!

Capacity

One of the top specs you need to pay attention to, because if you choose wrong, you may either get lower performance than ideal or spend money on unused capabilities.

One note: RAM should always be used in pairs, either 2 or 4, because, to put it simply, you gain much greater performance by using 2 x 8GB instead of 1 x 16GB. 

Therefore, all the capacity recommendations you will see refer to the total of the 2 memories together.

So we have:

8GB: This is the minimum for a modern PC and is recommended only if you just want to browse or do simple tasks in Microsoft Office

16GB: A good price/performance balance and recommended for everyday basic multitasking and casual gaming of less demanding games

32GB: Choose it only if you often play very demanding games, or if you do video editing as a hobby

64GB: For those who want to go all the way and are a PC Enthousiast, or are a professional video editor looking for the highest possible performance

Skroutz Tip: You will see that RAM memory modules are sold not only individually, but also in sets of 2 or 4. This happens because you can use 4 RAM sticks together for even greater performance. As long as your motherboard has quad memory channels, which you can check on the manufacturer's page.

Frequency

It is the speed at which information can be received and transmitted within a second and is measured in MT/s (MegaTransfers / second) or MHz (Megahertz) and is always listed next to the DDR memory type. For example, DDR4 3600.

The larger the number, the faster the memory will perform, with the types showing differences since the newer the type, the higher transmission speeds it can achieve. Specifically:

• DDR4 ranges from 2133 to 4800
• DDR5 starts from 4800 and goes above 8400

Skroutz Tip: Differences of 100 - 200 MT/s are not very noticeable, so you can save your money to get another component for your build.

However, this does not mean you simply go and buy the fastest one, as, like with the type, it needs to be supported by your motherboard and processor.

CAS Latency

The exact opposite of RAM speed, as the initials CAS (Column Address Strobe) indicate the delay between RAM and CPU communication. You will see it appear in the form CLX where X is the delay time, such as CL16.

Keep the rule that the lower it is between 2 models you compare, the better.

Skroutz Tip: You may notice that the newer DDR5 type, while faster, shows a greater CAS Latency compared to older ones.

Size

Finally, depending on whether you want to use the RAM in a desktop or laptop, you will need to choose the appropriate size, as memory intended for a PC will not fit in the laptop's casing.

The form factor used by RAM for desktop PCs is DIMM (dual in-line memory module), while for laptops it is SO-DIMM (small outline dual in-line memory module).

These are the most important pieces of information you need to know to make the best possible choice.

We hope you found the above guide useful!

What to Buy in 2026

For AMD Ryzen (Socket AM5)

• Ideal Kit: 32GB (2x16GB) or 48GB (2x24GB)

• Speed: 6000MHz

• Latency: CL30 or CL32

• Why: This is the "1:1 ratio" with the processor's Infinity Fabric. Anything higher (e.g. 7200MHz) may reduce performance instead of increasing it.

For Intel Core (14th Gen / Core Ultra)

• Ideal Kit: 32GB (2x16GB) or 48GB (2x24GB)

• Speed: 6400MHz to 7200MHz (or even 8000+ MHz for High-end Z890 motherboards)

• Latency: CL32 or CL34

• New Technology: Look for CUDIMM modules if you are building a high-end system, as they have their own clock driver for maximum stability at extreme speeds.