RAM & Memory

DDR4 and DDR5 Modules from Kingston, Crucial, Corsair, and HPE

RAM upgrades deliver the fastest path to better multitasking, smoother editing timelines, and responsive virtual machines. DDR4 and DDR5 modules from Kingston, Micron/Crucial, Corsair, and HPE cover desktop DIMM, laptop SO-DIMM, and server ECC/RDIMM form factors across every speed tier and capacity. Browse all component categories in the full PC Components collection.

RAM & Memory for Every Use Case

• Desktop gaming builds — DDR5-6000 and DDR5-6400 kits from Corsair and Kingston with low CAS latency for maximum frame rates on AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1700/1851 platforms
• Laptop and notebook upgrades — SO-DIMM DDR4 and DDR5 modules from Crucial and Kingston add capacity and speed to upgradeable business and consumer laptops
• Video editing and content creation — 32 GB and 64 GB kits provide enough headroom for 4K timeline scrubbing, After Effects compositions, and large Photoshop files
• Server and virtualization environments — ECC and registered DDR4/DDR5 modules from HPE and Kingston ensure data integrity and stability for mission-critical workloads
• Budget office upgrades — affordable DDR4-3200 modules from Crucial and Kingston extend the useful life of older desktops and laptops by adding capacity

Choosing the Right RAM

Three specifications define a memory purchase: generation (DDR4 or DDR5), speed (measured in MT/s or MHz), and capacity (measured in GB). DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and lower power consumption than DDR4 but requires a DDR5-compatible motherboard, as the two generations are physically incompatible. Within each generation, higher speed ratings improve bandwidth for memory-intensive tasks. Capacity depends on workload: 16 GB suits most gaming and office use, 32 GB benefits content creators and multitaskers, and 64 GB or more serves video editors, virtual machine hosts, and server environments.

XMP, EXPO, and Memory Overclocking

Most performance RAM ships at speeds above the platform's default JEDEC specification. Intel XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) and AMD EXPO (Extended Profiles for Overclocking) are one-click BIOS settings that enable the kit's rated speed automatically. Without enabling XMP or EXPO, DDR5 modules will run at the default JEDEC speed (typically DDR5-4800), leaving significant performance on the table. Both profiles are validated by the memory manufacturer for stability, making them functionally a supported configuration rather than a risky overclock.

Complete Your Build

• Motherboards — DDR4 or DDR5 compatibility and DIMM slot count
• Processors — CPU memory controller determines supported speed and capacity
• Storage — SSDs and HDDs for permanent data storage alongside RAM
• Computer Cases — verify RAM height clearance under CPU coolers
• Cooling & Fans — check cooler compatibility with tall RGB RAM heatspreaders