Strict accounting: TOP-5 optimal 16 GB DDR4 kits

Micron's products were loved by enthusiasts due to their highest quality, which was largely provided by a closed production cycle. If other brands bought memory from Micron and assembled their modules based on it, Micron did everything itself. But with the release of DDR4 memory, its position was shaken: zero technical advantages, dubious overclocking and all that. However, with the transition to a new revision of B-die memory chips, there is reason for optimism.

How justified it is will be shown by the test of the Ballistix memory kit, which is produced by the subsidiary brand Crucial. This set, which includes 2 8 GB slats, demonstrated excellent overclocking capabilities and versatility. On Intel motherboards it starts up pretty quickly (thanks to the XMP profiles), AMD will have to tinker a bit in search of the optimal combination of settings. In both cases, we managed to get a stable 3200 MHz versus the regular 2666 MHz. The main thing is to make sure that the marking of the slats ends with "6U4B", otherwise you can run into an option with old chips that are not particularly friendly with overclocking.

We came across bars with black radiators for the test, but Crucial also offers modules in red and white. The radiators left a pleasant impression, keeping the temperature normal even with serious overclocking. It is equally important that the height of both slats does not exceed 39 mm, which guarantees their compatibility with almost any, even the most massive processor cooling systems.

A set of two 8 GB G.Skill Aegis slats is named after the famous shield of the Greek gods, the Aegis symbolizes strength and power. But if we put aside the mythology, it turns out that after price adjustments, this is now one of the most affordable overclocker kits on the market, which out of the box operates at a frequency of 3000 MHz at low timings (CL16) and a standard voltage of 1.35 V.

However, overclocking here is very conditional due to the fact that the radiator is not a radiator, but an ordinary foil. In this regard, G.Skill Aegis is not very suitable for serious overclocking. Nevertheless, many managed to overclock it to 3200 MHz with standard timings and stable operation of the system. The memory ceiling, which is not recommended to abuse, is 3333 MHz. Yes, and this is too much, as it seems to us. There will be no special increase from these megahertz, but it may well fail ahead of time.

Can this be considered a minus? Definitely not, we look at the price tag and rejoice. 3000 MHz trims at the price of the most common Crucial without radiators is an excellent offer. And despite the price, it behaves adequately in operation, does not overheat (if you do not drive above 3300 MHz), does not "fall off" when the indicators change in the BIOS and generally works reliably. This has been written about more than once in reviews on Amazon and other major trading platforms. And for that kind of money, what else can I ask for?

Kingston's ValueRAM modules are now almost the cheapest branded DDR4 RAM on the market. It is cheaper to catch mainly either Chinese bars of dubious quality, or sales of leftovers at tasty prices. In the first case, this promises potential problems with performance, and in the case of discounts, they still need to be found or waited for. In the case of Kingston ValueRAM, without unnecessary gestures, you get a completely high—quality memory kit from a well-deserved brand, the main advantage of which is stable operation.

This set of two 8 GB slats is built on the basis of memory manufactured by Micron, which operates at a frequency of 2400 MHz with CL17 timings. Given that it does not have support for XMP profiles, it seems to us an perfect candidate for an Intel-based entry-level PC. The fact is that most non-overclocker motherboards on the LGA 1151 v2 socket are friends with bars with a frequency not higher than 2666 MHz. It simply makes no sense to put a fast overclocker memory at 3000 MHz or higher into it, it will still reset to 2666 MHz.

However, we could not help but try to disperse the memory. Considering the class of these slats, we decided to add a little bit. ValueRAM took the first stage calmly — the frequency increased to 2666 MHz, timings naturally increased. Great, we're moving on, we thought, and that's how it ended. When switching to 2800 MHz and increasing the voltage, it did not want to turn on. As we said, memory is not for overclocking, but rather for a work or office computer, from which no miracles of speed are required.

Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 is a series of high—frequency RAM of the American brand, which has an excellent price-to-memory ratio and a strict but interesting design.

Viper Steel DDR4 cooling radiators are made of aluminium, painted with a shiny varnish imitating weapon steel, and have a low height. Due to this, they will not interfere with the installation of most tower CPU coolers. Considering that the older memory model has a frequency of 4400 MHz and a high supply voltage of 1.45 volts, thick-walled metal radiators will be most welcome. And for younger models there will be extra room for overclocking. Usually, Samsung B-die chips, beloved by enthusiasts, are hidden under radiators, but recently Hynix variants have often come across.

Another charm of the Viper Steel line is the variety. For example, it makes no sense for owners of medium-level slats (for example, on an AMD B450 chip) to overpay for slats for hard overclocking, so there are relatively inexpensive pairs of 8 GB slats with a frequency of 3000 MHz and CL16 timings for them. At the same time, owners of overclocking boards on Intel Z390 and AMD X570 can look for an option that works out of the box at a frequency of 4400 MHz. Well, from the point of view of price and performance, the optimal option is somewhere in the middle. If we talk about overclocking, then again a lot will depend on which RAM chips are used in memory. Memory with chips from Samsung is less demanding on the customization of secondary-tertiary timings and generally accelerates easier and more efficiently.

Kingston's position in the RAM market is very strong, if we talk about the former CIS countries. And its Fury line, which now belongs to the HyperX brand, has rightfully gained a reputation as a universal set, which is recommended first of all when it comes to which memory should be chosen for gaming or professional assembly. If we talk about the optimal price-quality ratio, then one of the most interesting options will be a module labeled HX426C16FB3K2/16, which is perfect for medium and high-level assemblies. For a reason, this memory is confidently held in the top sales of every second online store.

Out of the box, the kit starts at a speed of 2666 MHz with CL16 timings. It seems to us that this is the best option, since such bars cost a little more than the simplest variants of DDR4 2133/2400 MHz. Secondly, it is this frequency that is the maximum supported by modern motherboards with chipsets without overclocking (junior Intel 300-series chipsets). Well, the most important thing is that it accelerates well, turning from a racing car. The first 2 steps (3000 and 3200 MHz) were given to them without any problems at all, and with successful layouts, you can swing at all 3466 MHz, like the older model. Thank you for this Samsung's B-die chips, enthusiasts love them for a reason.

These modules are built on Plug and Play technology. In other words, it is enough for the user to install it into the motherboard and start using it, because the timings and frequency will be set in the BIOS automatically. We are also pleased with branded black radiators, which effectively dissipate heat and do not take up extra space, interfering with the installation of a large processor cooler.