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Best DDR3 RAM in 2022

Five RAM Modules that Prove DDR3 Is Alive and Well
Last Updated on August 19, 2022
best ddr3 ram

The age of DDR5 may be dawning, but most of us are happy enough with our DDR3 setups. Even so, just to ensure our builds are primed for the future of gaming, there’s no reason we can’t upgrade our RAM within the context of the DDR3 format.

The only problem you face is deciphering which DDR3 Ram sticks do actually offer higher system performance. You’d be forgiven for thinking they’re all alike because in many ways, they are. The only way you can really find your answers is to engage in hours of monotonous testing or reading through pages of other people’s test results.

Not to worry though, DDR3 fam! We’ve done all the tedious stuff for you and rounded up five of the best DDR3 designs in the business. Load up your motherboard with some of these bad boys and you’ll see an instant refinement in system efficiency.

Products at a Glance

Our Recommended

Best DDR3 RAM in 2022

1
PROS
  • Anodized Aluminum Heat Spreaders - Run very cool, perfect for overclocking.
  • 9-9-9-24 Latency - Exceedingly low latency makes for an efficient system.
  • Lifetime Warranty - Buy and use with confidence.
  • Aesthetics - They look great!
CONS
  • Price - They’re quite expensive for a memory format two generations deep.
  • Size - You may have trouble combining them with a dual-tower CPU cooler.
2
PROS
  • 1866MHz Clock Speed - Mega fast for DDR3.
  • Heat Spreaders - Disperse heat more efficiently than most.
  • Aesthetics - Beautifully shaped and available in a ton of awesome colors.
CONS
  • CAS 10 - Higher latency than our top pick.
  • Color Scarcity - your favorite color may be hard to source.
3
PROS
  • Price - Easier on the old wallet than our top two.
  • CAS 9 Latency - Swift performance.
  • Low Profile - Pair well with a smaller case or larger CPU cooler.
CONS
  • 8GB Capacity - Fine for gaming, but 16GB is thought of as the standard.
  • Gold Finish - These are loud sticks...visually speaking.
4
PROS
  • 16GB Capacity - This is all most will ever need.
  • CAS 9 - Low latency means faster data transfer.
  • Low Profile - Will fit in a densely populated case ecosystem.
CONS
  • Small Heat Spreader - Won’t cope well with extreme overclocks.
  • Price - It’s a premium product and is priced accordingly.
5
PROS
  • Price - Snatch one up for a fraction of the cost of our other picks.
  • Capacity - 8GB is enough for most games.
  • Brand Reliability - Patriot is renowned for their quality components.
CONS
  • No Heat Spreader - It’s best to avoid overclocking.
  • CAS 11 Latency - Not as fast as most other DDR3 RAM.

Which DDR3 RAM is Best?

Featuring lofty clock speeds, a great visual design, and unparalleled heat spreading technology, the Corsair Vengeance Pro is objectively the best DDR3 RAM you can buy. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best RAM for you and your build. You may be able to get by just fine with something more affordable.

What is the Fastest DDR3 RAM?

The highest tier DDR3 RAM can run at speeds up to 3000Mhz, but the fastest ever recorded DDR3 clock speed was attained by professional overclocker, James Trevaskis, who managed to push a 4GB DDR3 – 3000Mhz G.Skill stick to 4404MHz.

Is DDR3 RAM Still Good in 2021?

DDR3 RAM is still great in this day and age. The real-world performative differences between DDR3 and 4 just aren’t all that significant for gamers, but if you’re a content creator, we do suggest that you make the upgrade.

Can I Use 1333 and 1600 RAM Together?

The good news is, yes, you can use RAM with different clock speeds together. The bad news is that your system will run them both at the rate of the lower-spec stick. So in this scenario, you may have combined 1333 and 1600MHz sticks, but they’ll perform as two 1333MHz sticks.

Can I Replace DDR3 with DDR4 RAM?

Generally speaking, no, you cannot do a straight trade from DDR3 to DDR4 RAM. They’re made with a different number of pins and are slightly different sizes. You shouldn’t even be able to fit a DDR4 module into a DDR3 expansion slot.

Is 1600MHz RAM Slow?

1600MHZ RAM isn’t exactly lightning-fast in today’s climate, but it’s still pretty quick RAM clock speed capable of supporting most gaming styles.

Is DDR3 Faster than DDR4?

There’s quite a bit of confusion on this front, but no, DDR3 isn’t as fast as DDR4. The myth arises from the fact that DDR3 has a lower CAS latency, but that small CAS difference is completely eclipsed by DDR4’s epic clock speeds.

Why is DDR3 RAM Still So Expensive?

DDR3 RAM has held its price incredibly well for a number of reasons, the main one being scarcity. It’s just not mass-produced anymore.

Our Verdict

So, what did you think of our list, folks? There’s a little of something in there for everyone, no matter what sort of system you’re dreaming up.

If you’ve got the cash, we highly recommend choosing the Corsair Vengeance Pro. Even though DDR5 is rearing its beautiful head, the DDR3 Pro offers a certain degree of future proofing. It may be expensive, but it will stave off a pricey system overhaul the longest.

The Kingston Fury is relatively similar to the Pro, so if you prefer the way it looks, there’s no reason not to choose it instead, or alternatively, the Vengeance LP is a shoo-in for an SFF build.

The Ares is a decidedly mid-range option; however, it will support a gaming build without breaking a sweat, but if pure value for money is your priority, the Patriot Signature is undoubtedly the way forward.