16 GB RAM

The 16 GB desktop modules here are single sticks, mostly DDR5. They run from the G.Skill Ripjaws S5 and Corsair Vengeance at 5200 MHz CL40, through the Aegis 5 at 5600 MHz CL36, to 6000 MHz parts such as the Trident Z5 Neo RGB at CL30 and the Corsair Vengeance RGB at CL38. For older builds, the G.Skill Aegis and Ripjaws V are DDR4 at 3200 MHz CL16. G.Skill and Corsair cover them with a 10 year warranty.

Start with the memory type your motherboard takes. DDR5 and DDR4 slots are keyed differently, so neither fits the other. For an AMD AM5 build, 6000 MHz with an AMD EXPO profile is the usual match, and those sticks are on the 6000 MHz page. The Flare X5 and Trident Z5 Neo are tuned for EXPO. The Corsair Vengeance 5200 and 5600 MHz sticks and the Ripjaws 5600 MHz carry Intel XMP only. All of these are full-size desktop DIMMs. Laptops need SO-DIMM modules, which are not on this page. The DDR5 sticks and the G.Skill modules each have their own page.

Frequently asked questions

Should I buy one 16 GB stick or two? One stick runs in single channel. Two matching sticks give dual channel and 32 GB in total, which helps in games and multitasking.

Will an AMD EXPO stick work on an Intel board? It boots at the standard JEDEC speed. The rated speed may need manual setting, so the XMP-labelled sticks are simpler for Intel builds.

Can DDR5 go into a DDR4 motherboard? No. The slots are keyed differently, so buy the type your board supports.