Intel Enthusiast Gaming Build: RAM
While all of the components we are selecting here today are what we would go with, and priced from vendors we trust, it is always a good idea to shop around as deals on these, or other good options, pop up from other reliable vendors all the time. With that said, let’s dive right into the next order of business.
RAM
G.Skill TridentZ Royal Series 16GB(F4-3200C14D-16GTRG) $154.99
60 FPS
- Speedy And Tight Timings
- Good Track Record With Overclocking
- Blingy
30 FPS
- Other Options Will Give Same Performance
- Not On Vendor Qualified Hardware List For Motherboard
- Blingy
RAM Alternate
G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (F4-3200C14D-16GVK) $99.99
60 FPS
- Specifically Designed For CPU Cooler Compatibility
- Speedy And Tight Timings
- No RGB
30 FPS
- Not Quite As Overclocking Friendly As Other Options
- No RGB
- Not On Vendor Qualified Hardware List For Motherboard
Back in the bad old days, RAM compatibility was a nightmare. Then, for a while, things smoothed out a good bit (unless you had a DFI board). These days, Samsung B-die chips have proved to be the go-to option for AMD systems and even with our Intel-based systems, they have performed well. So, today our pick for memory reflects the reputation that Samsung has earned as we pick the G.Skill TridentZ Royal Series F4-3200C14D-16GTRG which is widely reported as having Samsung B-die chips and providing good compatibility, performance, and has a bit of overclocking room making it a good choice for our target system. It is on the blingy side though, so if that isn’t your thing then “this isn’t the RAM you are looking for”.
If you are less likely to be overclocking then stepping back to the G.Skill Ripjaws V Series F4-3200C14D-16GVK will save you a few dollars, but it will still give you excellent performance. The speeds seen here are about bang on the more expensive option but overclocking these seems to be a bit less fruitful. On top of that, if you aren’t into the whole RGB thing then this selection tones that down a little. However, the bling factor is not completely gone as this is from the Ripjaws line so you still get that very distinct look that G.Skill has used for some time.