1. How many GB do you need?

16 GBCurrent minimum for gaming and general use. It works, but with little headroom.
32 GBThe sweet spot in 2026: recent games, Discord, browser and streaming without limits.
64 GB4K video editing, 3D rendering, virtual machines.
8 GBOnly for light office work. Avoid in a new PC.

2. DDR4 or DDR5?

It is not a free choice: it depends on the motherboard. AMD AM5 and the latest Intel platforms use DDR5; AM4 and many older Intel boards use DDR4. The two types are not compatible with each other.

In a new PC, DDR5 is the natural choice. DDR4 still makes sense for upgrades of AM4 machines or when the budget is very tight.

3. Frequency and latency

Frequency (MT/s) says how many operations the memory performs; latency (CL) says how long it takes to respond. Recommended balanced values:

  • DDR5: 6000 MT/s CL30 to CL36 is the sweet spot, especially for Ryzen 7000/9000.
  • DDR4: 3200 MT/s CL16 or 3600 MT/s CL18.

Enable the XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD) profile in the BIOS: without it, the memory runs at a lower speed than advertised.

4. Always use two modules (dual channel)

Two 16 GB modules are faster than a single 32 GB one, because the board uses two channels in parallel. On most motherboards, install them in the 2nd and 4th slots (check the manual).

5. Common mistakes

  • Mixing different kits: may force a lower speed or cause instability.
  • Buying 4 modules unnecessarily: it is harder to reach high speeds.
  • Paying a lot for RGB or extreme frequencies: the gain in games is small.
Summary: 32 GB of DDR5 6000 CL30–36 in two modules is the right choice for almost every new PC. Compare memory →