When putting up a new computer, whether for gaming or business, the random access memory (RAM) is the most critical component.
Everyone, from experienced computer users to beginners, is interested in purchasing RAM from the most reputable brand names. Why not go with a generic RAM instead of a branded one?
When looking for better performance, is it essential to choose RAM from a reputable brand?
Remember that the standard green stick RAM module will never appear as attractive as a top-of-the-line branded RAM.
Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including the Best Gaming RAM, Best RAM for Ryzen 9 3900X and Best RAM for Ryzen 7 5800X
Who wouldn’t want RAM that seems to be made with technology stolen from aliens?
RAMs with recognizable brands not only look fantastic but also function very well.
Before we go any further, let me explain why branded RAM is crucial and the factors contributing to this phenomenon. In this article, I will also discuss other related things that depend on the subject.
Therefore, read to the finish. Okay, are you ready to get started?
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Why does Ram Brand Matter?
Branded RAM consistently provides excellent performance. You will also get a solid warranty and return policy. They don’t make any concessions in testing and upholding quality assurance. The branded RAM will perform better than the nonbranded RAM in speed, CAS latency, and DRAM chip.
The price of RAM is now more stretched than a standard helium balloon. However, your only option is to invest a little bit more money to get high-performing RAM. Branded RAM will undoubtedly provide your PC with the optimum performance. Therefore, instead of purchasing a nonbranded ram, why not do so?
When your processor requires rapid access to any data to complete a job, random access memory, often known as RAM, is the computer component that temporarily stores all the data. Therefore, ram comes in handy when your PC is under a lot of stress from the workload. There are several ram businesses in the Ram market. You are mistaken if you believe that reputable companies like Corsair, Gskill, and Kingstone produce their DRAM chip for the RAM they offer.
These companies don’t make DRAM chips. The ram chip is purchased from the same supplier. Nearly 95% of the DRAM chips used by ram firms are produced by companies like Samsung, Sk Hynix, and Micron Group. Intel and AMD now dominate the CPU and GPU markets. On the other hand, the ram market is fragmented and uncountable, like the limbs of a massive tree.
You won’t get decent after-services or a generous return policy with nonbranded RAM. They don’t do the same quality control checks that reputable businesses undertake. When you purchase RAM with exact specifications, such as capacity, speed, CAS latency, etc., both branded RAM and nonbranded RAM will operate quite differently.
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I think it is clear why the brand counts when purchasing RAM.
Why Should You Choose Top Branded Ram?
You already understand why you should choose a top-named RAM if you have read the part above. Nevertheless, let me simplify things for you. The branded RAM firms are at the top of the list for several reasons.
The following reasons will make you purchase brand-name RAM sticks:
Policy on Warranties and Returns
Just consider! You recently purchased a RAM that was made by an unnamed business. After a few days, you get the dreaded blue screen of death and discover that the RAM is mostly to blame. You immediately tried to utilize the warranty or request a refund, but the vendor declined to do either.
It must be painful, huh?
After you get branded RAM, they are the areas where the firms will appreciate your issues the most. The warranty policy is excellent, and they will quickly fix any RAM-related problems you may have.
They will provide their best assistance to you to maintain their reputation. You may not discover a return policy if you purchase an off-brand RAM. Therefore you can also return the RAM. They won’t be as concerned about your issues as well-known firms are.
Do check our latest post on the DDR4 Ram Overclocking
Quality Assurance and Performance Evaluation
Companies with strong brands didn’t get there in a matter of days. They can test their goods all the way to the breaking point because they have better technology and expertise. To determine if the product is offering world-class performance or not, they do benchmark and speed tests.
To provide the best compatibility and performance, they conform the product to JEDEC industry standards. All modules are put through component, chip, and function-level testing by brand manufacturers.
Each manufacturer puts higher-end RAM modules through rigorous testing in an effort to outperform the competition. The brand RAM firms compete with one another, which makes the RAM stronger than unbranded RAM.
As I previously said, the three DRAM chip makers produce RAM and brands just test and alter the products before putting them on the market.
High-end RAM Modules are Branded
All top-tier RAM modules with RGB lighting characteristics will be available. The top models in their categories include the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB, Team Xtreem ARGB, G.Skill’s Trident Z Neo, and Trident Z Royal.
Companies like Corsair, G.Skill, Team, and Crucial produce the most excellent RAM modules. The bus speeds of such high-end RAM sticks range from 4000 MHz to 3200 MHz, or even higher. Along with the lower timings in the RAM, you will observe the lowest CAS latencies, such as 14, 15, or 16.
You won’t find this kind of high specifications in nonbranded RAM. However, the most excellent feature of such RAMs is RGB. Nonbranded RAM cannot provide sustainability and limitless synchronized RGB effects, whereas branded RAM can.
Check out our expert-recommended How to Choose the Right RAM for Your PC
Durability
When it comes to lifespan and trust difficulties, branded RAMs come out on top. Compared to off-brand RAM businesses, they provide more dependability. A reputable brand of RAM will provide you with long service life. While non-branded RAM may cause more troubles than you might think, you won’t experience any issues soon.
When utilizing non-branded RAM, you can have issues such as a blue screen of death, decreased PC speed, application installation failure, computer beeps, sporadic reboots, etc. After learning about all the significant advantages of branded RAM, I believe you can see why branded RAM is superior to non-branded RAM. However, there are situations when a user’s decision to purchase branded RAM is up to them. What do you think about that?
Go through our epic guide on DDR4 vs. DDR5
Why Branded RAM Isn’t Always Important?
As I said in this article, RAM manufacturers test and adjust their goods before selling them. However, the top three memory chip manufacturers produce such DRAM silicon chips. Therefore, if the same chip manufacturer businesses have them, all RAM modules will behave similarly. When purchasing non-branded RAM, research the DRAM chip it utilizes.
Go for it if a non-branded RAM meets all the promised specifications. Therefore, most RAM DRAM chips produced by the same firms will have similar performance. You could choose if all the specifications of an unbranded RAM, including speed, timings, and CAS latency, are compatible with those of a branded RAM. In terms of performance, the brand doesn’t matter. Whether it is branded or not, the performance itself is what counts.
Are Mixed Brand Ram Modules Advisable?
The most challenging issue when choosing RAM for your computer is this one. There won’t be an issue if you utilize RAM from several brands in your system. However, avoid using DDR3 RAM in a slot that supports DDR4. The RAMs must be of the DDR4 or DDR3 varieties, although you can use various manufacturers of the same type of mixed RAM.
Do check our latest post on the Will Any DDR3 Ram Work on PC
8GB DDR4 3200MHz and 8GB DDR4 2666MHz modules can be used simultaneously in one slot. It will operate flawlessly. But in this case, the slowest speed will rule. Both RAM modules will run at 2666 MHz. The 3200MHz RAM will also perform at 2666MHz, not 3200MHz. Try to match the bus speed, latency, timings, etc. of the two RAM modules if you wish to employ mixed-brand RAM in both slots.
With the exact specifications, using mixed-brand RAM won’t cause any issues for your system. Are you looking for my advice? I strongly advise against becoming the first person to purchase a RAM that hasn’t received any reviews. Look up the reviews for the RAM you want, then choose the model with the best feedback.
In a hurry? Check out my new post on Which RAM Slots to Use
Frequently Asked Questions
What company has the most OK RAM?
The most fantastic RAM on the market is available from companies like Corsair, G.Skill, Team, Kingston, HyperX, and Adata. All of these brands’ premium RAM may be found. Micron owns the brand Crucial. However, some of DRAM chips’ top producers are Micron, Samsung, and Hynix.
How do I choose the ideal ram?
Decide beforehand what kind of job you intend to do with your system. After that, list your needed CAS latency, time, and capacity requirements. Choose the RAM brand of your choice and make sure it meets all the requirements specified. Purchase the RAM that meets all of your needs.
What memory do you need in 2023?
It relies on how hard you work and what kind of gameplay you do. Go for 16GB if you are a serious player. While 32GB will be excessive for you, it can accommodate future games. For those who create CGI or animation, 64GB might sometimes be the sweet spot. The amount of RAM required for the task mostly depends on the user.
Does a universal RAM slot exist?
Most laptops and desktop computers have two RAM stick slots, if not more. The majority of modern motherboards come with four RAM slots. There is a widespread misconception that combining RAM of different sizes or brands is impossible. That isn’t true, to put it simply.
What happens if the faulty RAM is used?
RAM that does not meet your computer’s requirements may not operate as well, while modules of the wrong kind can prevent your computer from booting. RAM is available as sticks or memory modules, which snap into the motherboard’s memory slots. Incompatible RAM will either not fit or won’t work correctly in your system.
Do all rams look alike?
Despite having the exact physical dimensions and shapes, several versions of desktop RAM are incompatible. In a motherboard that only supports DDR2, DDR3 RAM cannot be used. The same is true for DDR3 and DDR4 slots. Each RAM generation’s pins have a separate notch cut out to avoid confusion.
Follow our guide to How to Tell If RAM Is Bad
Conclusion:
The RAM market is both peculiar and challenging to understand simultaneously. But I believe you now have a good idea of which RAM you should get. In my view, you should get RAM from a reputable manufacturer.
Please determine what you need from your RAM and get it. Do not purchase a RAM with no reviews or an excessive number of unfavorable ratings.
If you have read the whole article, I hope you now have enough information to make an informed decision on the amount of RAM you purchase.
Do check our latest post on the How to Increase RAM Speed
