Finding a decent deal on DDR5 RAM right now feels like searching for a needle in a haystack—if that haystack were also on fire. The global memory crisis has sent prices skyrocketing, with many kits nearly doubling in cost since last year.
The main culprit? AI data centers. Reports indicate that data centers are projected to consume 70% of the world’s high-end memory supply in 2026! This “RAMageddon” has left consumers like us fighting over the remaining 30%, making it a frustrating time for anyone trying to build or upgrade a PC.
As someone who tests and reviews hardware for a living, I hate seeing folks overpay for components. To that end, I’ve been hunting for where the actual value still hides. Even in this market, there are small windows where prices dip, or retailers offer bundles that make more sense than buying at MSRP.
Quick links
The best DDR5 RAM kits right now
What to look for in 2026
Navigating the DDR5 market in 2026 requires more than just looking at the price tag. With RAMageddon still in full swing, you need to be strategic about which specs actually matter for your build so you don’t overspend on performance you won’t even notice.
Understanding CL ratings
When you look at RAM specs, you’ll always see a “CL” number (like CL30 or CL40). This stands for CAS Latency, which is the delay between your CPU asking for data and the RAM delivering it. In simple terms: lower is better.
While a high speed (MHz) is great for bandwidth, a low CL rating ensures your system feels snappy and responsive. For most gaming builds in 2026, CL30 to CL36 is the sweet spot you should aim for.
Frequency vs. Stability
Don’t just chase the highest MHz number you see. Most modern CPUs, especially AMD’s Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series, have a performance ceiling where faster RAM actually hurts performance by forcing the memory controller out of sync.
For AMD, DDR5-6000 CL30 is widely considered the perfect configuration. For Intel, you can usually push higher—up to 6400MHz or 7200MHz—but the gains in actual gaming frame rates are often minimal compared to the extra cost.
XMP vs. EXPO
Always check if your kit supports Intel XMP or AMD EXPO. These are “one-click” profiles in your BIOS that tell the RAM to run at its advertised speed. If you don’t enable these, your expensive 6400MHz kit might default to a much slower base speed (like 4800MHz).
While many kits support both, choosing one specifically validated for your platform is the best way to avoid stability headaches and potential blue screens.
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