RAM or memory is one of the most stylized components of gaming PCs nowadays, especially if you have those typical windowed cases where you can show off all the RGB. The problem with RGB RAM is that they’re bulky and tall, often getting in the way of CPU air coolers. Low-profile RAM modules, for that matter, offer a more practical approach to PC building.
The idea behind picking low-profile RAM modules is simple enough. You want to save money and you also want to leave vertical clearance in case you’re going to slot in a massive air cooler later on. It could also be as simple as minimalism as RGB is also subjective.
If you’re building or upgrading a PC with practicality or minimalism in mind, keep these low-profile RAM modules in the spotlight.
RELATED: Is 16GB of RAM Still Enough for 2023?
PNY XLR8 Gaming
PROS
- Fast DDR4 speeds
- Smooth and minimalistic top side
- Comes in other capacities and prices
- Reasonably-priced
CONS
- No other colors
- DDR4
Specs:
- 3600 MHz
- DDR4
- CL 18
With the budget in mind for a lot of people who prefer low-profile RAM sticks, this PNY XLR8 Gaming kit is one of the most competitive options in terms of pricing as well as features. It has the highest speed that DDR4 allows and it’s not really that much slower compared to a CL 16 RAM kit.
Moreover, this particular model comes with several other 3600 MHz variants in case you need bigger capacities such as 32GB. The only downside is that it’s DDR4 but it’s still a relevant generation especially since DDR5 remains somewhat expensive if you take into account the motherboard and CPU requirements.
PNY XLR8 Gaming
G.Skill RipJaws S5 Series (Intel XMP) 32GB (2 x 16GB)
PROS
- Blazing fast DDR5 speed
- DDR5
- Comes in white
CONS
- Pricey
- It has some unslightly notches on the top side
Specs:
- 6000 MHz
- DDR5
- CL 32
If you want the fastest while staying low-profile and minimalistic, then the G.Skill RipJaws S5 32GB is right up there at the top of the hierarchy. As you can expect, it’s still pricey but the cost is reasonable enough for low-profile RAM, it’s 32GB after all.
It also comes in white if you prefer though the topside which will appear if you view the complete build from the case’s window has notches which might not look the best for minimalism or smooth aesthetics. It’s still the best in terms of performance, though.
G.Skill RipJaws S5 Series (Intel XMP) 32GB (2 x 16GB)
Kingston FURY Beast 32GB (2x16GB)
PROS
- Aggressive yet stylish gamer shroud
- Comes in different capacities and configurations
- Reasonably-priced
- Fast DDR4 speeds
CONS
- Slightly taller than other low-profile RAM
- DDR4
Specs:
- 3600MHz
- DDR4
- CL 18
If you’re not too concerned with following that smooth and minimalistic NZXT aesthetic, then the Kingston FURY Beast might be more your speed. It’s a low-profile RAM kit with an aggressive shroud, perfect for black gaming PCs.
It’s a bit taller compared to other low-profile RAM sticks but it still won’t interfere with a lot of big and intrusive CPU air coolers. Moreover, Kingston is a reliable component manufacturer with a strong history behind it.
Kingston FURY Beast 32GB (2x16GB)
Crucial Pro RAM 32GB Kit DDR5
PROS
- Reasonably-priced
- Fast DDR5 speed
- DDR5
- Smooth and plain shroud
CONS
- High latency
Specs:
- 5600 MHz
- DDR5
- CL 46
Turns out DDR 5 need not be expensive. The Crucial Pro RAM Kit costs the same as the fastest DDR4 32GB RAM kit except (though you might still need to fork out extra for that DDR5 motherboard and CPU.
It has the smoothest shroud here since it’s just plain black metal with not out-of-place notches or perforations. So it’s great if you’re after smooth aesthetics. If there were some compromises with this awesome kit, it’s the rather high latency at CL 46 though that’s to be expected with DDR5.
Crucial Pro RAM 32GB Kit DDR5
Silicon Power DDR4 16GB Kit (2x8GB)
PROS
- Cheap price
- It's thin and shorter than other low-profile RAM
- You can put custom RAM heatsinks on them
CONS
- High latency
- DDR4
- No style whatsoever
Specs:
- 3200 MHz
- DDR4
- CL22
This one has no shroud and looks destitute or naked, but for the price, you can’t really complain. It’s a lot more affordable compared to other brands (it’s around $10 cheaper compared to PNY’s 16GB kit).
The latency is also quite high for DDR4 though that’s not really something you’ll notice with regular use or for gaming. It’s still a good kit if you’re trying to save as much as you can and if you’re not going to be looking inside your computer (if you don’t have a windowed case).
Silicon Power DDR4 16GB Kit (2x8GB)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are low-profile RAM sticks less powerful?
No. They have the same performance as RGB RAM sticks. They're just shorter since they don't have RGB lighting bulbs. -
Are low-profile RAM sticks cheaper?
Most of the time, yes. Because the manufacturers don't spend extra to drape RGB lighting onto them, they have lower manufacturing cost, thus a lower price.