Picking the best RAM (Memory) kit is critical for maximizing your PC’s performance.
However, if you are designing a system in a small form factor (SFF) chassis or have a huge air conditioner that creates clearance difficulties with your RAM components, you will want to be sure the RAM modules don’t only work but also fit.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks for the best low profile RAMs in 2022!
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Low-profile RAMs are smaller than standard RAM modules but fit into the same slots on your system. The main distinction is height, as low profile RAM often measures no more than 34mm.
Typical RAM modules are substantially taller, particularly ones with massive heatsinks or RGB illumination.
The lower footprint is made possible by a combination of factors.
- Lowering the printed circuit board’s actual height (PCB)
- Reducing the heatsink’s size as much as feasible (or removing it altogether in some cases)
When these two components are combined, the whole RAM module becomes smaller.
Although physically compact in size, low-profile RAMs operate equally to a kit with a taller PCB or a hefty heatsink connected at factory settings, as long as both have the same latency, frequency, and capacity.
What is Low Profile RAM?
A low profile RAM has a low height, and either does not have a heatsink or heat spreader or has a compact size heat spreader. They have no clearance concerns with any CPU cooling (bulky or compact) and can easily fit into any tiny form factor setup. A low-profile RAM is essential for SFF motherboards, and it’s also useful in instances when you have a bulky or compact CPU cooler mounted and only have extremely limited memory space, requiring low-profile RAM. Such low-profile RAMs are also ideal for mini-ITX gaming systems.
Low-profile RAM comes with a few trade-offs, but neither of them will affect performance.
The first trade-off is strictly aesthetic: Since RGB lighting takes up a lot of space, you won’t find a low-profile RAM kit with them.
The heat spreader is the other trade-off. To keep the kits as low-profile as possible, some Low Profile RAM Kits don’t include a heatsink at all.
The absence of a heatsink has a negligible effect on temperatures, and unless you’re running really high-performance RAM or overclocking your RAM kits, you won’t notice it in everyday usage.
Things To Consider While Selecting A Low Profile RAM
Choosing the best low-profile RAM isn’t challenging; you only need to evaluate a few factors and select a kit that meets all of your requirements. Height, capacity, and speed are only a few of them.
– Height
Low-profile RAM Modules have a height limit of 34mm; however, they may already be too tall for your setup.
If you choose a kit without a heatsink, you’ll save a few millimeters and get an even smaller kit.
– Capacity
For the latest builds, the usual RAM amount is 16GB. If you require your system for intensive tasks like video editing or 3D modeling, though, get as much RAM as you can.
Although 32GB is plenty, if your money allows it, 64GB is a better option. More RAM will aid gaming as well as clocking tasks.
– Speed / Frequency
You should consider the kit’s frequency in megahertz (MHz).
Higher frequency means a faster RAM, which has a significant influence on performance. While 3000MHz to 3500MHz is a decent starting point, faster RAM might help you get the best performance out of your setup in particular tasks.
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Best Low Profile RAMs Of 2022
There are a lot of low-profile RAMs out there, but finding the right one for you might be difficult. As a result, the following are the best low-profile RAMs that you can buy.
1. HyperX Fury RGB 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 CL16 DIMM – Best Overall
HyperX is Kingston’s quality products branch, and the Fury is their best series of RAM modules. Kingston is among the world’s leading memory producers. They are simplistic, work well, and are reasonably priced – seems like a winning combo, right?
You may pick from storage of up to 128GB, speeds reaching 3733MHz, and CAS latency of C15, which is fantastic. What’s more, the 3200MHz kit has a C15 latency, while rivals’ kits have a C16 latency.
The HyperX Fury range is fairly straightforward in terms of usability. There’s a metal heat spreader that keeps the memory kits cool, a few of HyperX branding, and that’s all. The height of this module is 34.1mm, making it compact and low-profile, and the power and pricing make it an excellent pick.
Why is this the best low-profile DDR4 RAM?
The HyperX Fury is the best low-profile DDR4 RAM because it is very fast and inexpensive, particularly compared to most of the other DDR4 alternatives. Having this low-profile and high-speed RAM in your computer, you won’t have to spend thousands on your newest build.
2. Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 DRAM 3200MHz C16 – Runner Up
The Vengeance LPX module from Corsair is one of the most selling RAM kits on the market today. This is a no-compromise option for customers who demand the greatest low-profile RAM, with an all-black heat spreader, an overall height of only 34mm (along with the heatsink), and exceptional performance.
Larger capacities, up to 128GB, and faster performance, up to 4600MHz, are available. Several of the low frequencies modules have a CAS delay of C13, whereas the majority of the alternatives at 3000MHz and above have a CAS delay of C16 or C19.
The Vengeance LPX package includes hand-sorted chips that provide stable quality while also allowing for overclocking. The PCB and heatsink are also designed for high-performance operations, making the modules ideal for demanding tasks like video processing and 3D modeling.
If the all-black Vengeance LPX isn’t your style, the Vengeance LPX is also available in red, white, and blue, so you can suit it to the remainder of your setup.
3. OLOy DDR4 RAM 16GB – Budget Pick
This OLOy DDR4 RAM can transport data at rates ranging from 2133MHz to 3200MHz. The 288-pin, 1.35V UDIMM kit is compatible with both AMD and Intel machines and the newest gaming systems and PCs.
It’s not the most spectacular or intriguing to look at in terms of aesthetics, but that’s reflected in the pricing. Furthermore, the armored design raises the height of the board by around 8mm at 38mm high. Although this may be a concern for some, it can still fit beneath a CPU fan with a minimum clearance of 40mm.
When contrasted to other huge brands out there, OLOy is a relatively unknown brand, but that is no excuse to overlook it. Anticipate the stick to boot correctly the first time it is used after it has been installed. If it doesn’t, it’s covered by a full lifetime guarantee, so you will get your cash back with ease.
4. Patriot Viper 4 Blackout Series DDR4 16GB
The Patriot Viper 4 RAM kits are among the best low-profile RAM modules in the market. The innovative heatsink has been completely redesigned, including a new heat removal system that ensures chip consistency when it gets hot.
All of the newest Intel and AMD graphic cards are supported by these RAM kits, which are designed to maximize performance. They are designed mainly for gamers, but they also operate well in PCs that require a lot of resources and workload.
Overclocking functionality with XMP 2.0 support is also included if you ever feel the need to modify the memory settings. You will also be relieved to learn that each RAM kit is individually hand-tested and subjected to a series of quality control tests.
5. Silicon Power DDR4 16GB
Silicon Power DDR4 16GB can be the right choice for you if you want a high-performance RAM module with enough room for overclocking and don’t want to be bothered by brand names.
This memory has a lifetime guarantee and is available in a 16GB package. It’s also compatible with XMP and includes a variety of RGB applications, including ASUS GIGABYTE RGB Fusion and Aura Sync, which are sadly required since it doesn’t feature its own RGB application.
The Silicon Power RAM kit features a 1.4V power and comes in 3200MHz frequency and CL16 latency options. It also comes at a fantastic price and has good overclocking abilities.
Overall, the Silicon Power DDR4 does not provide superior performance, but it maintains up with premium-class goods. It also has wonderful pricing, simple installation, and a nice appearance, which may not be enough to earn it the top rank in our list of the best low-profile RAM kit. Still, it should be sufficient to make it a serious consideration for your next buy.
7. Mushkin Redline Black – DDR4 DRAM – 16GB
The Mushkin Redline Black is known to be one of the most trustworthy and efficient memory modules in the market, and the Mushkin Redline Black DDR4 is no different.
Reliable, inexpensive, and providing the best performance in the market, the Mushkin Redline black is the ideal RAM module for gaming and overclocking enthusiasts.
The Mushkin Redline Black takes a more traditional approach to design, avoiding the use of RGB lighting. The Redline has a looped heatsink to improve surface area and elegance, in addition to a stunning aesthetic. Its 3200 MHz CL16 XMP rating also makes it an ideal option for balancing price and performance. The Mushkin Redline is extremely reasonable when it comes to pricing. On paper, this kit seems to meet all of the requirements for a retro-cool budget build.
This RAM module also comes with a lifetime warranty, which is assuring if you intend to use this kit for the long term.
8. TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z DDR4 16GB Kit
Extreme temperatures are the number one killer of PC gaming setups, and that’s why these memory kits have such remarkable thermal transfer features developed right in. The fact that these “T-shape” heatsinks keep such a low profile is incredible.
The frequencies of these Vulcan Z memory chips range from 2666 MHz to 3600 MHz, and they save energy thanks to their ultra-low voltage. Furthermore, they support XMP 2.0 overclocking, allowing you to get the most out of this memory.
With the T-Force Vulcan memory kits, you won’t have to worry about stability. They work with both AMD and Intel systems and the most recent processors. However, remember that the memory module’s operating speed varies greatly depending on the system and CPU settings.
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Final Thoughts
While all of them are fantastic options for low-profile RAM for your setup, your use case will decide which is the best solution for you. All of the low-profile RAM kits featured in this article are from well-known manufacturers that have built a reputation for producing high-quality PC memory.
If you are building a brand-new setup with the most up-to-date components, selecting the most recently released option may result in significant performance and memory efficiency gains. However, you can equip your computer with the best RAM kit while assuring the greatest and strongest cooling for your CPU with any of the modules mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low-Profile RAMs
Q: What is the best low-profile RAM?
A: While you can find various efficient low-profile RAM modules in the market, not all of them are the best in terms of price, performance, and design. The Hyperx Fury RGB 16GB DDR4 is the best low-profile RAM when it comes to price and performance when compared to most of the other DDR4 alternatives. Having this low-profile and high-speed RAM in your computer, you won’t have to spend thousands on your newest build.
Q: Is low-profile RAM good?
A: Yes, low-profile RAM is exceptionally good and has been gaining popularity in the last few years. Low-profile RAM is not as high as a standard memory kit due to a tiny form factor PCB and typically smaller or no heatsinks. The smaller size makes it suited for systems with limited interior space without sacrificing performance. Such RAM is perfect for mini-ITX gaming systems and can easily fit into any small form factor setup.
Q: What’s the best speed for low-profile RAM?
A: Speed or frequency is one of the most important aspects to consider when buying a low-profile RAM. The best speed for low-profile RAM goes up to 7,000 Hz, but overall, a 3,300 HZ speed would be sufficient for gaming and overclocking. However, the higher the speed, the better it is for you and the better overall performance you get.
