Best Desktop DDR3 RAM Buying Options for 2020

If you are asking: which is the best DIMM desktop RAM available for sale in 2020? The answer depends on your priorities. However, we found 3 options that seem head and shoulders above the competition. We've listed them below with links to our full review page, as well as purchase options.

#1
Corsair Vengeance Blue DDR3 Desktop Computer RAM

DIMM RAM Running at 1600 MHz (PC3-12800) at 1.5V
CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10B
$85.00 for 2x 8 GB

This has been the prefered memory module for gamers and anyone needing intense computing activity. The cooling fins on the Corsair Vengence series means you can go without worry.

Most computers that run DDR3 memory run at 1333 or lower, so moving up to 1600 even when keeping the same amount of RAM will drastically and noticibly increase computer performance.

Do note that if you buy these and your computer is currently running 1333 you might need to change the XPM to 1600 in order to take full advantage of the additional power available.

#2
Timetec Hynix DDR3 Desktop Computer RAM

DIMM RAM Running at 1600 MHz (PC3-12800). Dual 1.5V or 1.3V
Model FBA_75TT160UL1R8-4G
$60.00 for 2x 8 GB

This particular memory module is an amazing deal. While it doesn't have the aluminum heat dissipation fins that Corsair offers, most users who don't play video games or do video rendering or other intense activities will likely not need such heat dissipation.

Sure, the Corsair looks way cooler, but the price advantage of the Timetec is considerable, generally costing 25% less. The company who creates these are at the forefront of chip development and are a solid option. This particular memory module can run at 1.3V as well as 1.5V.

The chip has the same 1600 MHz that the corsair offers. Most DDR3 RAM that came installed in computers of the time was running at 1333 MHz, so even if a user doesn't increase the total number of GB, they will still see a boost in performance with this type of chip. As long as they do the XPM upgrade. This is a relatively technical update, but there's so many YouTube videos on it, that we believe most users will be able to achieve it without any problem.

#3
Corsair Vengeance DDR4 Laptop RAM

SODIMM RAM Running at 2666 MHz (PC4-21300) at 1.2V
CMSX16GX4M2A2666C18
$80.00 for 2x 8 GB

Most computers running DDR3 won't notice a major upgrade when moving from 1600 MHz to 1866 MHz. But if you want to squeeze every last drop of power out of your older machine, this is the Desktop DDR3 RAM to buy.

We like it a little more than the Corsair. Sure the Corsair has a little nice design in the aluminum fins, but Kingston's HyperX DDR3 Fury RAM is about as great as you are going to find RAM under $100.

Perfect for gamers and graphics heavy users, you will need to remember to upgrade your computers XPM if you are moving up from slower RAM types (such as the very common at the time 1333 MHz speed).