RAM is the most straightforward component decision in a gaming PC build — but getting it wrong still costs you performance. In 2026, the DDR4 vs DDR5 choice, the speed you run at, and how much you install all have a measurable impact on gaming frame rates, particularly in GTA 6.
DDR4 vs DDR5 — Which RAM for Your Irish Gaming PC Build
The RAM type you need is determined by your motherboard and CPU platform - you cannot mix DDR4 and DDR5. DDR4 platforms (AMD AM4, some Intel LGA1700 boards): DDR4 is mature, cheap, and widely available in Ireland. For €500 builds using the Ryzen 5 5600, DDR4 is the only option and delivers excellent gaming performance at low cost. A 32GB DDR4-3600 kit costs €55 to €70 in Ireland. DDR5 platforms (AMD AM5, some Intel LGA1700 boards): DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and is the native option for AM5 and newer Intel platforms. A 32GB DDR5-6000 kit costs €90 to €115 - a €30 to €45 premium over DDR4 that is worth paying for AM5 builds.
Best RAM Kits Available in Ireland in 2026
Budget DDR4 (16GB) — Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200: €35 to €45. Two 8GB sticks in dual-channel. Reliable, compatible with all AM4 boards, available from Amazon Ireland. Recommended DDR4 (32GB) — Kingston Fury Beast DDR4-3600: €55 to €70. Best value 32GB DDR4 kit available in Ireland. Low-profile design that clears most CPU coolers. Consistent availability from Amazon and Overclockers. Budget DDR5 (16GB) — Corsair Vengeance DDR5-4800: €50 to €65. Entry-level DDR5 for AM5 builds on a tighter budget. Recommended DDR5 (32GB) — Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6000: €90 to €115. The 6000MHz speed is the Ryzen 7000 sweet spot with strong XMP/EXPO profile support across all major AM5 boards.
Always Enable XMP or EXPO in BIOS
RAM runs at a default JEDEC speed (typically DDR4-2133 or DDR5-4800) until you enable the XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD) profile in your motherboard BIOS. Without enabling it, a DDR4-3600 kit runs at DDR4-2133 - a significant performance loss at zero cost. This is one of the most commonly missed optimisations in Irish gaming PC builds. The setting is in the BIOS under AI Overclocking, DOCP, or XMP depending on the motherboard brand. It takes 30 seconds to enable. For the full context of how RAM fits into each build at every budget level, see the budget PC build Ireland 2026 guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
16GB is the minimum for gaming in 2026. GTA 6 recommends 16GB but performs better with 32GB, particularly in dense open-world city areas. For a €500 budget build, 16GB DDR4 is sufficient. For €800 and above, 32GB is strongly recommended.
DDR5 is the better long-term choice for AM5 (Ryzen 7000) and DDR5-compatible Intel builds. For AM4 builds using Ryzen 5000 CPUs, DDR4 is the only option and remains excellent for gaming. The performance gap between DDR4 and DDR5 in gaming is 3 to 8 percent — meaningful but not the biggest factor in build performance.
For DDR4, 3200MHz or 3600MHz is the sweet spot. Ryzen CPUs in particular benefit from DDR4 3600MHz. For DDR5, 6000MHz is the recommended speed for Ryzen 7000 series. Always enable XMP or EXPO in your motherboard BIOS - without it, RAM runs at its default slow speed regardless of what the kit is rated for.
32GB is the recommended amount for gaming in 2026. The price difference between 16GB and 32GB DDR4 in Ireland is now only 20 to 35 euro - 32GB is almost always worth the small extra cost. GTA 6 specifically benefits from 32GB in its open-world city environments.
The Kingston Fury Beast DDR4-3600 32GB kit at 55 to 70 euro is the best value RAM for budget gaming builds in Ireland. For DDR5, the Corsair Vengeance DDR5-6000 32GB kit at 90 to 115 euro is the recommended option for AM5 builds.
CustomPCParts.ie
Ireland's independent guide to building, buying, and upgrading gaming PCs. We cover budget builds from €500 to €1,500, pre-built alternatives, refurbished options, and individual component picks — all priced in euro for Irish buyers.
