Before looking at sticks, you must know what your computer physically supports.
Best for budget builds or older systems (pre-Intel 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7000). DDR5: Standard for modern, future-proof performance. how to buy ram
This is the most critical check. DDR5 RAM will not fit into a DDR4 slot and vice versa; the physical notches are different. Before looking at sticks, you must know what
Buying RAM in 2026 requires more strategy than in previous years due to a significant global shortage driven by AI data center expansion. While prices have roughly doubled since late 2025, you can still find good value by matching your specific hardware needs and considering the used market. 1. Identify Your System's Limits This is the most critical check
Use the System Information (msinfo32) tool on Windows to find your motherboard and CPU model.
Desktop motherboards usually have 4 slots, while laptops (using smaller SO-DIMMs) often have only 1 or 2. 2. Determine Capacity (How Much?) Don't WASTE Your Money! How To Buy RAM Right Now