Mushkin Essentials 16 GB (2x8GB DDR3-1600)

The Mushkin Essentials 16 GB comes as 2 modules of 8GB each with 16GB of DDR3 on board. It is rated at 1600 MT/s with a CAS latency of 11, working out to a true latency of about 13.8ns. Operating voltage sits at 1.35V. DDR3 pricing in the budget tier makes this a sensible pairing for older AM4 and LGA1700 boards that top out at DDR4.

For gaming, capacity matters more than raw speed past 3600 MT/s — 16GB comfortably covers modern AAA titles. At $39.99 it sits in the budget memory kit bracket. PlanMyPC's builder flags compatibility problems automatically and tracks the latest memory kit deals from multiple stores.