HotHardware Holiday Gift Guide 2010

RAM prices may have fallen sharply over the past few years, but the stuff made for performance-minded users still demands some serious cash. Here's a look at a few solid bets for this holiday season, arranged from least expensive to most.

Corsair XMS3 memory (2x2GB) - $64.99


Designed for being compatible with dual-channel DDR3 Intel Core i5 and Core i7 platform, the XMS3 DDR3 kit from Corsair can operate at 1600MHz with a latency of 9-9-9-24, making it ideal for all enthusiasts that want to kick clock speeds up a notch.

Patriot G Series ‘Sector 5’ Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) - $73.99


The Patriot PGV34G1600ELK DDR3 memory (DDR3-1333, CAS 9) comes in a triple-channel configuration designed specifically for Intel’s new Core i7/i5 processor/P55 chipset-based platforms. They also feature high-efficient aluminum heat-dispersing shields have protruding fins on the edges to maximize cooling surface area for enhanced heat dissipation performance.

OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) - $129.99


The OCZ Gold PC3-12800 DDR3 memory kit comes in a triple-channel configuration designed specifically for Intel’s new Core i7 processor/X58 chipset-based platforms. This triple channel 6GB kit is rated to run at 1600MHz and has CL 8-8-8-24 timings for high bandwidth and low latency - yum.

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) - $449.99


Got a lot to give? Give 16GB! This set will all but ensure your loved one will never come asking for more RAM from you again. This quad-channel kit runs up to 1600MHz CAS 9 and ships with heat spreaders. All you need is a motherboard that's man enough to handle it.

OCZ Gold 24GB (6 x 4GB) - $469


Money's no object? Here you go: 24GB of RAM, and it's the fast stuff too. Santa Claus couldn't ask for anything better. This kit is compatible with Intel X58-based motherboards, runs at 1.5V with a timing of 9-9-9-24. Trouble is, how are you ever going to use it all?  Good problems to have.