52

Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory

DDR4 · 3200MHz · CL22 · 2x8GB · SODIMM

$28

MSRP

72

Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit

DDR4 · 3600MHz · CL16 · 2x16GB · DIMM · RGB

$75

MSRP

Our verdict

The Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit takes the performance lead with a 38% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 24% more frames per second across demanding titles like Counter-Strike 2 and F1 2024.

However, the Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory tells a compelling value story. At $28 versus the Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit's $75 price tag, it costs 168% less while delivering performance that's only 38% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.

Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory is the smarter purchase. The Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.

Performance winner

Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit

38% faster overall

Best value for money

Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory

15% better value per dollar

Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory best for

Power efficiency

15% better value per dollar

features

XMP/EXPO
No
XMP 2.0
RGB
No
Yes

Memory

Capacity
16 GB
32 GB
Kit
2x8GB
2x16GB
Type
DDR4
DDR4
Form factor
SODIMM
DIMM

Performance

Speed
3,200 MHz
3,600 MHz
CAS latency
CL22
CL16
True latency
13.8 ns
8.9 ns
Bandwidth
51.2 GB/s
57.6 GB/s

Physical

Heat spreader
None
Aluminum
Height
30 mm
44 mm

Power

Voltage
1.20V
1.35V

value

Price per GB
$1.75/GB
$2.34/GB

Gaming benchmarks (avg FPS at 1440p ultra)

Counter-Strike 2
452 fps
564 fps
F1 2024
210 fps
258 fps
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
148 fps
182 fps

Synthetic & compute benchmarks

7-Zip Compression
94,500 MIPS
110,800 MIPS
Handbrake 4K Encode
107.5 seconds
98.2 seconds

Frequently asked questions

Is the Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit worth $47 more than the Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory?

It depends on your needs. The Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit scores 72 overall vs 52 for the Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory offers better value.

Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory or Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit?

The Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.

Can the Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory handle 4K gaming?

The Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.

Which should I buy, the Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory or Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit?

Choose the Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the Trident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.

Related comparisons

Crucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS Vengeance DDR5-4800 16GB SODIMM Laptop MemoryCrucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS Samsung DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop MemoryCrucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS Fury Beast DDR5-5600 16GB Memory KitCrucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS Crucial DDR5-5600 16GB SODIMM Laptop MemoryCrucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS Samsung DDR5-5600 16GB SODIMM Laptop MemoryCrucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS Crucial DDR5-4800 32GB Memory KitCrucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS Vengeance DDR5-5600 32GB Memory KitCrucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS T-Force Delta DDR5-6000 32GB Memory KitCrucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS Ripjaws V DDR4-3600 16GB Memory KitCrucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000 32GB Memory KitCrucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS T-Force Vulcan Z DDR4-3600 32GB Memory KitCrucial DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop Memory VS Fury Impact DDR5-5600 32GB SODIMM Laptop MemoryTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS Vengeance DDR5-4800 16GB SODIMM Laptop MemoryTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS Samsung DDR4-3200 16GB SODIMM Laptop MemoryTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS Fury Beast DDR5-5600 16GB Memory KitTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS Crucial DDR5-5600 16GB SODIMM Laptop MemoryTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS Samsung DDR5-5600 16GB SODIMM Laptop MemoryTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS Crucial DDR5-4800 32GB Memory KitTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS Vengeance DDR5-5600 32GB Memory KitTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS T-Force Delta DDR5-6000 32GB Memory KitTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS Ripjaws V DDR4-3600 16GB Memory KitTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000 32GB Memory KitTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS T-Force Vulcan Z DDR4-3600 32GB Memory KitTrident Z RGB DDR4-3600 32GB Memory Kit VS Fury Impact DDR5-5600 32GB SODIMM Laptop Memory