3200MHz cl18 compared to 3200MHz cl16 and 3600MHz cl18 on the B550 3700x platform
3200MHz cl18 compared to 3200MHz cl16 and 3600MHz cl18 on the B550 3700x platform
Hello. I own 16GB (two 8GB) of HyperX 3200MHz CL18 RAM. I’m planning to upgrade to 32GB, but a bundle of two 16GB 3200MHz CL18 units would cost me the same as buying two more 2x8GB 3200MHz CL18 units. Alternatively, a 32GB (two 16GB) 3600MHz CL18 model is available for about $10 more. Is the performance gap between 3200MHz and 3600MHz noticeable? Also, my motherboard specs list 3600MHz (approximate), but the 3200MHz model works without any listed restrictions—just enable DOCP in BIOS. Will a 3600MHz setup with just DOCP activation still function properly? My CPU is a Ryzen 3700X, and I’m considering upgrading to 5600X or 5800X later this year.
Initially I believe the difference between CL16 and C18 won't be significant in matches. Regardless of which model you choose, timing adjustments shouldn't cause major concerns. Switching from 3200 CL18 to 3200 CL16 doesn’t seem worthwhile. For RAM speed, a jump from 3200 to 3600 should noticeably boost frame rates—maybe up to a small percentage increase. However, beyond 3600 the gains diminish. The suggestions apply mainly to Zen2 and Zen3, so they’re useful for future upgrades. Overall, the main choices are either add another 2x 8GB at 3200 CL18 or upgrade to two 16GB units at 3600 CL18. I’d recommend 32GB at 3600 CL18. Just remember that if you overclocked 3200 CL16 further, timings might need adjustment as well, so you’ll still exceed CL16 performance. Edited February 11, 2021 by Guest
Sure, I can help with that. Looking for 3600c16 is a great idea!
You're considering a 32GB 3600MHz CL18 chipset. As long as your system can handle the DOCP setting, you should be fine. I'm not familiar with the technical details, so I'll stick to the basics. You mentioned wanting more memory without worrying about timing specifics—just enable DOCP and it should work. The options you found range from $212 to $379 depending on the model and configuration. The 3200MHz CL16 is cheaper at $200, while the 3600MHz CL18 is pricier at $379. You're okay with higher costs if it meets your needs.
3600MHz CL18 stands out as the top option. Charging a significant premium for minimal gains seems unreasonable.
It seems some users face challenges with ASUS B550 boards running at 3600MHz, yet the latest BIOS versions are marked as beta. Hopefully, the developers have resolved the problem.
Review the memory support section for the exact RAM model you're evaluating.