Check if dual-channel setup works with quad channels for best performance.
Check if dual-channel setup works with quad channels for best performance.
The dual channel setup stems from the physical arrangement of hardware, particularly the memory controller within the CPU. Currently, RAM uses DDR4 at double data rate 4, while a single stick operates at single data rate. Therefore, two sticks will utilize DDR or double data rate channels. This configuration allows a single channel to be directed to the processor. Consequently, there remains one additional channel for the processor, which will occupy the remaining two DIMM slots on your motherboard. By running two kits of 2x16 (or the RAM capacity you have) in dual channel mode—maximizing the motherboard’s capacity—the integrated memory controller will fill its two memory channels, resulting in dual channel operation. This explanation should clarify the setup. For RAM kits, aim for DDR4-3200 CL16 or DDR4-3600 CL16 or CL16; lower CL numbers mean tighter timings and better performance. Both major manufacturers produce excellent RAM kits. The actual modules come from three leading DRAM producers: Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron. Companies like Corsair and G Skill source modules from these firms for their own kits. Essential memory components are made by Micron, which also owns Crucial.
Thank you for your reply. In the notes from AMD Performance Labs dated September 23, 2020, it mentions testing with a Ryzen 9 5950X and Intel Core i9-10900K using DDR4-3600C16 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti. The suggested settings for latency are 16CL or 18CL. @SpiderMan @gal-m recommended specific RAM kits: G.Skill Trident Z Neo DIMM 32GB, DDR4-3600, CL16-16-16-36; G.Skill Trident Z Neo DIMM 32GB, DDR4-3600, CL16-16-16-36; and G.Skill Trident Z Neo DIMM 64GB, DDR4-3600, CL16-16-16-36. All slots should be filled. @gal-m @SpiderMan @Hyrogenes @AnirbanG007 @WereCatf @Tristerin
The newer rig we discussed, as suggested by Spider-Man (if you're not too concerned about cost), performs best when it has lower latency and higher MHz. Essentially, faster memory access and quicker clock speeds lead to better overall performance. Imagine RAM with an impossibly high speed and near-instant response times—it would be the ideal.
However, in practical scenarios around 3600MHz with minimal delays is ideal, as you'll also need to boost your infinity fabric speed. Yes, the RAM you purchase isn't pre-optimized for overclocking—you'll have to adjust it yourself. Otherwise, it might only run at 2133MHz. The Ryzen 5000 can technically handle a 2000MHz infinity fabric boost (equivalent to 4000MHz RAM), but this hasn't been widely adopted due to factors like memory chip type, motherboard quality, and CPU silicon performance. Also, real-world performance gains from raising the frequency from 3600MHz to 4000MHz are relatively small.
For maximum stability, using four 8GB Ryzen 5000 chips in 3600MHz CL14 modules is recommended. This setup outperforms earlier Ryzen models, especially in reliability and performance consistency. Stick with that configuration unless you're aiming for record-breaking speeds or aggressive overclocking.
DDR4-3200 CL16 or below will perform well. DDR4-3600 and CL18 or below (such as the kits you mentioned) are excellent choices. Any of those sets will function nicely.
Consider using 4x16GB with 100 Chrome tabs open while running three games and handling other tasks. For your setup, a 64GB minimum is enough even if you don’t need more. With your budget, the specs will work perfectly for you. A 4x16GB configuration might run a bit slower than 4x8GB, but you’re right—it’s about what fits your needs. Also, if you’re using 4K or multiple monitors, the GPU will likely be the limiting factor, not the RAM.
I'm not streaming. I have two screens running: 1) PG35VQ and 2) PG259QN. I'm planning to use the 4x8GB, 3600MHz CL14 setup.