Compare RAM speeds and their timing characteristics. Analyze how data transfer rates relate to latency and clock speeds.
Compare RAM speeds and their timing characteristics. Analyze how data transfer rates relate to latency and clock speeds.
You're comparing different RAM options to see how they perform and fit your build. The key differences lie in speed and cost. The Corsair Vengeance 2x16 uses DDR4-4000 with tighter timings (18-22-22-42), while the G.Skill Trident Z 2x16 is DDR4-3866 with slightly slower but cheaper timing (18-18-18-38). Higher frequency RAM, like the Vengeance, suits applications needing quick data access—such as gaming or content creation. Lower timings are better for older systems or tasks that don’t demand peak speed. For your build, consider using faster RAM if you're running demanding software or games, and cheaper options if budget is a priority.
Frequency plays a big role in bandwidth while timing changes are minor, but together they determine latency. On Ryzen systems, latency matters a lot, whereas only specific tasks like crypto mining need high bandwidth (usually above around 3200MHz). These two aspects can vary depending on the memory model, but the 3866 18-18-18 figure isn't precise enough to confirm definitively.
Timing and frequency are connected; they don’t stand alone. A straightforward calculation can reveal the actual latency using frequency and timing data. For the top model: 18CL/(4000MHz/2) equals 9.0ns for CAS latency. For the lower model: 18CL/(3866MHz/2) gives 9.3ns for CAS latency. Besides that, consider your needs and expectations. If you prefer simplicity and don’t want to adjust memory settings, a solid 3600MHz CL16 kit is recommended—such as the one priced at $165 here: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/w3FKHx/...6d-32gtznc. If you’re interested in overclocking later, the $235 option at https://pcpartpicker.com/product/6z6qqs/...16d-32gtzr could work. For maximum speed and customization, the $380 model at https://pcpartpicker.com/product/8jZFf7/...17q-32gtzr is an option. Performance stays relatively stable above 3200Mhz, so for most builds the first kit is a good choice.
I've been thinking about this too. My system has a 3000Mhz RAM with specs 15-17-17-35 and 32GB. It can boost up to 3.2Ghz without changing timing just by adjusting the multiplier. The RAM voltage is set at 1.36v based on my motherboard's live bios data. I'm unsure how much more voltage I can safely apply since DDR4 seems to have limits around 1.35. The current timings are pretty tight, but I'm concerned that moving to a Zen3 upgrade from my 6700k might limit performance if I can't push it higher.
I run my DDR4 at around 1.45V each day. A drop to 1.5V is acceptable daily if it offers some advantage. With adequate airflow and premium dimmer settings, you could push it even higher—perhaps up to 1.55V for improved speed. The settings 15-17-17-35 at 3200MHz aren’t too restrictive. That’s a fairly standard configuration. To discover your system’s limits, begin at 1.45V and adjust the clock speeds to something like 18-20-20-40, experimenting with frequency. If you reach a ceiling, tweak the timings again. Once you identify your maximum clock speed, refine the settings by tightening the clocks until you achieve optimal latency as calculated. You could then fine-tune the voltage if desired. A setting around 16-19-19-36 at 3600MHz might be achievable with a slight voltage increase. It requires significant effort and many adjustments for minimal gains, though. At 3200MHz, you’ll likely get most of the performance from Zen 3.
Thanks in advance! It seems the impact might be only a small increase, maybe up to 1-5% compared to your usual 3GHz XMP settings in games. Free performance is free performance! For the Zen3 chipset, I believe a cooler like the Noctua U14s could improve airflow over the RAM as well (your dark rock 3 struggles with airflow from above).
You can significantly boost performance by adjusting secondary timings, especially tRFC (as low as possible) and TREFI (up to 65535). These two parameters alone can greatly impact refresh rates for DRAM. If you'd like more details, check out this thread on memory OCing.
I bought a hyperx 2 x 16GB 3600 CL17-21-21-21-39 (HX436C17FB3K2/32) sticks for Ryzen 5800x. I put them on ASUS Strix x570-E Gaming. It seems there is a problem with correct XMP profile read. The best what I could configure was 3600Mhz @ CL18-21-21-41-87. Either this RAM is faulty or x570 has issues reading sticks correctly. Nominal timings were possible only at 2400Mhz. Any suggestions? I have also tried same sticks on MSI x570 motherboard. Similar result. and different sticks Patriot Viper 2 x 8GB 3733 @ CL17 which also gave CL18 after windows boot in CPU-Z. If I buy different G.SKILL sticks which are 2x 16GB Will I also get CL18 instead of CL16? I am attaching also another screen with result after first run with all defaults except XMP profile