Discussing the Ryzen 5 3600 and its RAM options
Discussing the Ryzen 5 3600 and its RAM options
Hey! You're weighing two choices for your new PC: a 3200 or a 3600. The 3600 costs $20 more, but many say it offers better performance. It does have a higher clock speed (CL18), which some think is a downside. If you're looking for value and realistic options, the 3200 might be a safer bet unless you really need the extra speed. Let me know if you want more details!
AMD has very specific requirements for RAM. Back in the day, 3200Mhz was the maximum you could get for a Ryzen 2700x. There were some models around 3200Mhz to 4000Mhz, but 3600Mhz is ideal. I’d spend a bit more for the 3600Mhz version—it could boost my frame rate by about 10 frames per second compared to 3200Mhz. Definitely go for it and don’t hesitate.
What you're asking covers running high-end RAM with Ryzen processors smoothly. I tested 3000Mhz with my 2700X, sometimes pushing to 3200Mhz manually, and most systems stayed stable at the stock 3000Mhz. The main concern was with Zen architecture chips—especially the 1000 series and 2000G series APUs. These newer chips have resolved that compatibility issue. Faster RAM is important because Ryzen uses an Infinity Fabric technology. Higher speeds help maximize performance. For Zen processors, aim for around 2933Mhz CL14 or Cl15, 3200Mhz CL14 or CL16 for Zen+, and 3600Mhz CL16 for Zen2. These options give you the best value without sacrificing too much speed. Right now, a 3600Mhz CL16 kit is available for about $78, with good options like G.Skill Ripjaws V. Just double-check your specific model before making a decision. B-Die was crucial for Zen models, as most kits cap at 2933Mhz; it offers the best chance to exceed that limit and improve single-core performance. As noted, Zen+ addressed the problem, and Zen2 expanded support for higher clocks. If you have a B-Die chip, it’s still excellent RAM but not essential.
Avoid those suggestions. Look at the video and the table—they show many strong options. For budget builds, Ballistix AES kits (Micron E-die) work well with Ryzen. Zen 1 had memory limitations on older boards and BIOSes, but that issue is resolved, and a Zen 2 system now sets a new record for DDR4 memory OC. Edited October 31, 2019 by 1van
I should consider a 16 GB DDR4-3600 CL16, but the Ripjaws aren't available in my area—only the older models. The most affordable CL16 3600 I've found is around $140. Is this level of performance really necessary, since Ram mentioned it's "Ryzen Optimized," possibly just marketing?
Yep, marketing. CL is the latency, you want that as low as possible while being reasonably priced. CL18 is higher than you'd like for 3600MHz, try and get CL16 or CL14 on 3200Mhz. If you can't find either for a good price, 3200Mhz CL16 or 3600Mhz Cl18 would be fine, just not o p t i m a l.
Great! So if I would have a few options: G.Skill Ripjaws V 3200 CL16 - 75€ Corsair Vengeance LPX 3200 CL16 - 87€ ("Ryzen Optimized" was 1€ more xd) G.Skill Trident Z 3200 CL16 - 87€ Corsair DDR4-3600 CL18 - 108€ There are also some in between like HyperX's Which one would you pick or think is the best value for money? (If you want in dollar add like 10% lol) I also don't really understand the timings, does it need to be something specific?
Looking for the lowest possible CL but keeping the clock count in mind. 3000Mhz CL15 matches roughly 3200Mhz CL16 in speed. Check online comparisons for real numbers, or go with Ripjaws V for solid RAM and affordability.