How important is RAM QVL list?
How important is RAM QVL list?
I'm having a bit of trouble picking the right RAM for the 5000 series. I'm aiming for that 4000mhz sweet spot—either using the factory 4000 or overclocking to 4000. I'm considering the TUF X570-PRO or a 570 STRIX/Crosshair. The QVL list from Asus only shows the TUF X570-PRO with a second-gen Ryzen, while the STRIX version lists a Ryzen 4000. This mismatch makes it confusing. Do I risk buying 3600-3800 RAM and hoping to boost it to 4000mhz with the TUF board and a 5900x? Or should I go for the full 4000 directly?
You have less chance of OCing 3600MHz RAM to 4000MHz than a 4000MHz kit not working. QVL lists are by no means exhaustive, I wouldn't put much, or really any importance on them outside of server where compatibility and validation is often a requirement for vender support.
It depends on how much the new CPU design affects RAM. For Ryzen 1 it mattered a lot, for Ryzen 2 it wasn't so much, and for Ryzen 3 it didn't really matter at all. If this pattern keeps going, you could just ignore it, though the chip isn't available yet.