Need assistance with increasing RAM to 64GB—should you add or replace it?
Need assistance with increasing RAM to 64GB—should you add or replace it?
You're considering two options for your RAM upgrade: selling your existing setup and purchasing a larger kit, or adding another identical 2×16GB unit. Here are your current specs to reference:
Motherboard: ASRock B550M Pro4
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600
Current RAM: ADATA XPG Gammix DDR4 3200MHz 2×16GB (overclocked to 3600MHz CL16, stable)
If you add another identical 2×16GB kit:
Will your current overclock remain stable or could performance drop due to using four 16GB modules?
Your main use is gaming and multitasking—stability matters, but you want maximum performance.
Thanks for the advice on whether a 4×16GB configuration or a 2×32GB setup would be better for your Ryzen 5000 system.
If you wish to enhance your current RAM setup, you should seek the identical RAM package. I’m not well versed with Adata RAM kits, but Corsair often obtains memory ICs from various suppliers, which is why they assign a PCB revision number. Many believed they were purchasing the same set of RAM because they appear similar, but in reality, the internal components differed, leading to stability or performance problems.
I’m uncertain whether you could successfully install high-capacity RAM sticks in two slots at those speeds, but generally, using two sticks is preferable to four, as it reduces strain on the memory controller.
If you wish to expand your current RAM setup, you should seek the identical RAM kit. I’m not well versed with Adata RAM kits, but Corsair usually obtains memory ICs from various suppliers, which is why they assign a PCB revision number. Many believed they were buying the same set of RAM because they appear similar, but in reality, the internal components differed, leading to stability or performance problems.
I’m unsure if it’s feasible to run high-capacity RAM with two sticks in those slots at such speeds, but generally, using two sticks is preferable to four, as it reduces stress on the memory controller.
Try updating the BIOS to the latest version, then install a 2x32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM package and test it. Speaking of buying, what do you think the price for a 2x32GB RAM kit is? The cost for DDR4 is comparable to DDR5. In fact, the performance differences between DDR4 and DDR5 are quite significant.
Important information!
I reside in Indonesia, and the costs for DDR4 aren't the same as DDR5.
DDR5 2x32gb costs 184$, while Gskill Flare X5 Black 6000 MT/s cl 36-36-36-96 is 124$.
DDR4 2x32gb is 124$, and ADATA XPG Gammix 3200mhz cl16 for 2x16gb is 54$.
The price difference between 64gb and 32gb is quite significant, so I'm wondering if reducing the cost would be a good idea.
If you choose to install another pair of 16GB DIMMs to cut costs, adjust the BIOS settings to the standard JEDEC configuration (usually 2133 or 2400MT/s) before installing the RAM. The system may not reach 3600MT/s when four DIMMs are already installed. Because of extra load on the IMCs, you might need to limit memory overclocking to 3000 or 3200MT/s with four DIMMs. If you're playing games, keeping RAM speed stable is crucial. For video editing, slower RAM speeds won't significantly impact performance on AMD systems. Run MemTest86 to verify stability across different XMP/EXPO/DOCP configurations.
Sure, I'll keep it the same length and structure while changing the wording.
I recently upgraded from 32GB to 64GB using the specified components.
The installation went smoothly on my ASUS ROG Strix B650E-E without any issues. It booted successfully on the first attempt, and stability was maintained with the Expo tweaked timing settings. I haven’t performed further manual adjustments yet. This experience highlights how much better DDR5 support is now compared to AM5.