The 3600 MHz processor offers 3200 MHz clock speeds, but using it might not be ideal for Ryzen setups.
The 3600 MHz processor offers 3200 MHz clock speeds, but using it might not be ideal for Ryzen setups.
I notice 3600 MHz being suggested as the optimal choice across various platforms: from Linus to Tech Tips to AMD engineers. However, from my perspective, it might be excessive for an R5 setup—it would push me toward purchasing an X570 rather than a B450 motherboard (which would double the cost), and the 3600 MHz chips would add roughly 50% more expense. I doubt I’d opt for a cheaper option if 3600 speed offers a real advantage or better overall value. Still, I wouldn’t want to spend extra unless it’s essential. How much slower would performance actually be with a 3200 MHz instead of 3600? I use my PC for professional tasks (Blender, Unreal Engine, video editing and rendering) and gaming. The specific models I’m considering are:
- 3600 MHz G.Skill Trident Z CL 16
- 3200MHz Kingston HyperX XMP Predator CL15
- 3200MHz Kingston HyperX Fury Black CL16
My build uses an R5 3600 with an RX 5700 XT, and I’m planning 16GB RAM. I’m not aiming for overclocking or flashy upgrades.
I believe 3600 gigabytes is intended as the optimal performance level, though it doesn't represent the ideal value range. 3200 gigabytes remains fairly solid. Most programs don't heavily depend on RAM bandwidth, which mainly reflects RAM speed benefits. The challenge with Ryzen came from Infinity Fabric being linked to RAM speed, which can affect results more. With Zen 2, you can adjust both RAM and performance frequency, and some testing indicates 3200 gigabytes might benefit from a higher IFS of 1800. You'll need to consult benchmarks to see how much improvement this brings. By the way, I've found success with 3600 and 4000 gigabytes on B450 and X370 boards using Zen 2. You don't have to use a X570; the BIOS version also plays a key role in compatibility, so ensure the motherboard manufacturer supports at least firmware 1.0.3 if you're using older chipsets.
You could choose the 3200MHz CL15 model if you're not keen on overclocking, but if you explore further, you can adjust parameters such as memory clocks and timing to boost performance.
I have the same concern. I checked the link you shared and understand the recommended range is around 3600 CL16 or 3200 CL14. My thought is: do the extra speeds justify the cost? Is 3200 still relevant? A set of two 3200 CL16 chips is priced between 80-100€, while 3200 CL14 is 150-200€. A 3600 CL16 would likely cost more than that. If it doesn’t add value, what’s the best safe upgrade to boost performance slightly? Also, does Samsung B-Die offer a worthwhile option?
I possess 3200 MHz memory on a B450 tomahawk operating at 3600MHz without any issues.
I purchased a 16GB Corsair 3600 MHz CL18 for $85 to upgrade my R5 3600/X570 setup. Based on available information about 3600MHz at different clock speeds, I’m open to trading in for a $200 savings on RAM if it means better performance. It seems worth prioritizing faster RAM first, then adjusting the clock speeds, or maybe not tweaking timings at all—my system performs well even with slower settings. I haven’t adjusted the timing settings yet, but it’s possible they could run more efficiently without them.
You might be missing out on noticeable gains with 3200 MHz, especially if your monitor isn’t pushing close to 300 FPS. The impact is clearest around that frame rate, but it’s minimal otherwise—performance differences are small like 92 vs 95 FPS. A higher clock speed could help in the long run, but right now it doesn’t seem essential unless you’re targeting very high refresh rates.
I recently purchased an R5 3600 and a Corsair Vengeance LX 3600 16GB kit for a friend. The RAM was around 85% capacity, though not significantly more costly than slower options. Performance is still pending since the build isn’t complete, but we also acquired an M.2 support card with 4133MHz RAM. It has two M.2 slots and is priced around $90. Overall, it feels like a solid investment at that price point.
Match your hardware specs and aim for a stable configuration. Since you haven’t overclocked before, focus on adjusting CPU and memory settings gradually. Increase the CPU frequency slightly if needed, but keep it within safe limits. For RAM, ensure it’s set to 16GB with proper timings and capacities. Use the same motherboard and RAM type you have, and consider tweaking BIOS settings for better stability at higher speeds. Always test changes one at a time to avoid conflicts.