Tips for purchasing DDR4 RAM with DDR4-2133 (Alderlake)
Tips for purchasing DDR4 RAM with DDR4-2133 (Alderlake)
Hey there! I'm just getting started with my upgrade from the 5820k to the 12600k, which naturally means a fresh setup for storage and memory. After some time not really paying much attention to market trends over the past few years, I only learned about gear1 and gear2 recently while researching parts. Since I'm planning to stick with a mature DDR4 platform, it looks like gear1 usually gives a noticeable boost in FPS and slightly better low-end performance. The video you shared is a good reference for this.
Regarding your questions: I'm trying to figure out which combination of clock speeds and CL timings will definitely let me run at gear1. Right now, I'm considering two kits: one with 3600MHz and another with 3200MHz. I've been reading about the "samsung b die" and whether it helps with overclocking, but I'm not sure if it really makes a big difference for gaming. Should I focus more on stability or push the limits? Any tips or advice would be super helpful!
Don’t stress about your RAM with Alder Lake. It’s not as crucial as with Ryzen. Just pick a trusted 2x16GB 3200 CL16 package. Anything over 3200 won’t add much value here.
The main concern here appears to be this. Have you ever increased the clock speed of your RAM? Are you interested in doing so or do you think you’ll enjoy trying? If not, then just purchase the cheapest 3600 CL16 package. That should suffice. If you’re inclined, both kits you mentioned are decent options, though neither is perfect. The 3600 kit seems to offer better value, likely achieving higher speeds at similar settings or voltages. Personally, there’s little gain from premium RAM unless you plan to customize it yourself. There’s minimal performance boost, so the main advantage of pricier RAM is the satisfaction of experimenting with it.
Don't invest in an overpriced B Die kit; opt for affordable Crucial Ballistix. They handle most situations well and are often cheaper than the more expensive options. Ballistix supports 4000 cl16 and can reach 4500+ cl18 with tuning. If you need a B Die, consider used units and run them at full power (1.6v+) for better performance, but avoid running them beyond 1.7v continuously.
My 3200C14 handles 4000C16 and 4000C14 smoothly too. I've reached 4400C15 as well. If you don't plan to tune but still want optimal performance, consider getting a 3600C14. It's similar to the 3200C14 but comes with a higher price. Or if you're indifferent, just pick whatever works for you—most people probably won't notice the difference.
Thank you for your thoughtful feedback and insights, which really helped clarify things. I’m leaning toward trusting my instincts and choosing one of the two kits I was considering—probably the F4-3200C14D-32GTZR. While it isn’t the most affordable option, since I’m not tight on budget and plan to stay on an Alder Lake processor for a while (I’ve been running 7 years on a 5820k), it could make sense to continue using it through another generation before moving up. I’ll try to squeeze out as much performance as possible with overclocking once I arrive. Thanks again, especially @freeagent and @Hairless Monkey Boy!
Well, it seems better than throwing money on RGB RAMs ¯_ (ツ) _/¯. To get the most out of it, use active cooling with around 1.6-1.7 volts since the voltage drops to about 2.05V in the dead zone. Unless you can keep the timings low or run at a reasonable speed, it might not be worth the cost.