Top DDR4 RAM options for overclocking - advice?
Top DDR4 RAM options for overclocking - advice?
Best DDR4 RAM for Overclocking - Tips?
Hello
Be warned - I have an army of questions
I am planning on buying a 12700K system and want to get 32gb or 16gb of DDR4 Ram for Music Production/DAW use.
Note - I'm sticking to DDR4 only - and I don't intend to overclock the CPU - or at least not until it's towards the end of its life (not experienced in that either).
I'm no expert on RAM - never bothered with the details in the past. I've tried to read up on it - but keep in mind I may not fully understand everything even if I might occasionally use the right terms or have the right idea in general etc.
I am assuming I should get 3600 Mhz, CL16 or 18 if I can afford it - and ideally Dual Rank in two sticks (better for OCing?)
And I've also heard that RAM that is made with a Samsung B-die is better?
The terms like CL16 CL18 and all the others – are the same no matter what speed and size? Can you point me to a good list?
I'm just looking for some basic tips on what to get/what specs to priorities for overclocking AND just in general advice on what would be best for my system and use for music production (lots of power hungry effects and synths) etc.
For my use case - would it really matter if its 3200 vs 3600 or CL16 or CL18 etc ... eg if I had to choose between getting slightly slower ram so that I could get twice as much (32gb instead of just 16gb of faster ram)... surely that'd be better? And whether OC'd or not... would I really see any tangible/worthwhile difference between the slower and faster ram set if they were the same size... eg 3200 vs 3600 or CL16 or CL18 etc ?
Is there a website I can use to definitively confirm if something is the Samsung B-die AND Dual Rank (finding this hard to confirm - seem to be arguments)?
Should I be checking SKU's and other things like that... does it matter when exactly it was produced or where... how do you find this stuff out if it does matter?
What various specific Brands/Models of DDR4 RAM do you recommend are at the sweet spot for value/cost for Dual Rank 3600 /3200 CL16/18 32gb or 16gb in two sticks?
Is RAM from less big brand names ok... eg Teamforce seems cheaper, heard of V-colour? Are generics ok?
Any good places to buy online or in store.... If I can I'd prefer something that I can pickup or get delivered in 1-3 weeks if possible?
BTW as I don't have much money and don't want to want months for delivery... I'm feeling that I might need to buy now instead of waiting for the Boxing Day sales as I'm worried all local stock will sell out then - and I'd have to wait ages if they ever take orders? Am I stressing for no reason?
For computer parts, headphones, electronics etc in general - are all the biggest sales online and in store Boxing Day or do you need to buy by Christmas day? I remember the last year or two ago I waited until boxing day to buy some general stuff (not just computer stuff) and I was shocked to see that lots of the sales were either ended or the deals were much worse than Christmas day or before? Is this the case in general or not?
Where are the best websites to find the latest bargains? I've found OzBargain has some stuff... where else?
Are there any online stores or physical shops to avoid (dodgy - DOA products etc)?
What is the general rule of thumb for physical stores and online stores in Australia when it comes to price matching other stores whether online or physical?
Eg you're local physical computer shops in particular (whether sold online interstate or not)?
Is there anything in particular I should be looking at for the Z690 Mobo that will help or hinder RAM in general and for OCing?
Will I need some kind of cooler/heatsink or something if I do overclock ram?
I'd be very keen to get a sense of the different 'levels of overclocking' starting at using XMP profiles (not overclocking at all right)... going up to risky full blown overlcocking? Can you give me the gist or - again direct me to a good source?
I’ve heard some mobo’s are having issues with using XMP profiles… or is that just for if your overclocking them? Do you assume things like that will all get sorted out in time (new cpu family and all?)
Should I just ignore those issue knowing they’ll be fine eventually? I don’t absolutely need to OC straight away?
What other factors should I be aware of; and what else should I be looking at/trying to hunt down?
If you can point me to some good website/video guides/Youtube channels that 'get to the point' and cut through all the dense detail that would be great. More detailed links good too - but please say which type it is.
Thank you for your help
Cheers
This article examines how DDR5 memory performance scales across different configurations. We evaluate speeds ranging from DDR5-6000 down to DDR5-2400, comparing CL30, CL36, and CL40. Additionally, we analyze these results in the context of DDR4-3600 specifications.
For optimal results, consider the data provided by tech experts. If you're interested in how 12th generation processors handle RAM speeds, start with that reference. Keep in mind they're testing on an i9 chipset, which demands higher bandwidth for peak performance. Generally, I suggest opting for DDR5 if available. Otherwise, DDR4-3600 CL16 remains the ideal choice for this processor.
If you aim to ensure your RAM meets its advertised speed rating, refer to the motherboard's RAM QVL document—usually accessible online on the manufacturer's site. As long as you choose reputable brands like Corsair, Crucial, or G.Skill, you should be fine without needing further adjustments.
This article examines how DDR5 memory performance scales across different configurations. We evaluate speeds ranging from DDR5-6000 down to DDR5-2400, comparing CL30, CL36, and CL40 options. Additionally, we analyze these results in comparison to DDR4-3600 specifications.
For optimal results, consider the insights provided by testing with an i9 processor, which demands higher RAM bandwidth. While it's useful to reference DDR4-3600 benchmarks, they may not fully reflect the needs of modern high-end CPUs. If possible, opting for DDR5 is advised. However, if you're constrained to DDR4-3600 CL16, it appears to be the optimal choice for this architecture.
To ensure your RAM meets the advertised speed ratings, refer to the motherboard's RAM QVL document—usually accessible online on the manufacturer's site. Alternatively, choosing reputable brands like Corsair, Crucial, and G.Skill can help you avoid limitations based solely on QVL listings.
If you aim for quicker memory, purchase it initially.
Ram suppliers package their chips, and superior chips fit faster RAM that costs more.
You might be fortunate with overclocking, but don’t rely on it.
I’m using g.skil ripjaws 4000 speed cas 18 which functions well with xmp.
https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-32gb-288-...klink=true
You can obtain the same set with a cas 16 for roughly double the cost if it makes sense for you.
In my opinion, the key factor is securing enough RAM upfront.
Unless your processing demands are extremely memory-focused, seek alternatives for better performance.
Just need to verify this with the motherboard, right? Not the CPU either?
I think binning is just evaluating them based on defect levels and speed.
My goal is to secure the highest possible RAM within my budget, ensuring stable out-of-the-box performance and at least some XMP support.
If overclocking proves beneficial, that would be a plus.
I’m curious about the actual impact difference between Cas 16 and Cas 18 with the same RAM specs.
Understanding this would help me assess the value compared to my needs.
Since I mainly use my PC for music production—tasks that are CPU and RAM-heavy due to virtual instruments, heavy plugins, and effects—I’d appreciate it if RAM could also aid gaming later on.
Having a more powerful card without the same price as a basic one would be ideal.
As mentioned before, this is just part of the bigger picture.