Use DDR4 RAM compatible with your i5-10400F, preferably at least 16GB.
Use DDR4 RAM compatible with your i5-10400F, preferably at least 16GB.
Hello everyone, I switched my parts list from the Ryzen 3 3300x to the i5-10400F. I’m planning to install 16GB of RAM and the Intel chip lists DDR4-2666 as supported. Is there a reason for needing faster RAM, and will it really make a difference? I intend to run Minecraft, Apex, Overwatch, Valorant, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, YouTube, and maybe Blender. Thanks!
1. Consider purchasing a quicker kit if you anticipate reusing the RAM later (unless the next generation is DDR5 and it isn't backward compatible - we're uncertain about that timeline) and/or 2. opt for faster RAM only if its cost matches the slower option (perhaps it retains more value when you eventually sell it).
3. Upgrading to faster RAM won't offer any advantages right now with this i5 processor—it will limit memory speed to 2666MHz.
Probably not, but it's not impossible either. The main consideration is the motherboard itself. Since you're opting for a non-K CPU, Z490/Z590 boards aren't ideal for CPU overclocking. You might save by choosing a B460/560 or H470/570 board instead. Memory upgrades aren't supported on B460 or H470 boards; they only support DDR4-2666, which is the top speed listed for those models. Anandtech notes memory overclocking is possible with 10th Gen Intel CPUs if you have a 500-series or Z490 chipset. A 2,666MHz RAM speed will likely work, though it may not offer much extra benefit. Personally, I'd aim for 3,600MHz if the price allows. Timing matters too—most retailers in the UK and US charge similarly for similar parts. So, it really comes down to your future plans. If you're thinking about DDR5 for upcoming Intel or AMD chips, a new motherboard will probably be necessary. It could be wise to wait and see how things develop.
We aren't certain about the motherboard model for the @c3524, but it's important. If it uses a B460 or H470 chipset, XMP support isn't available since memory overclocking isn't supported on those boards. A complete parts list would clarify if faster RAM is feasible.
Thanks in advance! I'll review that piece then. I checked the 11400F—it's roughly $90 AUD higher than the 10400F.
I personally don't like the latest Gigabyte board I purchased, but since it's a B560 model from 2012, I can't judge if the one you found is good or bad. It would definitely function, and because it's a B560 board you can turn on XMP and use any RAM you prefer to run it at peak performance. Don't worry about the 2,666MHz cap—it doesn't matter there. The price is AUD$90 more. I'd choose the 10400F unless you really need PCI-E 4.0 support, which is only important for GPUs and doesn't matter much here.