Upgrading RAM for Zen 2

[DylanJM_]

I'm planning to get the Ryzen 3900X. Currently I have 1 RAM stick which is 16GB 3000MHz. I want to upgrade it. Do I get another RAM stick of the same type or get 8x2 3200MHz or above. If I get the 8x2 can I still keep the other 16GB stick in my PC without any problems?

[AvogadrosDog]

NORMALLY, it is preferable that if you go for 2 RAM sticks that they're bought together and therefore are the exact same model and batch type for best compatibility. You could buy another single RAM stick but I feel like it could open you to more risks with RAM sticks not working well together. Someone else more knowledgeable could explain this better.

 

With respect to what type of RAM, I've heard 3600MHz is the sweet spot but with respect to value 3200MHz is probably more worth it. I'm keeping my Corsair Dominator RGB 3200MHz for my Ryzen 5 3600X/Ryzen 7 3700 - haven't decided which yet.

[Zberg]

Definitely another 16gb 3000mHz stick

 

The "ryzen needs faster RAM" thing is overblown.  If you had "slow" RAM by today's standards (<=2400) then yes, you may see a benefit with Ryzen, but a small benefit (some increased performance depending on program, increased FPS in 1080p gaming, almost no difference at 1440p or 4k gaming).  Certainly not worth ditching a 16gb stick of 3000Mhz ram, when you could just add another stick, have dual channel, and have 32 gb of 3000 mHz ram.  You will be golden with that.  

 

The returns on upgrading RAM speed for ryzen diminish when you:  get to 3000 Mhz, and go beyond 1080p.  You are already at a good speed, get another identical stick, your 32 gb 3000mhz, 3900x system will be a champ.

 

 

[Zberg]

Just now, Zberg said:

If you had "slow" RAM by today's standards (<=2400) then yes, you may see a benefit with Ryzen, but a small benefit

 

I worded that funny.  What I mean by that is with Ryzen you are going to get the best improvement if you are upgrading FROM a much slower speed, to a 3000+ speed.  A few people have done videos on this.  The improvement in performance going from 3000 to 3200+ is much less, definitely not worth ditching a 16gb stick.  

 

All that said, who knows if ryzen is going to correct the discrepancy vs intel in terms of needing higher frequency memory.  Maybe Zen 2 will not have the issue at all!  Even more reason to keep your 16 gb 3000mHz stick

[DylanJM_]

21 minutes ago, Zberg said:

Definitely another 16gb 3000mHz stick

 

The "ryzen needs faster RAM" thing is overblown.  If you had "slow" RAM by today's standards (<=2400) then yes, you may see a benefit with Ryzen, but a small benefit (some increased performance depending on program, increased FPS in 1080p gaming, almost no difference at 1440p or 4k gaming).  Certainly not worth ditching a 16gb stick of 3000Mhz ram, when you could just add another stick, have dual channel, and have 32 gb of 3000 mHz ram.  You will be golden with that.  

 

The returns on upgrading RAM speed for ryzen diminish when you:  get to 3000 Mhz, and go beyond 1080p.  You are already at a good speed, get another identical stick, your 32 gb 3000mhz, 3900x system will be a champ.

 

 

Honestly this is the answer I wanted to hear. Hopefully I will be able to do this and run the ram dual channel still.