RAM Question for AMD 3950X : Single channel, dual channel, quad channel, single rank, dual rank

[JoeriB]

Hi all,

 

i am a bit lost. with the release of the new CPU's from AMD and Intel, i am looking ahead of building a new rig, my current one is 6 years old and getting dated.

But i am lost with which memory for AMD.

When going the Intel X299 route it is easy, some DDR4 3000 octo kit of corsair would do just fine. (Quad Channel, Dual Rank)

When going the AMD Ryzen 3950X route, for me it is unclear. as far as i know, the 3950X is supports dual channel. but does it support Dual channel, Dual Rank, and if so is taking a Corsair DDR4 3600 Quad Kit ( CL18 19-19-39 ) an option or not ???

 

i many review, it is mentioned that with the infinity fabric, the Ram is important to either be high frequency or low latency, but none of the reviews speak about amount of ram modules and if it matters or not etc. no clear explanation or test on that.

 

Thank you in advance :)

 

Regards

Joeri

 

[WereCat]

3950X supports only Single-Channel or Dual Channel. 

 

Obviously, you want to get Dual-Channel otherwise your performance will suffer quite a bit. 

 

Regarding how many ranks you will have depends on what RAM sticks you get. 

 

Most 16GB sticks are Dual Rank so if you use 2 sticks you will run Dual Channel with Dual Rank. 

If you use 4 sticks like that then you will use Dual Channel with Quad Rank. 

 

If the sticks are only Single Rank then you will run Dual Channel with Single Rank if you use 2 sticks or Dual Channel with Dual Rank if you use 4 sticks. 

 

 

More ranks is faster but harder to drive so it may or may not reduce your ability to OC. 

 

 

I run 4x16GB 3733MHz CL16 Crucial Ballistix Dual Rank sticks on my 3900X (so Dual Channel with Quad Rank). 

[JoeriB]

Thank you WereCat