Help picking the right memory

[JA WAL]

The CPU I have chosen is the Ryzen 5 3600. I need help picking the right RAM, because I don't really understand all the different specs.

All I know is that I want 16GB, and DDR4.

If it helps, the PC it is going to be in will be used for gaming, and will most likely run Linux.

Thanks in advance!

 

[DreamCat04]

3 minutes ago, JA WAL said:

The CPU I have chosen is the Ryzen 5 3600. I need help picking the right RAM, because I don't really understand all the different specs.

All I know is that I want 16GB, and DDR4.

If it helps, the PC it is going to be in will be used for gaming, and will most likely run Linux.

Thanks in advance!

 

For Ryzen 3rd gen, 3600MT/s is the sweet spot according to what I've heard

[JA WAL]

15 minutes ago, DreamCat04 said:

For Ryzen 3rd gen, 3600MT/s is the sweet spot according to what I've heard

Thank you!

[An0maly_76]

I'll add here that checking the Qualified Vendor List for the board and processor series you intend to use (3600 is Matisse) is a good idea. Just because a kit isn't listed doesn't mean it WON'T work, it's just not guaranteed to work without issue. Ask me how I know.

Edited September 27, 2022 by An0maly_76
Revised

[-rascal-]

23 minutes ago, JA WAL said:

The CPU I have chosen is the Ryzen 5 3600. I need help picking the right RAM, because I don't really understand all the different specs.

All I know is that I want 16GB, and DDR4.

If it helps, the PC it is going to be in will be used for gaming, and will most likely run Linux.

Thanks in advance!

 

 

What was the reason why you went with a Ryzen 3600 over a Ryzen 5600 for a *NEW* September 2022 build?

The Ryzen 3600 runs on a older Zen2 CPU architecture, while the Ryzen 5600 is on Zen3.

Assuming you are in the U.S. the Ryzen 3600 goes for $139, while the Ryzen 5600 goes for $149. A $10 difference.

That $10 difference gives you approx +30% performance increase.

 

 

 

 

The Integrated Memory Controller (IMC) on Ryzen 5000-series is also much better.

Able and easier to run higher memory frequency; DDR4-3600 ~ 3800 should be easy, while it is trickier to get DDR4-3600+ on Ryzen 3000-series.

[An0maly_76]

2 minutes ago, -rascal- said:

 

What was the reason why you went with a Ryzen 3600 over a Ryzen 5600 for a *NEW* September 2022 build?

The Ryzen 3600 runs on a older Zen2 CPU architecture, while the Ryzen 5600 is on Zen3.

Assuming you are in the U.S. the Ryzen 3600 goes for $139, while the Ryzen 5600 goes for $149. A $10 difference.

That $10 difference gives you approx +30% performance increase.

Not to be snarky, but I looked back through OP's post and I don't see the word NEW anywhere. I suspect this is a budget build with used parts due to budget constraints. I bought  used eBay 3600X for $105 shipped, a far better bang for the buck than you'll get with most anything else from most anywhere else.

[JA WAL]

7 minutes ago, -rascal- said:

 

What was the reason why you went with a Ryzen 3600 over a Ryzen 5600 for a *NEW* September 2022 build?

The Ryzen 3600 runs on a older Zen2 CPU architecture, while the Ryzen 5600 is on Zen3.

Assuming you are in the U.S. the Ryzen 3600 goes for $139, while the Ryzen 5600 goes for $149. A $10 difference.

That $10 difference gives you approx +30% performance increase.

 

 

 

 

The Integrated Memory Controller (IMC) on Ryzen 5000-series is also much better.

Able and easier to run higher memory frequency; DDR4-3600 ~ 3800 should be easy, while it is trickier to get DDR4-3600+ on Ryzen 3000-series.

Thank you so much! Where I am inflation is crazy on computer parts, so I'll have a poke around on eBay. Didn't know the performance difference was that big!

[JA WAL]

7 minutes ago, An0maly_76 said:

Not to be snarky, but I looked back through OP's post and I don't see the word NEW anywhere. I suspect this is a budget build with used parts due to budget constraints. I bought  used eBay 3600X for $105 shipped, a far better bang for the buck than you'll get with most anything else from most anywhere else.

Thanks, I didn't consider eBay as an option before. I'll have a look there now!

[An0maly_76]

1 minute ago, JA WAL said:

Thanks, I didn't consider eBay as an option before.

Yeah, you can pick up some pretty good deals there if you don't need the latest and greatest. I've seen 2600 / 2700X CPU / RAM / board combos for $100-$200, just add a cooler, drop it in, connect it and you're in business.