Best Way to Upgrade My RAM

ironpaw on 02/12/2024 - 12:57

I'm currently running 32GB (16 x 2) of Crucial Ballistix DDR4-3600 CL16 in my 5900X setup.

I need more RAM to run my VM's.

Is the best way to get a new kit of 64GB, the cheapest I can find is Patriot Steel Viper DDR4-3600 CL20

Or, find another 32GB DDR4-3600 CL16 (seems very rare and expensive now). Crucial Ballistix were discountinued so can't find those.

Was thinking of just getting this: https://www.amazon.com.au/Corsair-Vengeance-PC4-28800-Deskto…

32GB (16 x 2) DDR-3600 CL18

I've got a Asrock X570 Phantom Gaming 4 mobo.

Is it optimal/suboptimal to use all 4 ram slots/channels vs 2/dual channel?

I assume if I add the Corsair LPX kit, I can just relax the timing on my crucial kit and have them all run @ CL18?

Any advice much appreciated.

Computing Computer Component RAM

Comments

  • geekcohen on 02/12/2024 - 13:11

    My understanding is, as long as the RAM is the same Frequency (3600MHz), then you are fine to mix and match.

    Being that your motherboard has 4 Slots and supports 128GB, got plenty of flexibility.

    • Switchblade88 on 02/12/2024 - 14:57

      That used to be the case, but I've found that even like-branded sticks (with the same specs) that aren't factory-paired will cause problems. It's entirely frustrating to isolate and test each stick and each pair - which all pass MemTest86 with flying colours - and then still have boot failures when you slot all 4 sticks in.

      I'd go for a 64Gb pair, and that way if they only work alone you're still ahead; and if they DO cooperate with the existing sticks then you've got 96Gb of RAM to work with.

    • BrokenRiedel on 02/12/2024 - 16:23

      It may work but very unlikely you'll be able to achieve XMP speeds.
      In my experience if they are the same die it's a different story. Currently running 2x16gb Trident Z and 2x 8gb LPX both B-die at 3600 48gb total with tight timings.

  • Look Up on 02/12/2024 - 13:12
    +1

    Any advice much appreciated.

    Depending on your budget, get 2 sets of Ripjaws V or LPX

    Once received, remove the Ballistix and install all 4 new sticks and stability test at XMP speeds for at least 24 hours

    Assuming they pass the tests, sell the Ballistix at a decent price which will be easy because Micron die is always in demand

    Forget mixing and matching sticks for a quad channel setup - the Zen 3 memory controller is already on the edge with 4 sticks

    • ironpaw on 02/12/2024 - 13:26
      +1

      Thanks for the advice.

      That Corsair ram you linked is 3200…I thought 3600 is the go to for Zen 3?

      • Look Up on 02/12/2024 - 13:32
        +1

        The Corsair in your post is 3600/CL18 which has no real world performance gain over the 3200/CL16

        Also, 3200/CL16 is the most compatible and easiest to get running stable

        It is also the easiest to overclock later to 3600, if you get lucky with the IC quality

        • ironpaw on 02/12/2024 - 13:34
          +1

          Cheers thanks for that!

  • Shadowsfury on 02/12/2024 - 14:50

    How many VMs are you needing/using?

    • ironpaw on 02/12/2024 - 15:48

      Just 2, but the stuff I'm running needs 8-12GB RAM each and with a bunch of stuff open my host is constantly hitting max ram usage…

  • bazingaa on 02/12/2024 - 15:35

    When I used 5600x I had 32 GB 3200 MHz kit from G.Skill, later got another kit and made 16*4 sticks. For productivity it won't matter much, just try to match them as much as you can. Now I have DDR5 2 x 48 + 2 x 32 on this PC but running at 4800, can't increase memclock more than that to pass memtest

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join