The Best Memory for AMD Ryzen - A Beginner's Guide to RAM Performance

The AMD Ryzen 5000 series might facing availability shortages but that's bound to change soon. In this Ryzen memory buying guide for beginners we cover memory performance for dual rank vs single rank, the best speed and how to buy with memory latency in mind along with plenty of RAM benchmarks to help through the process. All of this should lead to picking the best memory for Ryzen 5 5600X, Ryzen 7 5800X, Ryzen 9 5900X and Ryzen 9 5950X but it will also help with the Ryzen 3000 series too.
Buy items in this video from Amazon at the links below:
Crucial Ballistix Max - geni.us/BALLMAX
Crucial Ballistix - geni.us/BALLISTIX16
Crucial Ballistix RGB - geni.us/BALLISTIX32
Steelseries Aerox - geni.us/AEROX3Wireless
Timestamps:
0:00 - Ryzen Memory Intro
2:00 - The Memory Kits We Use
3:21 - Memory Ranks Explained
4:38 - Ryzen Memory Ranks MATTER
5:30 - Why is Dual Rank Faster?
6:35 - Single vs Dual Rank Benchmarks on Ryzen
8:49 - The Best Memory Configuration for Ryzen
9:13 - Memory Timings Explained
9:58 - Memory Latency & Timings Benchmarks
11:04 - Ryzen Memory Ratios & Frequency Explained
12:01 - How to Check Ryzen Ratios
12:49 - Overclocking Memory on Ryzen
13:48 - A Dose of Reality
14:38 - Ryzen Memory Frequency Benchmarks
15:54 - How to Optimize & Tweak Your RAM
17:35 - Ryzen with 5100MHz Memory
18:36 - The Best Memory for Ryzen is......
Zentimings - bit.ly/3mwZb03
Taiphoon Burner - bit.ly/3nw3Z7b
DRAM Calculator for Ryzen - bit.ly/34q5GeE
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Review unit provided free of charge by Crucial. This video is sponsored by Crucial & Steelseries. As per Hardware Canucks guidelines, no review direction was received from manufacturer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Gear list (Available on Amazon):
Main Camera (Dmitry) - geni.us/SONYA7III
Main Lens (Dmitry) - geni.us/Tamron2875
Main Camera (Eber) - geni.us/CanonEOS-R
Main Lens (Eber) - geni.us/dLL
Main 2nd Lens (Eber) - geni.us/Canon24-70MKII
Main Camera Mic (D & E) - geni.us/RODEMIC
Cheap 4K Camera (Panasonic G7) - geni.us/24nm
Awesome Slider - geni.us/1Hwt
Our Shotgun Mic - geni.us/Sennheiser-MKE600
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#ryzen5000memory #ryzen5000 #hardwarecanucks

[@rodrigoascenso4660]

I feel like my brain is too small for this

[@jonnyzeeee]

Yeah not really a guide for beginners.

[@MichaelChan0308]

Just download more RAM Sir

[@oliverchetwin6635]

@@MichaelChan0308 😂😂😂😂

[@CalaisRider]

YUP WATCH IT OVER AND OVER 3 OR 4 TIMES AND IT MAKES SOME SENSE. NOT A PRESENTER ISSUE, JUST THAT I'M GETTING OLDER AND SLOWER lol 😁🤣

[@BRB499]

Im lost aswell... and im even high AF :)

[@malifestro3319]

You guys this video is gold rated! The quantity of data and quality of the presentation is outstanding. Massive high fives all around. Great job team!

[@chrisstone42]

This is by far the best video on the subject of dual vs single rank ram I've seen. Great job guys!

[@PeteCotton]

Great piece Eber. You're really good at covering complex technical info without talking over people's heads.

[@strudl32456]

We need more videos like these.

[@anthonycogliano3519]

Well since you understood it, can you tell me what ram to buy for my Ryzen 9 5900x?

[@camotech1314]

@@anthonycogliano3519 3200Mhz CL16 Crucial Ballistix

[@matthouse99]

This is pretty good info. My only complaint would be how fast the graphics change or transition. I often had to rewind and pause to view the charts. For something technical, like this topic, I'd like to see the graphics on-screen longer and less time seeing the presenter. EDIT: FWIW, I saw similar videos from Linus and Steve and felt that this one was more thorough and useful to me overall. They're all good. I'd recommend watching multiple sources, but if you only have time to watch one, I'd recommend this one.

[@incrediblebulk92]

This is such a great guide. Im saving this for the far flung future when you can actually buy these CPUs.

[@EmilWilkens]

I just Got my 5950x

[@TheGauges420]

@@EmilWilkens well id hope they could restock the highest tier products more than the lower.

[@DrCid123]

I bought Ryzen 5 5600x yesterday, 2 of them actually, one for me and one for my brother, even 5 mins ago when I checked, newegg have some in stock, What I did was I added them to cart on the Website, and checked out on the phone App, hope that helps, good luck.

[@noahhastings6145]

@@TheGauges420 I think that with current silicon yields, the exact opposite is true. All of the 5000 series processors start out as the highest tier 5950x, but because of defects in the manufacturing process, most of them get binned as lower tier chips with features and cores disabled so that they can actually run and be sold. With the current yield levels in silicon manufacturing, the 5600x and 5700x should be the most abundant chips, especially if you're a scalper.

[@furrysophie8997]

Yeah, one good thing about being out of stock is everyone can learn more about each product before making a decision, since you can't buy it, you're forced to be more careful about which one you buy.

[@bootstrap_8316]

What a great, thorough overview on ram speed and timings. You all did a great job with this one

[@AlphaKilo09]

By far the most clear and easy to understand video I've watched on the memory rank/config/performance without jumping on everywhere randomly. Thanks for making this video even more easier to understand than many other videos I've watched. Hope to see more content on this like different motherboards, their topology and RAM modules, etc & everything.

[@alexanderbruns6574]

This is seriously impressive work and organization of data. Great job man.

[@shotgunenvy2657]

Was really hoping someone would do this kind of comprehensive testing! Thanks guys

[@es5746]

Thank you for making this! Exactly what I needed

[@Jayeeyee]

This is one of the most in-depth RAM explanation videos I've ever seen. I even learned some new stuff I didn't know before. Well done!

[@SuvinRK]

This was great! Thanks for the deep dive on RAM and all the associated RAM related stuff!

[@SmoothTiger]

I was really looking for this video. Thank you so much for making this! Great timing. Please make a more indept video on this. I would love to know so much more about the workings of this topic.

[@radiantav]

Fantastic work! Thanks so much, learned a lot.

[@Selandr]

Such a beautiful production, especially the light work, pleasure to watch! Thanks Eber!

[@jamfriday]

I’ve been searching for this content since last week. Thanks!

[@kristiankirial2438]

GREAT CONTENT! This is so informative!

[@lewallen4]

Thanks for the really informative video. I've been building PC's for years and I always learn something new from your guides. Awesome breakdowns and discussions.

[@1nisaro]

Great video! Answered a lot of questions I found in researching my next build

[@The8blackwidow8]

I really like the calm music in the background. Makes it easier to listen. Great video!

[@youribecker1674]

Loved this video, tyvm! Would love to see a follow up video on how to tweak everything related to ram

[@erfangholampour5128]

Thank you for the great informative video!

[@zipzipboom87]

Super comprehensive, thank you!

[@bigmikegaming1583]

omg, a good tutorial that doesn't have loud ass music and i can actually hear what he is talking about, i am learning a lot for my first ever build, currently waitin on parts to be in stock, only have a case right now. Great job m8

[@yxe9218]

This video was so educational, great work and hope to see more for e.g. Ryzen overclocking if that's possible

[@staffie85]

Thank you so, so much for this video. It was really helpful and helped me gain some performance i was losing because I didn't know about that Zen app and now I do I've got everything in sync and my computer is running better then ever stability wise.

[@thisiscompletelyreta]

Thank you so much, this is BY FAR the best guide to memory I have found. Filled in a few of the gaps I’ve been looking for for a week or so now.

[@_purejosh]

This is the third video I've watched on this exact behavior. The previous videos left me with too many questions, but this video covered everything that I needed to know. 10/10, thank you very much!

[@willgart1]

finally, a real a compressive review of the DDR4 memory config!!! thanks a lot. because all of the other review on this subject were badly made, you covered all the key points. now I know why my memory kit is not so good.

[@Obayda_ak]

Thank you for the video. Please correct the slider link in your gear list in the description.

[@tantegreta]

Very concise video, finally something i was looking for, thanks!

[@MV_96]

Excellent video, really high quality stuff!

[@MichaelPattersonusmc]

Great work and effort. Well worth the view, and a great guide! Thanks for the great video!

[@HardwareCanucks]

Thanks. If you think we missed anything please let us know!

[@MichaelPattersonusmc]

@@HardwareCanucks not at all! Very informative!

[@medium-unit-onbreak]

@avocado I don't think so

[@StefanEtienneTheVerrgeRep]

That's why I always tell people to get dual rank Swiss Army Knives. With dual rank, you can screw with confidence.

[@kinangeagle133]

Oh its you. Because of you, one of my more recent encounter with tech news is about building a pc the best way

[@ristopototo3842]

Yo stefan, I love your PC build video. Will you ever make a part 2?

[@brockrock8898]

You're the king of PC tech comedy. Keep up the bad work

[@masterdftw4983]

This dude is the best. Meme king.

[@philipchang1355]

Dual rank was an issue for ryzen gen 1 and 2 but as the video states the 5000 series have better memory controllers. What’s it to do with a Swiss Army knife?

[@chaosfreak3583]

Great Guide! Thank you very much! Helped a lot

[@evilqtip7098]

Love your calm Pro video's really well made and informative.

[@Ikarus1776]

How did you know i needed this right now? How kind of you!

[@vintage0x]

This video was a real comforter for me. I have a Ryzen 5800X arriving next week and I paired it with 32GB DDR4 @ 3600Mhz/CL18 RAM and I'm suddenly feeling much better about it as you've clearly showed that the real-world gains you get from faster frequencies and lower latencies are very small indeed!

[@VulcanXIV]

Actually, as per HardwareUnboxed's video on teh subject, the different of all those factors can be massive BUT only on cases where a game is completely not bottle necked by GPU (such as 3090) AND dumping its processes onto the CPU by running it on 1080 (who runs 1080 on a 3090?). So basically, the differences are real, but the situations and hardware needed to get them to show is literally unrealistic and or extreme. Either way, there does seem to be a benefit under the rug and between the lines.

[@NuisanceMan]

@@VulcanXIV It's also theoretically possible that somebody, somewhere, might be running an app that isn't a game.

[@hanswurst6742]

Very informative. Thank you guys

[@user-gb4np8it8o]

WHY haven't the *big name reviewers* done this comparison?! THANK YOU FOR THE HARD WORK. Viewers: push this link out!

[@bback74]

Great guide! Thanks. Would appreciate a test on how 8 ranks of memory (4x 16 gig or similar) will affect performance as well on the Ryzen 5000 series.

[@tannerochel]

Just what I needed. The configuration instructions and links made this an easy subscribe.

[@ArcAudios77]

Great detail & presentation :) Thanks

[@NotThatGuyJD]

Things with "tight" timings is getting the secondary and tertiary timings down which can have a much bigger effect than just dropping the primaries or CL specifically. Those Ballistix max 5100 sticks are absolutely insane, can run some crazy OC on them too. Although really surprised by the 5100mhz results on those, seems it is just around the point where performance comes back in line with 1:1:1 results.

[@thesyldon2498]

Some good information to post out there. So many people misunderstand memory, and how timing Vs frequency actually impacts performance. However, it would be nice to see a full list of timings ran on each test in the expanded comments section. I believe there are more gains to be had by running with some of the subtimings tweaked than running with increased frequencies or dual rank kits. Cas latency. Gear down , tRDRDSCL/tWRWRSCL have major impacts on latencies, but only if you can do it with keeping fclk, uclk and mclk synchronised. I find going beyond 3800mhz fclk just causes black screens on a CH8 without sacrificing a lot of subtiming gains. So I would really like to see the set up with 2300 fclk.

[@bladactania]

This was a really interesting video. You explained everything very clearly. I'd love to see more in-depth videos like this and would definitely tune in for the more detailed guide.

[@TheGeekazoid]

A thorough easy to understand video well done excellent content...

[@visiblestring]

Thank god, this is exactly the video I was looking for. There are so many conflicting and misinformed opinions floating around about Ryzen and RAM.

[@hafu8212]

the timing of this video couldn't be more perfect (pun intended). I was going to buy a CL16 tridentz neo 3600mhz. But with this info , I can go with the budget 3200mhz kits. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@alienrenders]

Try to find ballistic RAM. You can Google which ones overclock really well. I have 4x 3200 and they overclock to 3600 and higher no problem.

[@radmister7000]

This video was amazing. Thank you for explaining everything so well

[@ram100677]

Thank you for this video! I was just looking at RAM and trying digest the timings and mhz info. This is def helpful supplementary info to what I already looked up :)

[@hrwells9698]

Great timing I was just startng my research for ram to buy for my 5800x

[@haywire9174]

Has the 5800x overheated because I'm hearing a lot of people saying it overheats fr some reason

[@hrwells9698]

@@haywire9174 what is your Cpu cooler? No issues on my end, temps are under control. Could be the clue cooler, paste, or bad air flow in the case. Maybe also change the fan curve to keep the temps lower

[@haywire9174]

@@hrwells9698 no I don't own it i just heard it overheats compared to other zen 3 chips i should be fine with my h150i pro cappelix ig.

[@paultravisano9403]

I have a 5800x as well. What were you thinking of getting?

[@UltraDXSASC]

I really would write a fixed voltage (OC/UV) to control that temperatures because the boost is really agresive. I have my 3600 undervolt, got 20 degrees improvement.

[@the_haakinton8924]

Please make a more detailed video. I've been struggling to gather information about memory and the ones I did were really confusing. This video is 👌👌

[@knasin]

Great video in explaining a complex topic.

[@impyworm115]

Love your in depth videos! Thank you so much for your work, really appreciate it guys!

[@pucavlr2976]

Commenting for that algorithm, baby!

[@SebastianMares]

Did you, by any chance, test how 4x dual rank (let's say 16 GB) performs, since you mentioned at 6:10 that an optimal scenario would be 2 ranks per memory controller channel and 4x dual rank would be double that recommendation.

[@djvincon]

Would love to know this. I have 4x 16GB dual rank 3200 C14 on my 3900X now and im planning to switch to the 5950X.

[@TrueMusicDan]

Same. Its the only thing this comparison is missing. You would think it would be the best after these comparisons.

[@BlazeGelos]

You mean 8 ranks in total? that would be interesting, or probably the cpu can only adress up to 4 ranks and thats why they never do an 8 rank setup.

[@dafaqu694]

I heard Someone said it's gonna do a lot of work and tend to actually makes the ram slower, so tend to stay within quad-rank (2xdual rank/4x single)

[@heldim92]

Couldn't be any more perfect! Thanks for all the clearance that I will never ever lose of sight!

[@Tetharis]

Super helpful video. Thanks for your hard work!

[@un-for-given]

I was just running my PC with the DOCP profile to on. I never bothered with timings since I have no idea what to do with them. But, this 1:1:1 ratio is very interesting and I want to get into it.

[@cesarpdc]

did you download the zen timings and see if your memory speeds are all the same? If so then you are 1 to 1 ratio. look at 12:11

[@Pratalax]

This was the chillest tech video i have ever watched and i appreciate this. It's like it had a healing meditative effect. i have an uncontrollable urge to drink hot cocoa.

[@scale...3d]

Yep it worked out, atleast for me. Thanks for making this video. Salute to your hardwork.

[@alfredmacchione]

Amazing work and presented with such clarity! Best Ryzen memory video to date on KZbin! Very useful monitoring and testing tools, and memory overclocking recommendations.

[@emuclone154]

Generally good video for ram. However, the problem with the single vs dual rank comparison is that the benchmarks were based on the same frequency and CAS latency (not to mention the subtle sub timing differences of the two). Dual rank is harder for the boards and mem controller. Single rank will have more overclocking headroom which makes the performance difference relatively zero between dual and single rank configurations. Edit: Aida64 isn't very good for testing memory overclocks (Doesn't account for errors). Instead, I recommend memtest helper with 200% completion after each change in timings.

[@Nirvash95159]

The best and the most informative guide on the topic available, thanks! ;)

[@muSPKWoW]

I miss the Dual Rank, 4 slot edition. I found zero youtubers testing this..

[@TrueMusicDan]

I want to know the same.

[@ConfyScenty]

Now that's a very important and informative video. My take is that memory frequencies and latencies do not really matter as much as we make them seem. 👍🏾

[@MrCakeBone]

It means a lot when I want to lock my framerate at a steady 200 or 250fps on a multiplayer game, without dips

[@vitormasson]

Your videos are simply amazing, thank you!

[@alistermathie8485]

Mad Respect, that was a high level of detail!

[@senhorkorracha]

I was worried there would be considerable losses by giving up on CL16 for CL18 and 3600Mhz for 3200MHz... doesn't seem that way. I think you saved me like 60 dollars (the former kind of memory kit is very hard to find around here, hence extra expensive)

[@mystic_rey]

More detail pls I must learn everthing and I cant find Informations

[@cirrezm]

This was very informative, I think i need to learn a little more before fully understanding the in depth details, but I was able to the bulk information and recommendations. Thank you!

[@shanksisnoteventhatstrongbruh]

Excellent content by Eber, knocked it out of the park with this video.

[@elias5659]

Impressive thumbnail my dude👌 of course a video worthy of it as well.

[@SpankingFob]

Would be cool to get a 5000 series overclocking guide!

[@Gustinelli]

Awesone vid, awesone work, not just a "Yes or No" video, but's it's: informative, comparative and it's actually a freaking tutorial to how to Overclock and Optmize RAM, all together in 19 mins. Keep up the PERFECT work.

[@niroswe]

This video was exactly what I was looking for. Excellent work! Subscribed.

[@myoriginalname]

Claim your " I watched the whole thing" reward here -> 🍪

[@forhadrh]

😂🤣

[@cachepilll286]

yessirrrr

[@kenmiller19]

The link is broken. I clicked on the cookie and nothing happened!

[@RobBCactive]

Meh!

[@samnesbitt9735]

I'm trying memory OC for the first time on a 5600x and would love a detailed guide. So far the motherboard on auto does a lot better job then what I have been able to pull out. Running on a strix b550-e.

[@FlintingSun]

Thank you for explaining this in a calm, clear, and cohesive manner. Excellent reference video. Cheers!

[@user-sw7js4jw7v]

great video, super helpful even for someone without a ton of subject knowledge. this video really should have a ton more views. subbed

[@JornadoTV]

And here I was thinking I knew computers.

[@maximumsohangame]

bruh!

[@rickwendel4128]

What about 4 x Dual Rank Modules? Will there be even better performance than 2 x Dual Rank Modules?

[@ozgunogut2295]

Was gonna ask the same

[@MadPotoo]

Quad rank setup is SUPER hard on the CPU's memory controller, so unless you are fine sucky RAM OC you should just stick with dual rank setups. Buildzoid tested this a while back.

[@riba2233]

No

[@JohanMursu]

From what I've read online, quad rank is NOT optimal

[@rickwendel4128]

I am asking because I have 4 modules right here in front of me for my new setup... and in fact I saw a video a few days ago about 4 modules configuration which showed that this is faster than 2 modules. But I am not sure if they were using single or dual rank modules... and I was missing this exact configuration in your video.

[@red_guardian]

This was a wonderful video! Thank you!

[@brokensword7878]

This is such a good breakdown of numerous concepts that are often explained in far too technical terms for mainstream consumers who are buying a fancy new PC. The pace and presentation of the information is really top notch. Thanks a lot.

[@grillpig3860]

6:52 Thats exactly my setup! No Joke! Thank you! :D

[@g0d__]

My exams can wait I guess

[@TheArsenalgunner28]

Great guide, very clear, very casual. Thank you

[@Stormeyyy]

So much useful information in one video. Definately liked this for future help! thanks for this!

[@dallatorretdu]

I recently switched to crucial as their 32gb sticks are the best!

[@jrwong2181]

Are you sure？

[@dallatorretdu]

@@jrwong2181 yes, 32gb Corsair sticks were not fully stable, tested 3 variants and 3200, 3000, at their rated speeds. Crucial you’re sure they have Micron memory and is so much easier on the Ryzen IO die

[@jrwong2181]

@@dallatorretdu thank i was thinking to get the g skills z neo 16gbx2

[@Adi02]

beginners watching this video: 👁👄👁

[@Erujj]

Perfectly explained and well executed video.. Keep up the good work

[@nevinevius]

Very well explained video. Thank you

[@AKrauss]

These kind of videos make me feel like someone's going "you just installed the RAM and started using it? What a loser!"

[@TobuHM]

When your so early that the video has more likes than views

[@whisperingegg7339]

This was really good. Please do more

[@Salfriel]

Great informative video. Thanks

[@battlefever91]

So unless you're going for world records just buy whatever is on special and don't think twice about it.. good to know!

[@EpicFacePalmz0r]

spend $80 bucks on a 3200 cl16 kit. or spend $250 on a 3800 cl16 kit. Derp. I'll invest that extra cash into a GPU.

[@ardychu]

This is simply one of the greatest video ever. Love your channel and thanks for the great content!

[@saunupe1911]

Great video and it answered a few of my remaining Zen 3 questions. Much appreciated.