Many PC owners report experiencing issues with speed and their Ryzen RAMs. The root of these issues stem mostly from slow memory - the solution being buying a faster RAM. It has been found the Ryzen platforms perform markedly better when supported with faster memory. In this article, we roundup and describe the best RAM for Ryzen desktops currently available along with its notable attributes and which buyer it would suit the most.
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Best Performing RAM for Ryzen
The following three RAM, Skill TridentZ, Corsair Vengeance and Skill Flare X , are the best performing for Ryzen processors. These two cards can reach speeds of 3,200 MHZ and are capable of overclocking. They are on the costlier end however so are great for builders with slightly higher budgets. To see RAM for Ryzen for those on a budget, skip on down one section.
1. Corsair Vengeance RGB 2x8GB
- Hand-sorted memory chips ensure high performance with generous overclocking...
- VENGEANCE LPX is optimized for wide compatibility with the latest Intel...
- A low-profile height of just 34mm ensures that VENGEANCE LPX even fits in most...
- A high-performance PCB guarantees strong signal quality and stability for...
Personally we think the Corsair Vengeance RGB is best RAM for Ryzen. This card is perfect for enthusiastic builders as well as gamers. This unit will be able to get 3200MHz speeds out of 1st and the 2nd generation of Ryzen processors (but only for the 32GB). To top it off, it is slightly cheaper than the TridentZ. Furthermore, Corsair RAM are compatible with most motherboards, with top of the line PCB manufacturing eliminating any worry for compatibility issues. Finally, the Corsair comes in black, white, blue and red which lessens the possibility of color clashing with your PC. Taking into consideration the price of this RAM at 16GB ($155.00) along with its availability it is a can’t miss.
2. G.Skill TridentZ
- Trident Z is the latest high-performance DDR4 range from G.Skill, designed for...
- Optimized for the latest 6th Generation Intel Core Processors and Z170 chipsets
- Two matched 8GB modules, designed for use in dual channel setup
- 3200MHz memory speed with full memory timings of CL16-18-18-38 at 1.35V
The G.Skill is the best performing RAM for your Ryzen PC. We recommend this card if you have the money to spend and are looking for a fast, fast memory. This RAM is meant for overlocking and can be used in a dual channel setup which increases the data transfer rate. That being said this unit still tends to run at slower timings from 16-38 and a 1.35V voltage when overclocked due in large part to the high 3,200MHz speeds. More consider the dimensions. This RAM measures at 44mm in height so high consideration should be given to the amount of space you’re provided with for installation. You would be looking at a price range from $180.00 for a 16GB to $360.00 for a 32GB RAM.
3. G.Skill Flare X
- XMP 2.0 profile support to reach up to the rated overclock speed, or run at...
- Rated XMP frequency & stability depends on MB & CPU capability
- Check G.Skill QVL or RAM Configurator on the G.Skill website for validated...
The Skill Flare X is another high-performing, albeit expensive RAM for Ryzen. This unit is about 30% more expensive than the comparable RAMs on the market. Nonetheless, it is still a great RAM with many users praising it's performance. Users report being able to easily reach easily reach speeds of 3,200 MHZ on their Ryzen systems. Though the ridged aluminum heatsinks give it a more stylish and distinctive look, it is important to note that it requires some fine tuning in order to perform well. We recommend gamers with a fairly good builder’s acumen only buy this RAM - if you are a PC building novice, the cards we talk about above or below may be better for you.
Best Budget Buys
The following RAM cards are not as expensive as the 1st two, but will not deliver the same type of performance. Essentially, it's going to be harder to get these cards up to 3,200 MHZ as the 1st two cards. Nonetheless, even on a budget the following RAM can dramatically improve your gaming experience with a Ryzen AMD processor.
1. Kingston Value RAM
- One 8GB module of 1600MHz DDR3 Memory
- 240-pin Registered DIMM
- From the industry leader in PC Memory
- Intel Certified Parts
The Kingston is the most affordable of the options. This RAM is flexible enough to fit the needs of a gamer or a non-gamer that is interested in just faster loading times and performance of their PC. There is nothing fancy or polished about this RAM as the heatsink is 100% basic. On the other hand, because it is basic it makes very affordable. The price tag hovers around $70.00 for an 8GB 1600 MHz unit which gives it a $/GB ratio of $8.75, the best on this list. It also features a fairly low profile height of just 31 mm so there is a solid chance that it will be compatible size wise for most components.
2. GeIL EVO-X RGB 16GB
If you’re a gamer and the TridentZ by G. Skill caught your eye but your pockets might not be deep enough, the GelL EVO-X would be a great, slightly less expensive alternative. The maker, GelL has introduced a component of the RAM that they call a “hybrid-independent-light-module (HILM)” that essentially parses out the lighting solution and circuitry from the memory module. It comes with a 4-pin RGB header and it performs at 16-16-16-36 timings and 1.35V. A huge drawback however is the EVO-X is one of the tallest DDR4 units measuring in at a 60mm overall height. The 16GB, 2400MHz unit is available at Amazon for $168.00, about $12.00 less than its counterpart the TridentZ.
What You Should Know When Buying RAM for Ryzen
Ryzen can be a great machine, but you definitely need to be careful when selecting your RAM. Often times users will select a RAM that won't achieve the advertised speed without needing to manually change the bios. Ideally, you would not want to go any lower memory-wise than right around 2667MHz for a Ryzen system. If you have some extra cash laying around you should definitely entertain 3200MHz solely because many of the 2667MHz RAMs won’t perform identically for your PC.
One last consideration is the infancy of Ryzen as a brand and vendor. Since this is the case you would want to make sure that the RAM kit you select is manufactured by a vendor for your motherboard. In the table below you can see all DDR4 3,200 MHz RAM approved for Ryzen use. You can see a full list of all allowed RAM here. We discuss more crucial things to know about shopping for RAM for your Ryzen machine below.
| Speed | Model Number |
| DDR4 3200 | Corsair CMK16GX4M2B3200C16 v5.39 |
| DDR4 3200 | G.Skill F4-3200C14D-16GFX |
| DDR4 3200 | F4-3200C14D-32GTZR |
| DDR4 3200 | F4-3200C14D-16GTZR |
| DDR4 3200 | F4-3200C14D-32GTZS |
| DDR4 3200 | F4-3200C14D-16GTZ |
| DDR4 3200 | GEIL GAEXY432GB3200C16DC |
| DDR4 3200 | GAEXY416GB3200C16DC |
| DDR4 3200 | GAEXY48GB3200C16DC |
| DDR4 3200 | GAFR416GB320C16DC |
| DDR4 3200 | GAPB416GB320C16DC |
| DDR4 3200 | ADATA AX4U3200W8G16 |
| DDR4 3200 | AX4U3200W4G16 |
| DDR4 3200 | AX4U320038G16 |
| DDR4 3200 | AX4U3200316G16 |
Dual Channel RAM
For your Ryzen processor which relies on Infinity Fabric, you will need dual channels. What this means is you need two units of RAM as opposed to one. So if you have 1 card with 16GB or two cards 8GB each, you will need to select the 8GB with 2 cards. This will significantly improve the performance of Ryzen.
The Motherboard
Your motherboard is crucial when buying RAM for your Ryzen CPU. If your goal is to hit those 3,200 MHz speeds, then your going to need to ensure your motherboard can also physically handle it. We recommend you go to your motherboard's manufacturer's website and ensure they can support speeds up to 3,200 MHz.
Your Hard Drive Speed
Here's something that may shock you, but yes, your hard drive speed is also something to consider when shopping for a RAM for your Ryzen. You don't want to cheap out on your hard drive if you're trying to hit that 3,200 MHz. In fact, we'd even recommend you dish out for a SSD (solid state drive).
For more information on the nuances of shopping for RAM for your Ryzen system, take a look at this highly informative Youtube video.
Purchase Options
Amazon.com seems to have everything these days and these RAMs for gamers and non-gamers alike is no exception. You can buy your RAMs at big box chains like Best Buy or Office Depot but to find a better and more competitive offer, Amazon would be more prudent. And best of all, you can shop from your couch. You can also compare and contrast each RAMs specs at the click of a button while not having to worry about being bamboozled by some salesperson. Simply follow the links* and you will be able to research and purchase the best RAM for you. Happy Shopping/Gaming/Surfing!
*We do make a slight commission if you buy something from Amazon when we refer you to them
