Sweet Spot on RAM?

[harobikes333]

I'm trying to pull the trigger on a new build:
CPU:
AMD RYZEN 7 1800X
Mobo:
ASRock X370 Taichi
GPU:
TBD.... Dang Mining >_<
CPU Cooler:
Trying to not go overkill but stay quiet...
Windows 10 Pro

I've been reading up on the RAM selection for OCing the CPU... am I overthinking it...? Is there a sweet spot? Cost / Performance...?
I don't normally ever overclock but it appears it's suggested since I plan on getting the 1800X
Here are two RAM kits that have combos on Newegg with my setup:

G.SKILL TridentZ RGB Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600) Desktop Memory Model F4-3200C16D-16GTZR (Model:F4-3200C16D-16GTZR) $174.99
or
CORSAIR Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3000 (PC4 24000) Memory Kit Model CMK16GX4M2B3000C15 (Model:CMK16GX4M2B3000C15) $159.99

Any advise is greatly appreciated!

 

[arandomguy]

For gaming the aim typically has been 3200 speeds for Ryzen, this was basically the practical limit early on in terms of whats reasonably reachable with gains. Although I'm wondering what tests with higher speeds now that they are more possible might reveal.

Both the kits you listed use the same Hynix dies just binned differently. The issue is that while the newer bios using the latest micro code from AMD have improved the situation outside of using the more expensive Samsung B-dies it is still going to be highly YMMV whether or not you hit 3200. Don't expect to it to just work out of the box without manual tweaking if it does either.

If not 2933 should be a reasonable likelihood.

 

[harobikes333]

So... spend the extra $15 & snag the 3200... or should I purchase a Samsung B-die set of RAM...?

 

[arandomguy]

The Samsung B-die kits are typically much more expensive as they are binned into higher speed kits (gkskill uses them in 3600 kits for instance). Whether or not the price is worth it I can't really answer for you. It's really into min/maxing territory.

2933 is already fairly good. The performance difference typically won't be earth shattering or anything. 3200 was somewhat the reachable practical limit which is why a lot of people aimed for it.

Both those kits may do 2933, again its YMMV. Unfortunately most of these kits are rated/validated against Intel's platforms, hence you why it becomes rather YMMV. Does your motherboards QVL say anything specific about these? Or you might try searching google to see if anyone has the same mobo and what they got with these ram kits. Try the builders thread in the CPU section, someone might have the same build for instance.

 

[harobikes333]

Yes, it is on ASRock's QVL
F4-3200C16D-16GTZB
F4-3200C16D-16GTZR <Lighted version it appears.
G.Skill Lists it as compatible for the ASRock Z370 Taichi.
Like I said before, I don't plan on OCing a ton. No over volting, etc to void any warranties.

 

[[DHT]Osiris]

3200, 16GB is my vote. G.Skill Trident Z series if you want specifics. Higher rate than that and the costs tend to increase very non-linearly. I'd suggest 32GB right now but the prices are a little silly (I got 32GB when they were about $100/16GB).

 

[UsandThem]

3200, 16GB is my vote. G.Skill Trident Z series if you want specifics. Higher rate than that and the costs tend to increase very non-linearly. I'd suggest 32GB right now but the prices are a little silly (I got 32GB when they were about $100/16GB).

I also mirror this advice! Trident Z is great stuff, and you can take a look at Micron Ballistix Elite as well. I about some about a month ago, and I have been very happy with it with my Z270 Taichi (main reason I went with it was because it was a few bucks cheaper than the Trident Z).

 

[arandomguy]

Yes, it is on ASRock's QVL
F4-3200C16D-16GTZB
F4-3200C16D-16GTZR <Lighted version it appears.
G.Skill Lists it as compatible for the ASRock Z370 Taichi.
Like I said before, I don't plan on OCing a ton. No over volting, etc to void any warranties.

Judging by the QVL list it looks like bot the kits are only qualified for 2933. So in either case that should be reachable.

I actually think it comes down to more if you want to pay the extra for the aesthetics. It looks like newegg.com has the non RGB Ripjaw V versions in various colors for even cheaper than the corsair at $155 -

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...cm_re=gskill_16gb_3200-_-20-231-977-_-Product
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod...cm_re=gskill_16gb_3200-_-20-231-941-_-Product

Actually if you're interested in the Samsung B-dies you might want to consider these for $170 as you have a good chance of getting 3200 speeds -
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232407
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820232409

These should be Samsung B-dies even though they aren't on the QVL for your mobo, should be the same chips just different heat spreader as the one on there. https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/62vp2g/clearing_up_any_samsung_bdie_confusion_eg_on/

Maybe want to double check but since you're using the 1800x might as well go all the way and try to hit that 3200 for higher IF speeds.

 

[harobikes333]

How would I double check...?
When i searched the Reddit thread, I found that someone had used one of the Samsung B-dies on the x370 with sucess...?
G.SKILL TridentZ Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600) Intel Z170 Platform Desktop Memory Model F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW <-- They didn't include the KW but that just indicates color scheme. Just worried as Newegg labels it as intended for the Intel platform & G.Skill lists Intel Mobos on their compatibility list..?
It's not on the ASRock list though.... how would i go about "double checking" it? Does ASRock / G.Skill have a support dealio?

 

[[DHT]Osiris]

How would I double check...?
When i searched the Reddit thread, I found that someone had used one of the Samsung B-dies on the x370 with sucess...?
G.SKILL TridentZ Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM DDR4 3200 (PC4 25600) Intel Z170 Platform Desktop Memory Model F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW <-- They didn't include the KW but that just indicates color scheme. Just worried as Newegg labels it as intended for the Intel platform & G.Skill lists Intel Mobos on their compatibility list..?
It's not on the ASRock list though.... how would i go about "double checking" it? Does ASRock / G.Skill have a support dealio?

I've got an Asrock Z170 series (7+) which the g.skill tridentz 3200 was specifically cited on the QVL, not the RGB version but the 'normie' version. I'd expect it to be supported on the Z270/Z370 series.

 

[harobikes333]

I've got an Asrock Z170 series (7+) which the g.skill tridentz 3200 was specifically cited on the QVL, not the RGB version but the 'normie' version. I'd expect it to be supported on the Z270/Z370 series.

Gotcha. but that's an Intel mobo...?
I'm going to be using it on the X370 not the Z370.... not sure if I dare order the RAM that specifically states it's for Intel Mobos.. :/ ?? Any advice?

 

[UsandThem]

Gotcha. but that's an Intel mobo...?
I'm going to be using it on the X370 not the Z370.... not sure if I dare order the RAM that specifically states it's for Intel Mobos.. :/ ?? Any advice?

If it's compatible with your board, GSkill should list it here (I don't see it):

https://www.gskill.com/en/configurator?manu=52&chip=2952&model=2985

Other than that, I would email them as they have pretty good, prompt service and ask them, or find another user who owns your board and has that RAM. You can also look through the Ryzen builder thread in the CPU/overclocking sub-forum, as there are owners there with your motherboard, and RAM compatabilty is discussed a lot.

 

[arandomguy]

At worst it (3200C14 Trident Z) goes to 2933 only like the first 2 kits you picked (I can't imagine it being worse, worst case scenario would be equal). But its cheaper than the first 3200 kit you posted, so unless the main attraction for you was the RGBs you might as well go for it, you're out only $15 compared to have gotten something cheaper like the 3200C16 or 3000C15 kits.

It's Intel mobos because Intel was first to DDR4, so almost all the products were initially marketed and qualified for Intel mobos. At launch everyone buying Ryzen had to buy those types of kits.

If you post in the Ryzen builders thread (or just make a post in general) in the CPU and Overclocking section or maybe Reddit (like r/AMD or buildapc) you're more likely to find people who's likely built the same/similar config and can confirm.

 

[harobikes333]

Thank for the input. I found a few builds where they used that ram in an ASRock X370 Taichi
I'm going to snag it & see how it goes. Onward to deciding on a CPU cooler...
Thanks again

 

[[DHT]Osiris]

Gotcha. but that's an Intel mobo...?
I'm going to be using it on the X370 not the Z370.... not sure if I dare order the RAM that specifically states it's for Intel Mobos.. :/ ?? Any advice?

Right, yeah, the z170 is Intel, but I think Asrock has pretty good compatibility with g.skill in general. QVL should reveal what's supported though.

Best of luck with the new build!

 

[Riok]

Any feedback on this build ?

 

[aigomorla]

OK from what i remember...
Latency is always the best unless u have a significant speed increase in the ram itself.

However this guy probably explains this whole notion of ram speed and cas better:

TLDR: think in nanoseconds for real-world latency comparation.

3000Mhz = 3000*1000² clock cicles per second at double data rate (DDR4), so clock cicle=1/(1500*1000²) seconds= 0.6666 nanoseconds. Then simply multiply by CAS latency to get the actual "total completion time", which is the total time it takes to perform a memory access and get ready for the next one. Your examples:

3000Mhz CL15: 1/(1500*1000²)*15 = 10 nanoseconds total completion time
3200Mhz CL16: 1/(1600*1000²)*16 = 10 nanoseconds total completion time

so those settings are effectively equal in terms of latency. Guess what would happen with 3600Mhz CL18 or 4000Mhz CL20...?

So honestly i would get whatever is cheaper, or has the LED's u want if your into RGB bling.
As its basically the same thing.

 

[harobikes333]

Any feedback on this build ?

Build is up & running.
I have not OverClocked yet though

 

[Riok]

Build is up & running.
I have not OverClocked yet though

So you run an ASRock x370 Taichi with GSkill's F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW, which is not listed as compatible and things run smoothly. Good to know. I am looking for parts for a friend moving to Ryzen and it sounds difficult. "You will get big benefit from faster ram... but you will struggle to find compatible ram "
What's your current ram speed then, 2667Mhz ?