I picked up these used parts for $120 total: an RX 580 8GB, Ryzen 5 3600, ASRock B550M-C motherboard, Cooler Master Hyper 212, and a 650W Corsair power supply. I know buying used hardware is a gamble, but the seller had good ratings, and I've already confirmed that the power supply and graphics card work properly. I still need to buy memory. Should I prioritize RAM speed or capacity with this Ryzen system, and what DDR4 kit would make the most sense for gaming? I also have a Hyper 212 with the Intel LGA1700 mounting hardware installed, but I was given the AM4 hardware as well. How do I remove the Intel mounting parts and install the AM4 brackets on the motherboard?
4 Answers
The Hyper 212 should work with AM4 once you replace the Intel mounting hardware with the AM4 brackets. The exact process varies by Hyper 212 revision, so check the installation instructions for your specific model. In general, remove the Intel brackets and standoffs, keep the motherboard’s AM4 backplate in place if the instructions call for it, then attach the included AMD brackets before mounting the cooler. Don’t force anything—make sure the screws and brackets match the AM4 diagram.
That’s an excellent price for the parts, especially if the motherboard, CPU, and cooler are also working. If possible, test the memory before buying or run a memory test afterward. Used RAM is generally fairly dependable, but checking it now can save you troubleshooting later.
For a budget build, 2x8GB of DDR4-3200 CL16 is a solid choice. DDR4-3600 CL18 is also good if it costs about the same. Ryzen benefits somewhat from faster memory, but capacity and dual-channel operation matter more than chasing small speed differences. After installing the RAM, enable XMP or DOCP in the BIOS so it runs at its advertised speed.
DDR4-3600 is a good match for the Ryzen 5 3600 because it lines up well with the system’s Infinity Fabric, but don’t pay a large premium for it. A 2x16GB kit is ideal for newer games and future use, while 2x8GB is perfectly reasonable if you’re keeping costs low. Try to buy one matched kit instead of mixing separate memory modules, since that usually makes the rated settings more reliable.
I got lucky with the seller and bought the parts from someone clearing out a collection. I’ll make sure to test everything once I have the system assembled.