I've finished most of my budget PC build, but I still need an SSD and memory. I found a good deal on a 2x8GB Kingston 2400MHz kit and I'm wondering whether it's worth buying and trying to overclock it, or if I should save for faster RAM. The system has an RX 580 8GB, a Ryzen 5 3600, and a B450M Pro M.2 Max motherboard. Ideally, I'd like to reach around 2800–3000MHz if the kit allows it.
3 Answers
The Ryzen 5 3600 benefits from faster memory and decent timings. Around 3200MHz is generally a sensible target, while 3600MHz can also work well when the CPU’s memory controller and motherboard cooperate. A B450 board isn’t automatically limited to 3000MHz; most reasonable models can run 3200–3600MHz with the right BIOS and settings.
You can try overclocking it, but there’s no guarantee. Memory kits are binned, so some 2400MHz modules have extra headroom while others become unstable above their rated speed. Reaching 2800 or 3000MHz is possible with some kits, but it may require adjusting voltage and memory timings rather than just selecting a faster frequency. Test the system thoroughly for stability afterward.
Since it’s Kingston, does that make reaching 2800 or 3000MHz any more likely?
If the 2400MHz kit is dramatically cheaper and the budget is extremely tight, it should still work, especially with an RX 580. Just treat any overclock as a bonus rather than something guaranteed. If the price difference is reasonable, buying a 3000–3200MHz kit is the safer choice because it should provide better performance without relying on the silicon lottery.
The CPU matters more than the chipset for the practical memory limit. Zen 2 chips like the Ryzen 5 3600 usually handle 3200MHz or higher, while older Ryzen generations had more memory-related limitations.