I'm looking to upgrade some parts of my PC to extend its lifespan. I currently have an Asrock B350 Pro4 motherboard with a Ryzen 1600 processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM (2x8) running at 3200 MHz. I've just upgraded my GPU to a 9060 XT, but I'm also considering replacing my Ryzen 1600 with a 5600X, although there's a delay in delivery.
Now, my main concern is about RAM. I've recently received a second-hand 32GB RAM kit (2x16) that's rated for 4000 MHz, but it only boots at 2666 MHz on my system, even after I tried some adjustments. I've noticed that the new RAM has Hynix chips, while my current RAM has Samsung chips.
I'm wondering if:
1. It's possible to push this RAM to run at 3200 MHz?
2. Is it detrimental to performance if it runs at 2666 MHz?
3. Will my new Ryzen 5600X make a difference in performance?
4. Should I stick with my faster 16GB RAM and look for a different 32GB option with Samsung chips?
I appreciate any advice you can provide! Thanks!
6 Answers
First-gen Ryzen had some real issues with memory support, so I bet your new 32GB RAM will be just fine at 3200 MHz once you swap in the 5600X. Just make sure your BIOS is up to date too!
When you get the 5600X, you should be able to achieve speeds like 3600 MHz CL18. Also, using a RAM configurator might help you find stable settings for your new sticks.
It's probably best to wait until you have the 5600X installed. The Ryzen 5000 series has a much better memory controller, so the new RAM should work better with it than it will with your current setup. Early Ryzen memory support was definitely hit or miss!
Before you assume defects, make sure to check your RAM timings. Sometimes, the XMP profiles don't adjust correctly for lower speeds, which could lead to instability. If you can, manual tweaking might help, especially if the new kit isn't certified for XMP.
I didn't realize that! I’ll look into it and see if I can manually adjust it.
In real-world terms, the speed difference might not be drastic; maybe just 1-2 FPS in games. But if you're doing heavy tasks like video editing, then more RAM can really help. Just ensure you have enough capacity for more demanding games!
Your current setup might not handle the new RAM speeds due to the older CPU. I suggest you wait for the 5600X and see how it behaves then. Also, check if your motherboard is limiting the RAM speed! There might be BIOS settings you can tweak to get better performance.
Thanks for the heads-up! I'll hold off until the new CPU arrives.