I'm in the process of building a high-performance video editing rig and I'm curious about the differences between using 24GB RAM sticks versus 32GB sticks. I've noticed that the faster RAM options (like those exceeding 8000MHz from G.Skill) only seem to come in 24GB sizes. Also, I want to know how much the speed affects performance. For context, I'll be running programs like Firefox, DaVinci Resolve, and Affinity Publisher/Designer simultaneously. My other specs are still up in the air, but I'm considering high-end components like a 5090 or a 7950, and I'm thinking about installing anywhere from 64GB to 128GB of RAM. Any insights would really help!
4 Answers
Faster RAM can provide some benefits, but in video editing, the amount of RAM matters much more than speed. Since you’re working with large video files, having a higher capacity will allow your software to operate smoothly. Speed helps, but don't expect significant gains; your focus should be on having enough RAM without stability issues. Consider options with ECC or registered RAM for reliability.
For your setup, I'd recommend focusing on stability and capacity rather than chasing the fastest speeds. The likelihood of getting an AM5 system to run super fast RAM consistently isn't great. If you're doing heavy video editing, more RAM is more beneficial than slightly faster RAM speeds. I suggest aiming for around 6000MHz CL30 or 6400MHz CL32 for a good balance between speed and stability.
If you're looking to maximize performance, I’d suggest sticking with 6000MT/s RAM. It will be easier to run and offers more stability than trying to get 8000MT/s to work. Plus, running with fewer sticks, like 2x48GB, can help avoid limitations in speed typically seen with 4 sticks. You want to ensure you have a solid foundation for your high-performance rig.
While getting 8000MT/s RAM can be done, it often requires a lot of tweaking and might not be worth the hassle unless you really need that bandwidth. For most editing tasks, 6000MT/s RAM will perform better for stability and reliability. That being said, keep your focus on storage as well—fast drives really help with video editing.

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