Should I choose 32GB of faster DDR5 or 64GB of slower RAM for my first PC?
Asked by
MellowBirch42
I'm building my first proper PC and I'm deciding between two memory kits: 64GB (2x32GB) Corsair Vengeance DDR5-5600, or 32GB (2x16GB) Kingston Fury Beast DDR5-6000. The 64GB kit costs around £60–£70 more. I'll mainly be gaming, but I'm also getting back into video editing and expect to use OBS, Photoshop, and similar programs. I'm considering an AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D processor. Is the extra capacity worth paying for, or would the faster 32GB kit be the better choice?
Answers
For gaming alone, I’d take the 32GB DDR5-6000 kit. The higher speed can help a little, although the real-world difference may be fairly small depending on the timings and processor. Since you’ll also be using OBS, Photoshop, and video-editing software, though, 64GB would give you more room for multitasking and larger projects.
Reply to this answer
The processor choice matters too. An X3D chip should be excellent for gaming and can reduce the importance of small RAM-speed differences, especially for frame-time performance. I’d focus more on having enough capacity and sensible timings than chasing the highest memory frequency.
MellowBirch42: I’m currently looking at the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D, so I’m leaning toward prioritizing capacity if the faster RAM won’t make a major difference.
Reply to this answer
For only £60–£70 extra, I’d probably choose the 64GB kit. It’s a worthwhile upgrade for video editing, recording, Photoshop, and having lots of programs open at once. For a mostly gaming-focused build, 32GB at 6000MT/s is still perfectly reasonable, but 64GB gives you more headroom and avoids needing an upgrade later.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
MellowBirch42: Gaming will be the main use, but I do want to get back into video editing and learn how to use OBS properly. I’m upgrading from my dad’s roughly 15-year-old computer, so either option should feel like a huge improvement.