Hey everyone! I'm planning to upgrade the RAM in my PC and would love some advice based on my current setup. Here are the specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- GPU: Nvidia 3070 FE
- Motherboard: MSI MPG B550 Gaming Edge WiFi
- Current RAM: Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO 2x8GB DDR4 3200MHz
- Cooler: be quiet! DARK ROCK 4 (it blocks one RAM slot)
- PSU: Corsair RM750
I built this rig back in 2022 initially for gaming, but now I mostly use it for schoolwork and occasional VR sim racing. I often have tons of Chrome tabs open (I know, I know, Chrome is a RAM hog) along with other apps for studying. Plus, I'm about to start using CAD, which I hear can be quite demanding on RAM.
Because my cooler limits me to two RAM slots, I'm thinking about upgrading to either 2x32GB 3600MHz or 2x16GB 3600MHz. So I'm curious:
1. Is going for 64GB total overkill for what I'm doing?
2. Would opting for 2x16GB better suit my needs?
3. Is my Ryzen 3700X and B550 motherboard still good, or should I consider upgrading to something newer?
Any insights into my potential bottlenecks or smarter upgrades would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
Honestly, I think 32GB would be sufficient for your use. While CAD can use more memory, it's not usually a dealbreaker for standard tasks. However, if you have the budget, 64GB would be nice, especially if you get into heavy simulations or run multiple demanding applications simultaneously. It really depends on how much you multitask!
If you're doing CAD work, 64GB is not a bad investment at all, especially since DDR4 prices are great right now. However, I would recommend saving up for a CPU upgrade eventually since that could yield better performance for your CAD work than just increasing RAM.
Great point on the CPU! I'll have to think about what my next steps should be after this RAM upgrade.
Go for the 64GB—it won't hurt! Plus, it means you can disable disk swapping, which can improve performance and reduce wear on your drive. Just make sure to get a good pair of sticks. Mixing RAM can lead to issues. Prices are pretty low now, so it's a smart move!
Definitely go for 64GB if you plan on using CAD. It's a real RAM hog, and with Chrome and other applications running, 32GB might not cut it, especially with multiple tabs open. Plus, DDR4 is pretty affordable right now, so why not future-proof your setup?
I have 64GB in all my builds, and I really appreciate the extra headroom. Your motherboard can support a later upgrade to Ryzen 5000 series, too, so investing in 64GB now will keep you on this platform longer. I say go for it!
That makes sense! I want to make sure I don't hit any walls when I'm in CAD, but I also want to be practical with my budget.