Hey everyone, I'm planning a new PC build using a 9950X3D processor and I'd like some advice on RAM. I'm using it for gaming, Lightroom, and occasional video encoding. I'm eyeing a motherboard, the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS PRO, and I'm a bit confused about RAM specifications. I've read that DDR5 speeds from 6000 to 8000 are fine, but is it worth going with the higher speeds? Also, should I expect any stability issues with RAM over 6000? I think 64GB should be enough, but I've heard it's better to use just two sticks instead of four for AMD/AM5 setups. I'm curious about the speed and latency as well; I want to avoid overspending for minimal performance gains. My budget for RAM is around $200-$250. Any thoughts?
3 Answers
The sweet spot for DDR5, especially with AMD, seems to be around CL30 at 6000MHz for both performance and stability. If your budget allows, go with 64GB (2x32GB) since that fits your use case well. You'll be in good hands with that setup!
Thanks for the tip! Any reliable motherboard recommendations in the $250-$400 range? The one I linked got decent reviews, but I’m not sure if it’s my best option. I'm also looking for great audio quality and stability.
For your 9950X3D, I’d recommend aiming for 32 or 64GB of RAM, choosing DDR5-6000 with a CAS latency of around 30. It’ll work perfectly fine!
Exactly, CL30 is ideal!
First off, definitely check the motherboard's QVL list to see what RAM is compatible. You can sort it by speed and look for the best kit in your price range with the lowest latency. In general, you won't notice much difference with RAM unless you’re using something like Topaz Video Enhance AI, which might benefit from higher speeds. Also, do you really need 64GB? Unless you're working with massive datasets, 32GB could be more than enough, and 48GB might cost less too.
Look into the X870E series; they generally have good reviews for what you need!