Need advice deciding on RAM choice for new build

[Arctec]

So I'm planning to do a 3700X build combined with an Asus Tuf Gaming x570 Plus WiFi and Sapphire Nitro+ 5700 XT but need help when it comes to memory choice. I have done quite a bit of research on the optimal speeds and CLs and boiled my options down to a few DDR4 choices:
1) G.Skill Flare X 2x8GB 3200MHz CL14-14-14-34 (F4-3200C14D-16GFX) for 102€
2) G.Skill Trident Z 2x8GB 3200MHz CL14-14-14-34 (F4-3200C14D-16GTZ) for 111€
3) G.Skill Trident Z 2x8GB 3600MHz CL16-14-14-34 (F4-3600C16D-16GTZ) for 128€
In terms of stock XMP performance there doesn't seem to be too much of a difference between these kits. But if I wanted to try overclocking to 3800MHz and manual timings which of these options would make the most sense? Is there a chance all of these kits have the same chip?

 

[wingman99]

I would go with 1 or 2 for best compatibility and overclocking.

1) G.Skill Flare X 2x8GB 3200MHz CL14-14-14-34 (F4-3200C14D-16GFX)
2) G.Skill Trident Z 2x8GB 3200MHz CL14-14-14-34 (F4-3200C14D-16GTZ)

 

[trents]

Ditto. The Flare X series is reputed to be more AMD friendly and the lower CL rating will make up for the lower frequency compared to #3. On top of that, in customer reviews (take them for what they are worth) I have seen quite a few people complain about RAM incompatibility issues on Ryzen platform Asus boards compared to other board manufacturers in the sense of being able to run RAM at the XMP rated speed.

 

[EarthDog]

I'd go #3 for Ryzen 3000...assuming it is in the QVL list. 3600 mhz is a good sweet spot for performance and price. 3200 is the (highest) base spec for the platform. AMD suggests 3600..

That said, Trident Z NEO are 'made for' AMD and Ryzen 3000... I'd look at 3600 mhz neo sticks that are on the qvl.

With AMD, I wouldnt bother pushing the RAM past 3600 as chances are you will need to decouple the FCLK which slows things down in favor of higher bandwidth. It should stay 1:1 to 3600, 3733 with some luck and tweaking.

 

[wingman99]

AMD System Memory Specification 3200 speed for Ryzen 3700X link: https://www.amd.com/en/products/cpu/amd-ryzen-7-3700x If folks use 3600 speed and it dose not work at that speed there will be no support from any of the manufactures.

 

[EarthDog]

AMD System Memory Specification 3200 speed for Ryzen 3700X link: https://www.amd.com/en/products/cpu/amd-ryzen-7-3700x If folks use 3600 speed and it dose not work at that speed there will be no support from any of the manufactures.

It's overclocking the IMC, yes indeed. As I already said, 3200 is their max base spec. That doesnt change the fact AMD themselves in their press deck had a slide stating 3600/3733 is the sweetspot and 1:1.



This user also mentioned overclocking past that point and tweaking already anyway.

 

[Woomack]

As long as there is no CPU issue and BIOS issue, then every single Ryzen 3000 will work at 3600+. 3600 is max recommended because of infinity fabric dividers and stability. Also, performance is higher at 3600 and any CL than at 3200 CL14. On the other hand, every 3200 CL14 kit will work at 3600 CL16.

Answering to the additional question. It's not guaranteed that your CPU will work without problems with memory at 3800. 3733/3800 depends on the CPU (infinity fabric stability) and the motherboard. Most motherboards will need manual settings to run above 3600 and IF at 1:1 divider.

Every popular 3200 CL14-14-14 memory kit is based on Samsung B. Every 3600 15-15-15/16-16-16 memory kit is also based on Samsung B. You can count on something like 3800 CL16-16-16 at 1.35-1.50V.
Nearly every new 3600 16-19-19 is based on Hynix IC (3-4 different IC). You can count on 3800 CL16-19-19 or 16-20-20 1.35-1.45V.
Memory kits at 3600 CL18-19-19/18-22-22 are based on Samsung, Micron or Hynix, various new IC which sometimes OC well and sometimes not. All that I was testing could make 3800 CL18, some kits could make 3800 CL16.