Best RAM for AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs.
What is the best RAM for the new AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs?
AMD has just dropped its Ryzen 7000 series CPU onto the market. From the phenomenal architectural design to the wacky IHS shape, there’s plenty to talk about when it comes to Zen 4. But with a new architecture comes new compatibility requirements. What is the best RAM for AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs?
As with most things in computing, speed is key. There have been many technological and physical advancements in memory since the last generation of AMD processors, let’s explore.
Now read: Zen 4 everything we know.
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- Ryzen 9 7950X – was $799, now $573
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- Ryzen 5 7600X – was $299, now $248
Our Ryzen 7000 series CPU reviews are live, take a look if you’re in the market for a new Ryzen 7000 series CPU.
Below you will find a list of the best RAM for AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs.
Best RAM for AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs: Top picks
Things to consider when buying the best RAM for Ryzen 7000 series.
Here are some things to consider when shopping for RAM to pair with your new AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPU. As usual, we have a premium option, a middle option, and a budget option.
Ryzen 7000 series is DDR5 only
Note that the AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs are DDR5 compatible only. AMD chose to support the latest and greatest memory standard on its AM5 motherboards.
As far as we know, AMD does not have any plans to support DDR4 memory on the Ryzen 7000 series CPUs or AM5 motherboards. This is where Intel differs from AMD as when intel chose to incorporate DDR5 support, it chose to continue to manufacture DDR4 compatible motherboards.
With that being said, DDR5 allows super-fast speeds, and this is something that Ryzen CPUs benefit the most from, as Ryzen core communication speed is directly correlated with memory speed.
Speed is key
As we brushed upon briefly in the last section, AMD Ryzen 7000 series, and all Ryzen CPUs for that matter, all benefit from fast memory. Even more so than Intel does.
Ryzen CPU core communication speed is largely dependent on the memory speed installed in the system as both have a direct correlation. Because the Ryzen 7000 series CPUs are constructed this way then it’s best to try and get the fastest RAM possible.
The faster you go the better your CPU will perform, it is a marginal difference with more diminishing returns as you climb the speed ladder, but it’s an increase no less.
The sweet spot here is around 6000MHz.
AMD EXPO enabled memory.
AMD has launched a standardized test for memory manufacturers to take, this measures whether or not the manufacturer’s memory is up to the AMD EXPO standard. AMD EXPO stands for Extended Profiles For Overclocking, and it’s the new XMP.
EXPO is basically AMD’s answer to XMP and enables your memory’s true speed, much like XMP. Does this mean XMP is obsolete?
No, XMP memory can still be used with Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, but we don’t know what kind of performance implications this may have on your system.
Best RAM for AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs
Here we will pick out the best RAM we have found for the AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs.
G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB
G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB (AMD Expo)
Capacity
2x16GB
Speed
6000MHz
Memory Standard
DDR5
- Ultra fast
- 6000MHz
- Fast timings
- RGB
- Pricey
The G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB is a fantastic set of DDR5 RAM. This kit is a 32GB kit that should be more than enough for content creation and overkill for gaming workloads.
The Z5 NEO is rated at 6000MHz, this is the sweet spot we discussed earlier and will serve the Ryzen CPU cores and cache well at this speed. Going much over this yields diminishing returns on performance.
The timings on offer are CL 32-38-38-96. Interesting to note the timings increase the further up the speed ladder you go, but these timings make for a well-rounded incredibly responsive DDR5 kit.
In our opinion, G.Skill make some of the nicest-looking RAM, so after this analysis, it’s good to know that G.Skill is more than just a pretty face. This is probably the best DDR5 RAM you can get for the Ryzen 7000 series CPUs right now.
Corsair DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB 5200MHz DDR5
Capacity
32GB
Frequency
DDR5 5200MHz
CAS Latency
C38
- Powerful RAM
- Dual-channel DHX cooling
- High speed and tight timings
- Unique design
- Quite Bulky
The Corsair series has always been a favorite among gamers and it’s easy to see why. However, Corsair only bags second place here today.
The Dominator RGB kit offers 32GB which is perfect for content creation and professional workloads, way too much for gaming but still good to have if you do a bit of both.
The speed of the dominator clocks in at 6000MHz the ideal sweet spot we talk so much about. This will serve your Ryzen CPU cores perfectly without offering diminishing returns.
The timings read 36-38-38-76, which is much faster on the back end than our favorite the Z5 NEO. These timings offer the user superb overclocking potential and stability, an area where corsair RAM has always done well.
The Corsair Dominator looks lean and means and will offer some of the best performance for the Ryzen 7000 series.
G.Skill Flare X5 Series
G.Skill Flare X5 Series (AMD Expo)
Capacity
2x16GB
Speed
5600MHz
Memory Standard
DDR5
- 5600MHz
- AMD EXPO
- Simple and minimalist
- none
The G.Skill Flare X5 series is a turned-down version of the Z5 NEO. The capacity is again 32GB which s perfect for content creation and way more than you need for gaming.
The Flare X5 is rated at 5600MHz which is a great spot to be in. it’s only 4000MHz off that 6000 sweet spots we like so much. We do observe the memory being much cheaper than the Z5 as a result.
The timings are better slightly than the NEOs, we see 36-36-36-89 on the X5 flare. This is a little more stable and may help with overclocking, in the long run, should you choose that path.
This is a no-nonsense no RGB RAM DIMM, and also an area where you can save a buck or two. This is for all you minimalists and non-RGB supremacists out there.
Final Word
Although AMD Ryzen 7000 series CPUs have just been released there’s still a decent assortment of RAM available. However, it seems that AMD EXPO-enabled RAM is pretty few and far between right now. We expect that to change in the near future.
Stay tuned for updates surrounding RAM, DDR5, and AMD EXPO. We hope you enjoyed this Best RAM for Ryzen 7000 series article.
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