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Watch this BEFORE buying an AMD CPU! - Every RAM Speed Tested

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips3M viewsAug 4, 20199:47
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In this deep dive, the host explains how RAM speed interacts with third generation AMD Ryzen CPUs and why memory choice matters beyond simply chasing the highest frequency. The video starts by outlining the core problem: Ryzen 3000 CPUs have a larger on-board cache, which reduces but does not eliminate the need for fast memory because the cache still pulls data from system memory. The discussion introduces the Infinity Fabric interconnect that links CPU cores, memory speed, and fabric clock, and explains the one-to-one memory-to-fabric ratio that is achievable at stock speeds around 3200 MHz and up to about 3600 MHz for most users. The host emphasizes that higher memory frequencies can improve throughput but may also increase latency, potentially negating gains in some scenarios. The testing approach is described, with a wide set of G.Skill memory kits tested across a spectrum of speeds, latencies, and timings, including attempts to decouple Infinity Fabric from memory speed to evaluate potential performance boosts. The results show nuanced outcomes: lower memory speeds can hurt Ryzen 3rd gen performance unless paired with very low latency memory and a high fabric clock, while 3600 MHz with tight timings typically offers a strong balance. The analysis then covers higher-end kits and the diminishing returns as speeds climb into the 3800–4000 MHz range due to latency penalties and instability. The video concludes with practical guidance: target a well-supported memory speed such as 3600 MHz with low latency, consider higher-end kits to explore fabric decoupling when you’re confident in tuning, and in some regions where memory pricing is unfavorable, a lower latency 2133–2666 MHz kit can still deliver close to optimal experience when paired with fabric overclocking. The host also notes the engineering success of AMD’s Zen 2 and Infinity Fabric, and provides purchase links and further resources for enthusiasts who want to experiment or optimize their builds. Overall, the video offers a structured framework for choosing RAM with Ryzen 3rd Gen, balancing frequency, latency, and fabric synchronization to maximize gaming performance and practical compute tasks.

Topics · technology · hardware benchmarks · pc hardware

Questions answered

What RAM speed is generally recommended for Ryzen 3rd Gen for best gaming performance?
A 3600 MHz kit with low latencies is typically the best balance of speed and timing for Ryzen 3rd Gen, offering strong performance without excessive latency penalties.
Can you gain more performance by decoupling Infinity Fabric from memory speeds on Ryzen 3rd Gen?
Yes, you can potentially gain in some workloads by increasing Infinity Fabric clock beyond the memory clock, but results vary by application and may require careful tuning and validation.
If RAM prices are high, is there a sane fallback RAM configuration for Ryzen 3rd Gen?
If high-speed RAM is too expensive, a low-latency 2133 to 2666 MHz kit can still deliver near-experience performance when combined with Infinity Fabric overclocking, depending on the workload.