Last Updated on February 25, 2023 by asifa
Do you have a Ryzen 5 3600 and want to know which DDR4 memory sticks are the best? If so, you’re in luck because this article will serve as a buyer’s guide in finding the best RAM for Ryzen 5 3600. We are highlighting not only the top picks from AMD themselves but also showing off high-performance aftermarket alternatives.
First Things First
Before we get into the specifics of the actual RAM itself, let’s start with figuring out how much speed do you need. Like most other processors, Ryzen has its performance scale at which it operates:
Memory clock (in MHz) – Performance
- 2133 – Entry level
- 2400/2666 – Optimized gaming and standard production usage (i.e., productivity, etc.)
- 2933 – Optimized for applications that require high bandwidth (typically for videos or graphics)
- 3200/3466/3600 – High-performance and heavy multitasking
- 4000+ – Extreme performance (HEDT platforms)
As you can see, the Ryzen 5 3600 operates at a base frequency of 3.6 GHz, meaning it performs optimally within the 2933 MHz range. With that being said, your options become slightly more limited because you have to take into account your current build and how much you’re willing to spend.
If you’re building an entirely new machine, then chances are you’ll be looking towards higher speeds – this is where dual-channel memory kits come in. Otherwise, if you already have a functional machine and want to upgrade your memory by buying just one stick at a time, then it’s advisable that you don’t go over 3000 MHz. In either case, it’s essential that you strike a good balance between performance, capacity, and frequency.
In terms of capacity, most prebuilt systems today come with 8 GB or 16 GB of RAM from the get-go – there aren’t any other options in this department until you hit 32 GB. So anything beyond 16 GB is an unnecessary investment for this generation of Ryzen processors.
That being said, going for high-capacity aftermarket sticks can sometimes yield better results than going with dual-channel setups due to the higher frequencies at which the RAM operates. Frankly speaking, aftermarket kits are known to have higher latencies to be able to achieve faster speeds. However, there’s always a small tradeoff in terms of memory bandwidth when it comes to latency.
With that being said, here are some high-performance DDR4 RAM options available on Amazon:
- Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4 3000 MHz Kit
- Team Dark T-Force 16GBx2 DDR4 3200Mhz
As you can see, both of these dual-channel kits from Corsair and Team Group offer speeds at or above the optimal performance frequency for Ryzen 5 3600 processors. The only difference is that one is strictly black (T-Force) while the other has an aesthetically pleasing design (Vengeance). However, if you’re willing to overlook appearances, then there are higher frequency options available from Corsair and Team Group as well:
- Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB DDR4 3600 MHz Kit
- Team T-Force Night Hawk RGB 16GBx2 DDR4 3600 MHz
Bottom Line
As a general rule of thumb, remember that most RAM kits on the market come with lifetime warranties. Therefore, they’re worth it in most cases, especially when you can get your hands on high-quality aftermarket kits, which have been proven time and again to perform excellently with Ryzen processors.
