Which RAM for AMD 7950X3D

[Monso]

Hello I'm building a new PC. This is my first time going AMD so I don't know much.

GPU: MSI SUPRIM LIQUID X GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D 4.2 GHz 16-Core
MB: Asus ROG STRIX X670E-F GAMING WIFI ATX AM5

I searched the forum and was pleased to see that someone made the same setup (minus the SUPRIM version of the 4090):
Which RAM to choose for AMD 7950X3D and keep a 1:1 ratio

The OP ends up choosing this Kingston 2x32 RAM kit, which commenters approve because it has A-die chips:
KF560C36BBEK2-64 Kingston FURY Beast Black EXPO DDR5 64GB (2x32GB) 6000MT/s DDR5 CL36

It is "AMD EXPO Certified".

Now there are many other options so I have several questions, please bear with me =)

1) Testers (like this video) report that the sweet spot for Zen 4 is 6000MT / CL30. Is it better to get a CL30 as opposed to this CL36?

For example, Kingston has a very similar product KF560C30BBEK2-64 basically the same but with CL30 instead. I can't understand why the OP wouldn't take this one?

2) Does EXPO work out of the box by just turning it on in the BIOS? Like, if I never set timings and whatnot, will I even see a difference with a non EXPO RAM?

3) If not, what do you think about this Corsair 2x48 RAM kit:
CMK96GX5M2B6000C30 CORSAIR VENGEANCE DDR5 RAM 96GB (2x48GB) 6000MHz CL30 Intel XMP iCUE

Sadly it's XMP and not EXPO, but the 48gb per slot is the maximum that the motherboard can handle, so I would think it makes sense to try and go for that. I haven't found 2x48 kits with EXPO. Also, I've read some bad things about Corsair RAMs.


Thankful for any advice

 

[Shou Miko]

Remember the higher density and speed the more stress you will put on the memory controller.

I read a lot of X3D before some updates had issues running mostly anything over 32GB with higher than 5600MT/s.

But why a 7900X3D and not a 7800X3D if you are gaming the 7800X3D will be a better choice.

 

[ir_cow]

Think of XMP and EXPO as the same thing. There is a few more timings added to EXPO that could help AMD more like tFAW, tCCDW and tRTP, but it isn't major because the motherboard will set these values with XMP.

However, up until recently, most EXPO kits pretty much were limited to 6400, because AMD could have issues with higher speeds. Now that 2:1 ratio stuff works and Ryzen 9000 is just around the corner, even some 8000 kits have EXPO profiles.

In any case being "AMD Certified" or having a EXPO is mostly marketing and nothing more.

So if you need the extra system memory, 64GB / 96GB at 6000 is a good choice, though 2x24GB (48GB) is going to be cheaper if you aren't pushing much past 32GB on applications.

 

[mama]

I have the Kingston FURY Beast Black EXPO DDR5 and it's fine. Good balance of cost against performance. It has two EXPO profiles along with XMP profiles. Yes, EXPO activated through the BIOS. Stability is maybe why the OP went 36CL rather than 30CL. I can't comment on the Corsair RAM.

 

[ir_cow]

Stability is maybe why the OP went 36CL rather than 30CL. I can't comment on the Corsair RAM.

It is true lower timings generally means higher voltages required and higher chances of stability issues if the temps get out of hand. Squishing 4 DIMMs next to each other is going to need good airflow or a fan directly on it unless your at JEDEC 1.1v. otherwise you'll probably get errors in memory stability tests once you pass 65-70c, if not lower.

 

[Braegnok]

Hello I'm building a new PC. This is my first time going AMD so I don't know much.

GPU: MSI SUPRIM LIQUID X GeForce RTX 4090 24 GB
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D 4.2 GHz 16-Core
MB: Asus ROG STRIX X670E-F GAMING WIFI ATX AM5

I searched the forum and was pleased to see that someone made the same setup (minus the SUPRIM version of the 4090):
Which RAM to choose for AMD 7950X3D and keep a 1:1 ratio

The OP ends up choosing this Kingston 2x32 RAM kit, which commenters approve because it has A-die chips:
KF560C36BBEK2-64 Kingston FURY Beast Black EXPO DDR5 64GB (2x32GB) 6000MT/s DDR5 CL36

It is "AMD EXPO Certified".

Now there are many other options so I have several questions, please bear with me =)

1) Testers (like this video) report that the sweet spot for Zen 4 is 6000MT / CL30. Is it better to get a CL30 as opposed to this CL36?

For example, Kingston has a very similar product KF560C30BBEK2-64 basically the same but with CL30 instead. I can't understand why the OP wouldn't take this one?

2) Does EXPO work out of the box by just turning it on in the BIOS? Like, if I never set timings and whatnot, will I even see a difference with a non EXPO RAM?

3) If not, what do you think about this Corsair 2x48 RAM kit:
CMK96GX5M2B6000C30 CORSAIR VENGEANCE DDR5 RAM 96GB (2x48GB) 6000MHz CL30 Intel XMP iCUE

Sadly it's XMP and not EXPO, but the 48gb per slot is the maximum that the motherboard can handle, so I would think it makes sense to try and go for that. I haven't found 2x48 kits with EXPO. Also, I've read some bad things about Corsair RAMs.


Thankful for any advice

If you just want set it and forget it, plug & play then personally I would go for the 6000MTs CL30 kit, use EXPO Tweaked.

6000CL30 EXPO Tweaked, tRFC tightened, FCLK bumped 2200, everything else in EXPO.


If you want to run higher frequency and enjoy adjusting, tuning memory you can run up to 6600MTs 1:1 ratio.



The 2x24, 2x48GB kits work very well on AM5, but for anything above 6000MTs you most likly will need to adjust voltages, timings.

I run 2x24GB 8000MTs as my daily, the bandwidth, latency is much better then 6000MTs,.. but voltages are much higher.

 

[ir_cow]

I run 2x24GB 8000MTs as my daily, the bandwidth, latency is much better then 6000MTs,.. but voltages are much higher.

Id say - 1.53v VDDIO But yeah I totally agree that 6000 MT/ is going to be plug & play for 2x 24 or 16GB.

 

[Braegnok]

Id say - 1.53v VDDIO But yeah I totally agree that 6000 MT/ is going to be plug & play for 2x 24 or 16GB.

The 6600C26 1:1 profile is a bit lower voltage, and is about the same bandwidth, latency as 8000C34.

SOC - 1.28
VDDIO/MC - 1.45
VDDP - 1.1
VDD - 1.67
VDDQ - 1.66
PBO - Enable

Edit: Seems with a few adjustments 6800 1:1 is possible,..

 

[P4-630]

Check this https://rog.asus.com/motherboards/rog-strix/rog-strix-x670e-f-gaming-wifi-model/helpdesk_qvl_memory/

 

[Monso]

So I've read all your replies and compared many models. I've decided to go with CORSAIR Dominator Titanium RGB DDR5 RAM 64GB (2x32GB) 6000MHz CL30 Expo iCUE

I know I know, everything else is less expensive and surely works just as well. However to maintain the 6000M30C + Expo there aren't many choices...

2x48 is probably overkill as I won't need 96gb of RAM.

Remember the higher density and speed the more stress you will put on the memory controller.

So I assume it's safer to not go at full slot capacity from the start?

Also, ignoring the Corsair Vengeance, the other brands have a higher CL for 6000M: Kingston FURY 32 and Patriot Viper 42.

I wouldn't mind 2x24. But again, the other brands have a higher CL with 6000M: G.Skill 40 and Patriot 42.

That leaves the Corsair Vengeance and Corsair Dominator, they have 2x24 6000M30C but they're all rated XMP, not Expo.

Think of XMP and EXPO as the same thing.

I totally believe, but I'm a noob and if Expo can make the process a bit easier, that's probably worth?

So the next step is 2x32. There's a bit more choice here. The Corsair Dominator is the most expensive but the prices are in the same ballpark (over $200).

I want to avoid Corsair Vengeance because I've read about the Corsair "lottery" and it seems the Dominator line is less prone to defects (correct me if I'm wrong).

The Corsair Dominator Titanium 2x32 6000M30C, both black and white, are rated XMP. Only the gray model is rated Expo (the one I linked at the top). So it seems to be the one to satisfy all criterias.

If you just want set it and forget it, plug & play then personally I would go for the 6000MTs CL30 kit, use EXPO Tweaked.

As I thought, thanks

The 2x24, 2x48GB kits work very well on AM5

I totally agree that 6000 MT/ is going to be plug & play for 2x 24 or 16GB.

Can you confirm it's still true for 2x32? Big fan of plug & play.

6000CL30 EXPO Tweaked, tRFC tightened, FCLK bumped 2200, everything else in EXPO.
View attachment 347269

I wouldn't mind getting into it after I have the hardware. I've never used those programs. Is there maybe some kind of tutorial to explain all of this?

The 6600C26 profile is also high voltage.

Can you tell me why the voltage matters? Is a higher voltage more unstable and does it require more tweaking?

Thanks again guys

 

[Super Firm Tofu]

@ir_cow and @Braegnok know what they're talking about. Follow their advice.

If you don't want all the bling, these are low-profile and none of the RGB stuff (which is a plus for me, may not be for you).

First determine if you really need 64GB.

If yes:

Amazon.com

If no:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.com

 

[ir_cow]

The Corsair Dominator Titanium 2x32 6000M30C, both black and white, are rated XMP. Only the gray model is rated Expo (the one I linked at the top). So it seems to be the one to satisfy all criterias.

I reviewed that Corsair kit https://www.techpowerup.com/review/corsair-dominator-titanium-ddr5-6000-2x-32-gb/

Only "complaint" was the price really. Corsair Tax jokingly is what I call this.

Can you confirm it's still true for 2x32? Big fan of plug & play.

Update the BIOS to the newest and it won't be a issue on pretty much anything but the lowest tier MBs. Don't freak out about the boot memory training time, it will up to 90+ seconds for 64GB and 96GB stuff. Even longer if you went with 4 DIMMs. This is just a AMD thing. I often sit and wait for Code 15 to disappear.

 

[Braegnok]

So I've read all your replies and compared many models. I've decided to go with CORSAIR Dominator Titanium RGB DDR5 RAM 64GB (2x32GB) 6000MHz CL30 Expo iCUE

I know I know, everything else is less expensive and surely works just as well. However to maintain the 6000M30C + Expo there aren't many choices...

2x48 is probably overkill as I won't need 96gb of RAM.

So I assume it's safer to not go at full slot capacity from the start?

Also, ignoring the Corsair Vengeance, the other brands have a higher CL for 6000M: Kingston FURY 32 and Patriot Viper 42.

I wouldn't mind 2x24. But again, the other brands have a higher CL with 6000M: G.Skill 40 and Patriot 42.

That leaves the Corsair Vengeance and Corsair Dominator, they have 2x24 6000M30C but they're all rated XMP, not Expo.


I totally believe, but I'm a noob and if Expo can make the process a bit easier, that's probably worth?

So the next step is 2x32. There's a bit more choice here. The Corsair Dominator is the most expensive but the prices are in the same ballpark (over $200).

I want to avoid Corsair Vengeance because I've read about the Corsair "lottery" and it seems the Dominator line is less prone to defects (correct me if I'm wrong).

The Corsair Dominator Titanium 2x32 6000M30C, both black and white, are rated XMP. Only the gray model is rated Expo (the one I linked at the top). So it seems to be the one to satisfy all criterias.


As I thought, thanks



Can you confirm it's still true for 2x32? Big fan of plug & play.


I wouldn't mind getting into it after I have the hardware. I've never used those programs. Is there maybe some kind of tutorial to explain all of this?


Can you tell me why the voltage matters? Is a higher voltage more unstable and does it require more tweaking?

Thanks again guys

The Corsair 64GB kit should work fine in EXPO on your motherboard.

The tighter the timings the more voltage you need, looser more relaxed timmings require less voltage.

You might consider the Z5 Neo kit if you can find it where you live. https://www.gskill.com/product/165/390/1692584825/F5-6000J3036G32GX2-TZ5NRW

 

[xorbe]

I have the exact same question for a 7800X3D build. Just haven't ordered a motherboard or ram yet. Literally my first DDR5 build. For 2x32GB, would I be insane for choosing 1.25V 5600 30-36-36-89 that is only XMP and not EXPO rated?

 

[tabascosauz]

I have the exact same question for a 7800X3D build. Just haven't ordered a motherboard or ram yet. Literally my first DDR5 build. For 2x32GB, would I be insane for choosing 1.25V 5600 30-36-36-89 that is only XMP and not EXPO rated?

EXPO isn't some magical thing. It's just XMP with an extra step or two. Don't believe the hype. Buy based on IC, not whether it has EXPO.

If you are sure that the 5600 kit is Hynix of some kind, then sure (which it sounds like given tCL). Not that hard to set XMP/EXPO, then manually set freq up/down to 6000, and punch in desired timings or copy buildzoid's easy timings templates and build from there.

 

[ir_cow]

For 2x32GB, would I be insane for choosing 1.25V 5600 30-36-36-89 that is only XMP and not EXPO rated?

Not at all. I was running 5600 64GB CL40 for a while because I valued the size over tighter timings. Now we have CL30 stuff and even larger sizes as well so that issue is mute.

As I mentioned to the other person before you, I wouldn't put much emphasis on EXPO. Sure it's nice to use, but is not required by any means.

30-36-36 can only be SK Hynix and if you just raise the voltage to 1.4V you can probably get 6000 working without much fuse.

 

[Shou Miko]

So I assume it's safer to not go at full slot capacity from the start?

Also, ignoring the Corsair Vengeance, the other brands have a higher CL for 6000M: Kingston FURY 32 and Patriot Viper 42.

I wouldn't mind 2x24. But again, the other brands have a higher CL with 6000M: G.Skill 40 and Patriot 42.

That leaves the Corsair Vengeance and Corsair Dominator, they have 2x24 6000M30C but they're all rated XMP, not Expo.

You can if you want a lot of ram just don't expect EXPO to work out of the box you night need to do some tweaking.

I run a couple of G.Skill sticks myself and you can go 32GB if you want.

But you never answered my cpu question what going to use this computer for?

Because for gaming I will recommend the 7800X3D since it's only got 1 CCX which games love because there ain't any communication between 2 CCX's as there is in the 7900X3D and 7950X3D which games doesn't favour.

I haven't really looked at any of the X3D cpu's myself in the 7000 serie I am waiting on the 8000/9000 to see the ipc uplift over my current 7700.

 

[ir_cow]

You can if you want a lot of ram just don't expect EXPO to work out of the box you night need to do some tweaking.

This is a incomplete statement you are making. Lots of variables to consider.

 

[Shou Miko]

This is a incomplete statement you are making. Lots of variables to consider.

No so sorry, me engrish is not primary language

I don't see why OP should buy 24GB (2x12GB) compared to 32GB (2x16GB) I don't believe the stress on the memcontroller would be much difference if there is any difference between the 2 size.

 

[Monso]

But you never answered my cpu question what going to use this computer for?

Because for gaming I will recommend the 7800X3D since it's only got 1 CCX which games love because there ain't any communication between 2 CCX's as there is in the 7900X3D and 7950X3D which games doesn't favour.

I didn't answer because the post wasn't about the CPU and my message was already too long

I know a lot of people swear by the 7800X3D. But when you look at benchmarks such as this video you can see that the 7950X3D outperforms the 7800X3D on most games. By a small margin, like a few FPS, but not negligible.

Yes the 7800X3D does outperform the 75950X3D on a few games so it has the best performance / price ratio. But the 7950X3D has better performance overall.

Maybe I'll use the PC for other tasks than gaming, maybe I won't. In any case I'll be happy to have a CPU that can do other stuff. The price of this PC has already gone overboard. If I'm going to spend thousands of coins, I always think it's worth spending a bit more to get the best version of something.

The price difference between the 7800X3D vs 7950X3D is a bit insignificant compared to the price of the GPU. Which is my main focus from the beginning: I want a PC that can use the 4090 SUPRIM LIQUID to its full potential.

To quote the dreadful Reddit:

You dont use both CCDs when gaming. The 7950x3D should only be using 1 CCD when gaming. WHich is CCD 0. So you're basically on a emulated 7800x3d that clocks higher when gaming. You will get about 1-3% more performance than the 7800x3d. On the 7950x3D you want to Set your BIOS to Prefered frequency cores. Then use Process Lasso to Force Games to only run on CCD 0. Boom Done.

With the 7950x3D you have a benefit. Some games care only about clock speeds and V-cache does nothing for them. If you play a game like this you can play that game on the CCD1 (the frequency cores CCD). But Ideally the point of the 7950x3d is when gaming you are on CCD0 and CCD1 is parked. Then when you are done gaming you have a slightly slower 7950x ready with all 16 cores and both CCDs. Basically its for people who want great productivity and great gaming.

7950x3d imo works best when you remove the X3D drivers and Game bar. Like I said set Frequency cores to default in bios. Then use Process Lasso to game only on CCD0 turning it into an 8 core 7800x3d. When done gaming you go back to a 16 cpu. If you are a streamer you can use Process Lasso to game on CCD0 and run your recording and other background apps on CCD1. Leaving all 8 cores to gaming and all your recording apps and background services on the other 8 cores. So you take 0 hit to gaming performance. Which is kind of sick

After this and other similar takes, I don't see any drawback in choosing the 7950X3D. Except the price, but what can you do...