It’s been an exciting moment for gamers as AMD announced their Zen 3 Ryzen 5000 series CPUs, and as time goes by, we get additional tidbits of information regarding the performance of these highly anticipated processors.
The most recent release of information we’ve had dealt with the single-thread performance of the least expensive Zen 3 model: The Ryzen 5 5600X. Not only did these PassMark benchmarks show a generational leap of 47%, compared to the (Ryzen 5 3600XT) but they also display the Ryzen 5 5600X outperforming every single 9th and 10th generation Intel CPU by a margin of at least 10% – its difference with the i9-10900K. Considering how much gaming applications are dependent on single-core performance, as well as the fact that few if any, games utilize more than 6 cores and 12 threads, this CPU is primed to be an excellent money-for-value option for gaming rigs.
To maintain high framerates, the CPU depends heavily on the performance of the RAM it’s paired with. Choosing the proper speed and latency can affect performance by a huge margin – as shown by GamersNexus’s benchmarks, proving that the i5-10600K can outperform the i9-10900K solely based on RAM kits.
When purchasing RAM, there are certain aspects that are incredibly important to ensure compatibility. Such aspects include the storage size, the overall speed of the RAM (which includes both clock speed and CAS latency), whether the RAM is a single channel or dual channel, how clunky the heat-spreader or heatsinks are (to make sure they fit underneath the CPU cooler of choice or an SFF build) and, of course, whether or not they feature RGB lighting for those that want to game in style.
Taking all the above into consideration, we’ve compiled a list of the best RAM for the Ryzen 5 5600X, depending on speed, storage, and price.
Related articles: Best motherboard and best CPU cooler for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Best RAM Kit for the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Crucial Ballistix RGB 3600 MHz DDR4 DRAM Desktop Gaming Memory... | 9,028 Reviews | Buy now | |
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G.Skill Trident Z NEO Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin PC4-28800... | 1,698 Reviews | $78.99 | Buy now |
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G.Skill Flare X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 288-Pin SDRAM (PC4-25600)... | 823 Reviews | $76.99 | Buy now |
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TEAMGROUP T-Force Dark Pro Samsung IC 16GB Kit (2x8GB) DDR4 Dram... | 159 Reviews | Buy now |
Table of Contents
Crucial Ballistix RGB
Best Budget 3600 MHz CL 16 RAM for Ryzen 5 5600X
| Brand | Crucial |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 SDRAM |
| Series | Crucial Ballistix RGB |
| Item model number | BL2K8G36C16U4WL |
| Item Weight | 3.99 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5.25 x 0.28 x 1.54 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.25 x 0.28 x 1.54 inches |
| Color | WHITE |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
Crucial, a brand of Micron, makes some of the best memory units for both RAM and ROM SSDs, at incredibly low prices. Their Crucial Ballistix RGB series RAM units provide high frequencies, low CAS latency, and RGB lighting to boot – and they are also available in three colors: White, black, and red.
When it comes to RAM speeds, gaming benchmarks prove (Wolfgang, GamerNexus) that the current sweet spot lies between 3,200 MHz at CL14, and 3,600 MHz at CL16, with the slight performance edge going to the latter. Of course, the former can be overclocked to a 3,600 MHz CL15 speed, which will outperform the 3,600 MHz variants; but if you don’t want to go through the trouble of overclocking, 3,600 MHz CL16 is the way to go.
The Crucial Ballistix RGB features 16 GB of 3,600 CL16 RAM, with a low-profile form factor and aluminum heat spreaders. The RGB atop the RAM includes 16 LEDs separated into eight zones and is compatible with ASUS Aura, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte AORUS, and more. XMP 2.0 profiles are also included, for automatic overclocking.
Considering that these RAM two ranks of 8 GB cost only $89.99, buying the Ballistix RGB is a no-brainer for gaming enthusiasts.
- Ideal for gamers and performance enthusiasts
- Customize your rig’s color scheme with 16 RGB LEDs in 8 zones on each module
- Compatible with ASUS Aura, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte AORUS Graphics Engine, and more
- XMP 2.0 support for automatic overclocking, or run at JEDEC default profile
G.Skill Trident Z Neo Series
Best Performance 3600 MHz CL16 RAM for Ryzen 5 5600X
| Brand | G.Skill |
| Capacity | 16 GB |
| Computer Memory Size | 16.00 GB |
| Item Dimensions | 5.2 x 0.67 x 1.7 inches |
| Memory Clock Speed | 3600 bits |
| Memory Speed | 3600 bits |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 8.00 GB |
| Number of Items | 2 |
| Number of Pins | 288 |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR4 |
| Size | 16 Gb |
| RAM Type | DDR4 |
For those looking to invest a bit extra for high-quality Samsung B-die RAM, G.Skill offers their stylish Trident Z Neo Series RAM units.
Once again clocking at 3,600 MHz, with a 16-19-19-39 (CAS 16) timing and a Samsung B-die (which is optimized for AMD Ryzen Series CPUs) the Trident Neo Z Series offers incredible performance with a flashy exterior: A dual-tone, brushed aluminum heat spreader is enhanced with a tri-finned, beveled, edge and an 8-zone RGB lighting running across the top.
Each rank of RAM also includes a 10-layer PCB and hand-screened memory integrated circuits (ICs), for better durability and reliability.
Two ranks of 8 GBs each, of the G.Skill Trident Z Neo Series, will only cost you $114.99; which is a bit higher than the aforementioned Crucial Ballistix RGB, but arguably a small price to pay for the integrated Samsung B die which works best with Ryzen series CPUs.
- Brand: G.SKILL, Series: Trident Z Neo, Model: F4-3600C16D-16GTZNC
- Capacity: 16GB (2x8GB), Type: 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM, Speed: DDR4 3600 (PC4 28800), CAS Latency: 16, Timing:...
- XMP 2.0 profile support to reach up to the rated overclock speed, or run at default JEDEC profile speed
- Rated XMP frequency & stability depends on MB & CPU capability
G.SKILL Flare X Series
Best Budget 3200 MHz CL14 RAM for Ryzen 5 5600X
| Brand | G.Skill |
| RAM | 16 GB ddr4_sdram |
| Memory Speed | 3200 MHz |
| Series | FBA_F4-3200C14D-16GFX |
| Item model number | FBA_F4-3200C14D-16GFX |
| Item Weight | 3.17 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5.31 x 0.31 x 1.57 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.31 x 0.31 x 1.57 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Voltage | 1.35 Volts |
RAM units with lesser clock speeds and lower CAS latency, will perform similarly – and, in some cases, even better – than higher speed and latency models. The 3,200 MHz CL14 RAM provides you with the flexibility to overclock to 3,600 or 3,800 MHz, at CL15 or CL16, so if you are willing to overclock your RAM, they will provide you with a significant performance boost.
G.Skill, this time with the Flare X Series model, offers a 3,200 MHz CL14 model at an incredibly low price; keeping all the same performance-dependent hardware but removing any RGB flare in order to focus on function rather than style. Note that these units are not low-profile, so chances are they will not fit properly into a small form factor (SFF) case.
This 3,200 MHz, 14-14-14-34 CAS timings, a dual-channel kit of 16 GB (8 GB per rank) comprise the hardware of the Flare X Series, with additional XMP 2.0 compatibility that allows for automatic overclocking via the use of preset profiles.
Considering that this 16 GB of RAM costs only $99.99, makes them the best price-for-value RAM available for the specification parameters.
- XMP 2.0 profile support to reach up to the rated overclock speed, or run at default JEDEC profile speed
- Rated XMP frequency & stability depends on MB & CPU capability
- Check G.Skill QVL or RAM Configurator on the G.Skill website for validated motherboards
- Do not mix memory kits. Memory kits are sold in matched kits that are designed to run together as a set....
TEAMGROUP T-Force Dark Pro
Best Performance 3200 MHz CL14 RAM for Ryzen 5 5600X
| Brand | Dark Pro |
| Computer Memory Size | 16.00 GB |
| Item Dimensions | 1.97 x 1.97 x 1.97 inches |
| Memory Clock Speed | 3200.00 MHz |
| Memory Speed | 3200.00 MHz |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 8.0 GB |
| Number of Items | 2 |
| Number of Pins | 288 |
| RAM Memory Technology | ddr4_sdram |
| Size | 16GB (8GBx2) – 3200MHz C14 |
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
Whether it be for workstations or gaming rigs, the TeamGroup T-Force Dark Pro RAM is the best 3,200 MHz CL 14 (14-14-14-31) RAM that money can buy. It can transfer data at speeds of up to 24.6 GB/s, making use of a JEDEC RC 2.0 custom circuit board that separates power and signal layers, increasing transmission signal by up to 35%.
Also making use of XMP technology, the T-Force Dark Pro allows for multiple overclocking profiles that can be customized for one-step overclocking. What’s particularly special about this RAM, is the fact that it has a five-layer heatsink, in addition to its aluminum heat spreader, which allows for stable overclocking without the worry of overheating the RAM.
Given the speed, the quality of the build, and the integrated Samsung B die, the $129.99 price tag of the TeamGroup T-Force Dark Pro is incredibly low, even considering its lack of RGB lighting.
- Top craft of Five-Piece Heat Sink Unique trench design Improve heat dissipation
- The transmitting performance can be greatly increased with JEDEC RC 2.0
- Selected high quality original IC chips
- QVL approved by motherboard manufacturers; XMP2.0 1 step overclocking technology
Buying Guide for Ryzen 5 5600X RAMs
When it comes to selecting the right RAM for your Ryzen 5 5600X, there are several factors to consider. In this buying guide, we’ll go over some of the key features and specifications to keep in mind when making your selection.
RAM Speed and Frequency
The speed and frequency of your RAM can have a big impact on overall system performance.
Ryzen processors, in particular, benefit from faster RAM speeds. For the Ryzen 5 5600X, we recommend going with RAM kits that have a speed of at least 3200 MHz or higher.
Compatibility with Ryzen 5 5600X
It’s important to ensure that your chosen RAM kit is compatible with the Ryzen 5 5600X processor.
Look for RAM kits that are specifically optimized for Ryzen processors, or that have been tested and certified to work with Ryzen CPUs.
Heat Dissipation and Form Factor
RAM can generate a significant amount of heat, so it’s important to consider the heat dissipation capabilities of your RAM kit. Look for kits that have heat spreaders or other cooling solutions to help dissipate heat.
Additionally, consider the physical size and form factor of your RAM kit, particularly if you have a smaller case or are using an aftermarket CPU cooler.
Price and Value for Money
Finally, consider the price and value for money when selecting your Ryzen 5 5600X RAM kit.
While it’s important to invest in high-quality RAM, you don’t want to overspend on features and specifications that you don’t need. Look for kits that offer a good balance of performance and affordability.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right RAM kit for your Ryzen 5 5600X processor can make a big difference in overall system performance.
Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or power user, investing in the right RAM kit can help you achieve your goals and maximize your system’s potential. With the information and recommendations provided in this article, we hope you feel more confident in selecting the best RAM kit for your Ryzen 5 5600X.