The best RAM for Ryzen 5 5600X
The world is shifting toward energy-efficient devices. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (Amazon) is an excellent processor with only 65W thermal design power (TDP), which is the lowest for its benchmarked performance score. Even though it is an “X” suffix processor, it’s inboxed with a Wraith Stealth CPU cooler. The CPU can push beyond its max frequency with the correct motherboard and RAM. We will mention top-performing memory kits fully compatible with the under-discussion processor. Ryzen supports double data rate-4 (DDR4), an energy-efficient upgrade to the latest DDR3 modules, and typically operates at 1.2V, leading to lower power consumption. The kits we will mention will complement this processor’s 6-core and 12-thread architecture. However, it’s essential to know that the operating voltages change with overclock settings.
Finding the suitable memory module means having the perfect timings, voltage, and frequency settings. Users have pushed memory frequency beyond boundaries. Every computer is unique and has particular settings as motherboard VRM quantity and capacity differ. It takes iterative efforts to achieve the best configuration. While researching the best RAM for Ryzen 5 5600X, we have come across many brands, but we wanted a mixture of products suitable for high-end, mid-range, and budget builds. We would recommend going for a motherboard with high ampere rating chokes and a dedicated voltage regulating module for the RAM to supply power flawlessly without overheating to failure. All the memory modules on our list are heatsinked to improve their heat transfer capability. Their compatibility with air-coolers depends on their height, which we will mention in the product description.
Our recommendations for The best RAM for Ryzen 5 5600X
- G.Skill Trident Z NEO Series
- Corsair Vengeance RGB
- Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB
- Patriot Memory Viper 4 Series
- G.Skill Trident Z Royal Series
G.Skill Trident Z NEO Series
Best overall
PROS
+XMP 2.0 ready
+3-fin per side heat sink design
+High 28.8GB/s data transfer rate
CONS
-No power efficiency
-Relatively higher 18 CAS latency
The G.Skill Trident Z NEO Series is the widely acclaimed gaming RAM that works with most computer configurations. XMP 2.0 ready means it works with DOCP and A-XMP enabled in the BIOS setting, depending on your motherboard. You have forwarded the list of workable options with your memory kit and motherboard combination. Ryzen 5 5600X officially states support up to 3200MHz, but you can push the memory module beyond the maximum settings. Benchmark results have shown that the 3600MHz performs 1% better than the 3200MHz RAM combined with the processor concerning frames per second. Open-world games like Borderlands 3 and Watch Dogs Legion show better frame rates than other games. Overall, speed does affect gaming performance.
We are now moving on to the features and unique design of the product. At first glance, the dual-tone aluminum brushed surface makes it stand out without the RGB enabled. Two metal sheets are on each RAM side to make the high-performance product. Both have three fin designs leading to better cooling with an air-based CPU cooler. The height of the assembly is 44mm, which is higher than the margin available underneath most overclocking-enabled CPU coolers. As a user, you will need a workaround to make it fit underneath it. Under-discussion is an overclockable processor, so you need a powerful cooler limiting RAM height. The RGB implementation is mesmerizing without shadows and a smooth blend of colors.
Corsair Vengeance RGB
Runner Up
PROS
+Extended 44mm tall heatsink
+26-cutout/side design for airflow
+2133MHz out-of-the-box frequency
CONS
-No fans included
-Only available in 2-monochrome colors
Corsair has been making fans for its storage devices and memory modules since 2002. Their leading design is the Corsair Vengeance RGB, known for its unique lighting control and brightness. The 10-zone LED lighting gives the complete assembly a balanced blend of colors. It’s 44mm tall heatsink keeps the chips running at cooler temperatures resulting in better overclocking performance and stability. The heat sinks consist of 26 small cutouts, allowing air to flow from the inside to the outside to improve heat transfer and allow space for hot air to escape. Usually, the CPU cooler is centered on the RAM, and the cutout design of RGB allows the additional fan space to be set in its curvature. Despite the tall heatsink, the displacement of the fan to ensure physical compatibility is not extensive.
Two speeds are mentioned in this memory model’s specification for performance. Run it with relatively loose timing of 16-18-18-36, with CAS set at 16. You will have to charge higher voltages leading to higher power consumption, and it would be able to run with stability at 3200MHz, as stated by the manufacturer. To achieve that, you will need the correct motherboard. Out-of-the-box runs at SPD (serial presence detect) speed with timings as 15-15-15-36, which are tighter than overclocked settings. It consumes lower power with running voltages of 1.2V. The speed 2133MHz is decent as it’s the most stable for the RAM. There are two colors available for the product that is white and black. Its anodized aluminum heat spreader gives it a high-end look and finish.
Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB
Premium Pick
PROS
+60.2g heatsink weight
+1.8mm width heat spreader
+Tighter timings for 3600MHz
CONS
-Overclocking headroom is limited
-No gap between memory modules
It is another fantastic product in our list of best RAM for Ryzen 5 5600X. One of the highest data rates of memory modules is offered by the Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB. It can provide tighter timing of 18-19-19-39 while utilizing 1.35V for its power. The item runs at a maximum speed with A-XMP enabled at 3600MHz. Depending on your motherboard, you can push the limits as it has to dominate physical properties. The heat transfer capability is judged through its heatsinks. The Thermaltake uses a gloss and anodized finish aluminum material on both sides of the PCB to ensure adequate cooling. Each stick weighs around 79.8g, of which 60.2g is the weight of the heat spreader. The massive heat spreader is the primary reason it can hit those benchmark speeds.
The price-to-performance ratio might not be the most robust product on our list, but its RGB implementation makes it the best in aesthetics. The beautiful blend of 10-super bright LEDs that shine through a relatively large diffuser makes the product stand out in a PC build. Its 1.8mm thick heat sinks add to the stability of the RAM and give the width required to maintain the homogeneity of the product. The PCB (printed circuit board) is also made up of 10-layers that help dissipate energy properly and maintain the temperature of the copper tracing within the architecture. Thermaltake uses SK-Hynix dies for its memory modules instead of a Samsung B-die, which limits the assembly’s timing stability but works as advertised. It is ideal for high-end builds aimed at aesthetics.
Patriot Memory Viper 4 Series
Budget Pick
PROS
+Minimalist 2-tone design
+45-fins for improved heat transfer
+The higher base frequency of 2666MHz
CONS
-No Samsung B-die
-The RGB lighting is not featured
If you want performance from your memory module and to improve the response of the temporary storage device, then you will need the Patriot Memory Viper 4 Series. With a budget build, you can achieve the 3200MHz frequency and 25.6GB/s data transfer rates. Patriot utilizes the Hynix C-Die, which is not as good as the Samsung B-die but provides competitive performance. Most users have reported achieving the advertised speeds in an instant. All you need is a motherboard that supports the A-XMP profile, and it will automatically provide pre-set profiles that will take the product to overclocked speeds. Users have reported utilizing the rate with X570 and B550 chipsets with ease. It has a green PCB with 288-pin gold plated contacts that are made to last longer than the warrantied time.
The heatsink is designed to be used with air-based coolers that take in air from the front of a PC unit and push it out from the back leading to a cooling effect for the RAM. Each module is fitted with a 45-fin heat sink, enhancing the system’s cooling capacity. The heat fins interact with the moving cool air and decrease the temperatures of the die leading to better performance and stability. The simple dual-tone design with a red and black combination will stand out while not disturbing your gaming sessions. Without RGB lighting, You will set your eyes on whatever device you want to stand out. At an overclocked frequency, the RAM takes up 1.35V to operate, which is power intensive, but the omission of RGB makes it more energy efficient.
G.Skill Trident Z Royal Series
Best value
PROS
+Low 14 CAS latency
+Mirror-like heat spreader
+Crown jewel RGB aesthetics
CONS
-Availability issues
-No error correction capability
If you are looking for a Royal treatment that lights up the interior of your PC with bright lights, then the G.Skill Trident Z Royal Series memory modules can get the job done. It is the staple of luxury in memory kits. The mirror-like finish on the heat spreaders adds to the Royal RAM look. With the millions of color combinations available, you can choose the top Diamond-like RGB diffuser to light up in your favorite color. Syncing it with the other hardware on your PC has been made incredibly easy by G.Skill. They have enabled motherboard syncing with most RGB systems like Asus Aura Sync, RGB Fusion 2.0, MSI Mystic Light, and ASRock Polychrome sync. The mesmerizing view achieved by its design makes it worth the investment.
It has been tagged higher compared mainly due to its 8-zone RGB that shines through the Crystalline structure, but its performance is just as good as any other gaming-oriented memory module. This RAM only offers the incredibly tight timings of 14 CAS Latency under overclocked conditions. It will result in faster communication between the CPU and memory, leading to lower bottlenecks and improved gaming and productive performance. The 10-layer PCB design allows better heat transfer and conductance, leading to better performance. Its low latency is owing to the well-insulated signals that do not interfere. Royalty usually is hard to achieve so, as this duo. It is difficult to get hands-on with this RAM as it runs out fast, but it’s definitely worth the wait.
Final Words
We have listed some of the top-performing temporary storage devices available in the market. We aimed to provide our readers with the best overall option, a runner-up, high-end pick, budget pick, and best value product in chronological order. However, it’s up to the user to pick the best RAM for Ryzen 5 5600X. Everyone has their priorities and budget in which they need to fit in the RAM module. As technology reviewers, we recommend using a memory module with lower latency as it removes the bottleneck between the CPU and the volatile storage device. DDR4 being fast and operable between 1.2-1.35V, can vary in power consumption. A product that runs efficiently at default configuration will always perform great with overclocked parameters.
Since the motherboard became powerful enough to power RAMs, implementing RGB without needing wires became widely accepted. Manufacturers jumped in to include lighting on their devices. However, few have the right diffuser design to make the color overlap flawless. We have included RGB options with traditional and modern crystalline structure designs with diffusers. While purchasing, be sure that if you plan to install a liquid cooler in your system, look for a memory module with taller heatsinks and a larger surface area. Low-profile kits are ideal with air-based coolers as there is enough airflow to keep the dies cooled and overclocked. Frequency alone cannot be the only deciding parameter for performance; timing and voltage play a vital role too. We hope you find the right product for your PC build.
Learn More About the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
Other Guides When Building a PC
- GPU
- Motherboard
- CPU Cooler
- RAM