CPU/Mobo Which RAM to buy - 32 GB

[atiamd]

Hey guys, so I am in the need of expanding my system RAM from 16GB to 48GB. Before I buy them, I just want to see if you guys have any opinions on compatibility.


G-Skill-Trident-Memory-Module-3200Mhz

G.SKILL Trident Z Neo

My current system configuration is:

CPU - AMD Ryzen 3600 OC'd to 4.2 G
MOBO - ASUS B350-F motherboard - BIOS 5603
RAM - GSKILL F4-3000C16D-16GTZR - 2x 8GB
Graphics - Sapphire 5700XT Pulse
PSU - Seasonic 650W bronze

I am using an air cooler Deepcool Gammax 400 V2 which I can confirm has clearance as I am currently using one of the RAM sticks in the slot closest to the fan on this cooler.

Now, I dont know what die I have on my current RAM and what dies the RAMs above have. If someone can quickly see if they can find the die type and see if they are compatible, I'd appreciate it. Also, I understand that I will be running my RAM at below 3000 Mhz which is not a big deal as I am increasing RAM for non gaming purposes (deploying multiple VMs etc.).

 

[Synth-Pop]

I'd used this motherboard and the RAM you're using with it is absolutely fine. You're interested in expanding it to 48GB but why making such an odd config ?
I can understand you are trying to add 2x16GB more with this 2x8GB making it 48GB, isn't it ?, but it's not the best idea.
You can buy 2 more sticks of this same model GSKILL F4-3000C16D-16GTZR making it 4x8GB total 32GB.
or sell these and buy 16x2GB = 32GB. from some good brands like corsair , hyperx or crucial.
you may not require more than 32GB but if you assume then you should buy 4 x 16 Total 64GB.
As you've mentioned you'll be using it below 3000MHz then why spend more for 3200Mhz and mixing it with 3000Mhz ?
My only suggestion is to not spend more on this old config specially with this motherboard, if you seriously require more RAM then your best bet it to grab 2 x 8 GB of same model
making it total 32GB.

 

[kartikoli]

Sell existing 16gb and buy a 32gb kit OR buy 64gb if you really need that much ram as those will run much better than pairing odd capacity/frequency RAMs together, As Nitendra already mentioned don't waste money on high frequency when you can't use it Or just buy 2 more sticks of same model but its not guaranteed they will work in dual channel (99% they should though)

 

[atiamd]

There is no price difference in frequencies. Its not like 3000 MHz RAM is cheaper than 3600. They are at similar price. If you look at it, these are teh cheapest GSkill RAM available that have a chance of being compatible with my config. 3000 MHz is not even available these days (same model that I have). I am even thinking of buying right now, because I saw these RAMs so cheap. So, my question basically becomes:

If I buy e.g. the neo kit (its similarly priced as 3000 MHz, its NOT expensive), will I be able to use my 16GB + neo 32GB running at 3000 MHz or below. Because, expecting 3600 MHz from that neo is not a good idea because the old RAM will be running at 3000 MHz. Please forget the price. Question is just about compatibility. If you tell me that this 48GB combo will not work due to technical reasons, it would mean I will not buy it and stop my plans right here.

Selling my old RAM doesnt look feasible because it will not fetch me a good price. They may go for maybe 3K and then I will be left with 32 GB of RAM when I *could* end up with 48GB of RAM, if possible. 48GB is an odd config for gaming/productivity setups, but there are certain use cases where it can be a good idea IMO (like this one). Run multiple VMs. You can technically run at least 5 more VMs in 48GB compared to 32GB. Good for SQL AAG setups, and Oracle RAC setup. This is not for production, just for standing up a lab.

Again, if they are technically not compatible, this is a no go. Thanks for the reply so far.

16GB existing + 32GB neo - expenditure is ~15K. Total RAM - 48GB
64GB NEO - 30K . too expensive. its a no GO
32GB NEO, sell of 16GB - I can do it only if they are not compatible, but I would be sad doing this.

 

[kiran6680]

Yes, @atiamd practicality dictates that we don't worry about "odd" config. It either works or not. I've had to make such decisions twice : once in 2008 for my c2d and once in 2020 for my Haswell. I bought different, newer Ram to add to old PC. Slightly risky but it worked both times for me, and in dual channel too.

If you buy from a place that makes no question returns, you could just try out your idea. Run memtest86 overnight, and return if there are any issues.

 

[atiamd]

Btw... How do I check what die we have on ram? Having same die increases the chance of compatibility if I am not wrong.

 

[atiamd]

Okay, good news.!!!!

I purchased the 2x16GB Gskill Neo and they are working with my gskill 2x 8GB. So, now I have a total of 48GB RAM and all 4 modules are clocked at 3000 MHz. I had to loosen up the CAS though a little bit, but no big deal. Thanks for all the replies guys... Much appreciated.
@kiran6680 ... I ran memtest and it completed after 4 hours. The report says no errors... How do I run memtest over night?

 

[kiran6680]

Okay, good news.!!!!

I purchased the 2x16GB Gskill Neo and they are working with my gskill 2x 8GB. So, now I have a total of 48GB RAM and all 4 modules are clocked at 3000 MHz. I had to loosen up the CAS though a little bit, but no big deal. Thanks for all the replies guys... Much appreciated.
@kiran6680 ... I ran memtest and it completed after 4 hours. The report says no errors... How do I run memtest over night?

View attachment 118984

Run it again . No, just kidding, I think you are fine. When CPU and RAM used to be slow and with fewer cores, it used to take longer. Overnight just means that we let it complete, and not have to interrupt it because we have work to be done.

Congrats, your gambit succeeded.

 

[atiamd]

Okay, cool... thanks bud..

Now, I am going to check if I can take these DIMMs above 3000 MHz. BTW, some CPU-z screens attached here, for fun. So, basically, I managed to mix and run Hynix and Samsung dies in one PC. A few years ago, I would not even dare to do this, but this time, I was feeling lucky.

 

[Mumbgamer]

Even i am running 48gb mixed ram on my Asrock B450 pro 4. 16gb Trident z 3200 cl16 + 32gb Crucial Ballistix 3000 cl15. I am able to run both at 3200 cl16. Trident z kit doesn't like any changes and will not run at other settings. Crucial kit can be be run at the trident z's speed.