Question regarding memory support in Ryzen processors

[Nobodysfool]

Can Ryzen processors support faster dual-channel memory modules than what they require, like Intel processors? I'm currently deciding whether to buy a dual DDR4-3200 RAM for my Ryzen 5 2600, which supports up to DDR4-2933 two channels.

 

[neeyik]

Yes, they can, although some of the matters depends on the motherboard too. 3200 will work on pretty much all boards, though.

 

[oneoone]

Yes, Ryzen likes fast ram - the sweet spot is 3600 but 3200 is fine

 

[krizby]

I would recommend buying 2x8GB 3600mhz cas 16 kit for any current CPU out there, Ryzen or Intel. Ram is pretty cheap now.

Even if your Ryzen 5 2600 top out at 2933mhz RAM (if you are unlucky enough), you can still tighten the timings so that it would counter the frequency deficit. For example a 2933mhz cas 12 would still be way better than 3200mhz cas 16.

As you can see from this article, a 3000mhz RAM with tuned timings perform just as well as 3800Mhz with XMP

For Ram tuning references, check out this article