AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X is a true flagship in every sense of the word – core count, frequencies, cache, it dominates the mainstream desktop market in a lot of ways. But to make the most of it, you’ll want fast RAM, otherwise, you won’t be taking advantage of all it has to offer. Therefore, we have curated a list of the best RAM for Ryzen 9 5950X that will allow you to get better performance from this powerful CPU.
Below we have reviewed some excellent RAM options from various brands to add a bit of versatility. Ideally, you will want to pair RAM with frequencies of 3600MHz if not greater with the 5950X. But, if you can go for 4000MHz or greater, you will start to see slightly better performance at diminishing returns. However, in terms of price to performance, 3600MHz is the sweet spot. You should also pay close attention to the CAS latency of the RAM. The lower the latency the better. Ideally CL16 or lower though CL18 is also good at higher frequencies.
After taking the memory frequency and latency into account, you can then start looking for aesthetic-based features such as RGB, color, and so. Let’s not waste any more time, and take a look at the best RAM for Ryzen 9 5950X.
Best RAM for Ryzen 9 5950X
1. Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB, 3600MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 18 | Timings: 18-22-22-42 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 51mm/2″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Runs at 3,600MHz right out of the box
- Can be overclocked at 4,100MHz
- Vivid RGB LEDs
Drawbacks
- Expensive
If you’ve ever built a PC, you’ve probably heard of Corsair’s Vengeance memory. It’s a great choice for people who don’t want to spend too much but still want a good overall package. The Vengeance RGB Pro kit is no exception in that regard, and it’s an excellent choice for a new AMD build.
On the outside, the design is rather subtle, if not a bit boring. The heat spreader is black on both sides, and it does a great job of dissipating any and all heat from the memory. On top, you have RGB lights that can be customized with Corsair’s iCUE software. They look pretty nice, and if you have other Corsair products, you can sync the lights with them, too.
In terms of performance, the modules run at 3600MHz, which is reasonable but nothing to write home about. You do, however, get CL18 timings, which is pretty good. The PCB is performance-oriented, and you’re also looking at carefully screened ICs to ensure overclocking goes smoothly and there’s a bit of headroom, too.
The only potential issue we see with these modules is the physical height – it might be a bit too restrictive if you’re using a large air cooler for the CPU. But if you’re not, by all means, go for it.
2. G.Skill RipJaws V 32GB, 3600MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 16 | Timings: 16-19-19-39 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 42mm/1.65″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Offers excellent timing for a dual-rank module
- Stable and fantastic performance
- Great value for money
Drawbacks
- Visual design could be updated
G.Skill isn’t all about RGB nowadays – they still have some of their more subtle, value-oriented kits. The RipJaws V kit is a perfect example of that, with an almost boring design that has one fatal flaw, but actually excellent performance.
Let’s go with the design first. This is a RAM kit with two modules, and they come with an all-black heat spreader. This is the “almost boring” part of the design. However, that heat spreader goes rather high, and this might be a problem if you’re using a beefy air cooler for your Ryzen 9 5950X. If there were lights or something else that takes up space, we’d understand, but without those things, we don’t see why G.Skill couldn’t lower the heat spreader a bit.
If you don’t mind that, though, you’ve got a total of 32GB of RAM, running at 3600MHz. However, you also have 16-19-19-39 timings, which is pretty tight and makes sure performance is excellent. Yes, some will say that it could’ve been faster. But this is G.Skill’s value-oriented kit, and at this price, you won’t find faster RAM.
Now, provided you’re using a more compact air cooler, or you go for liquid cooling, this is actually one of the best options on the market, especially if you’re working with a limited budget.
3. G.Skill Trident Z Neo 32GB, 3600MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 18 | Timings: 18-22-22-42 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 43mm/1.69″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Looks stunning and RGB lights further add to the beauty
- Above-average performance with Ryzen processors
- Compatibility with numerous RGB patterns
Drawbacks
- Build quality could be better
- Expensive
The Trident Z Neo is one of G.Skill’s best-selling memory kits at the moment. And if you’re wondering why, the answer is that it gets you a combination of performance, looks, and price, that you won’t get with many other kits. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, read on.
First things first, the Trident Z Neo kit comes with two 16GB modules, each of which runs at 3600MHz. This is pretty good for a modern CPU, and you’ll have no issues in terms of performance. You also get 18-22-22-42 timings as well, which is good considering the module size and the frequency they run at. When it comes to performance, there are no issues here.
Looks are taken care of as well. You get the expected black/white design that G.Skill has been going with for a while now, as well as the RGB lights at the top. This is one of the downsides, though, because G.Skill wants you to download their own software instead of allowing you to control the lights with your own. A small thing to complain about, but it would’ve been nice.
If that doesn’t bother you, though, and you want to get good performance without spending too much money, you should add the kit to your shortlist.
4. Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RGB 16GB, 4400MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 16GB (2x8GB) | Speed: 4,400MHz | CAS Latency: 19 | Timings: 19-25-25-45 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 48.2mm/1.89″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Customizable RGB Lighting
- Excellent performance with 3rd-gen Ryzen CPUs
- Stable performance with ideal latency
Drawbacks
- Timings could be improved but are still good
- Expensive
When you’re building a system around AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X, you want the fastest RAM you can get your hands on. And if you’re trying to do that while remaining reasonable in terms of budget, Thermaltake’s TOUGHRAM RGB is a very good choice.
This specific kit comes with two 8GB sticks for dual channel operation, but what’s nice is that you’ve got a frequency of 4400MHz. This is very, very fast, and to add to that, you’re looking at CL19 timings, too. If you want to get fast RAM that won’t be too slow for the CPU, this is what you should be going after. There’s also support for the TOUGHRAM RGB software, which gives you real-time info on temperature, frequency, and overall performance. It’s obvious Thermaltake plays no games with this kit.
To add to this, the TOUGHRAM kit also manages to look very good, too. While on the sides, the heat spreader comes with a pretty simple black and silver design, the top has a pretty wide RGB section that illuminates pretty well. The addressable LEDs are compatible with the most popular motherboard manufacturers’ software, and you can even sync them with Razer’s Chroma lighting, too.
The downside is probably to be expected – this isn’t cheap. But if it does fit in your budget, this is some of the best RAM for Ryzen 5 5950X you can find.
5. Crucial Ballistix RGB 16GB, 3600MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (2x16GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 16 | Timings: 16-18-18-38 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 39.17mm/1.54″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Dynamic heat spreaders allow maximum heat dissipation
- Reasonably priced
- Flawless performance with support for overclocking
Drawbacks
- Single rank module
- RGB control software could be better
You’ll probably find a lot of RAM kits that are made to work well with an all-black build, but how many actually work with something that needs a splash of white? Well, Crucial has you covered with the Ballistix RGB kit, which comes in white color, and honestly looks really good.
The heat spreader on the sides is beautiful, coming in a matte white color with both the Crucial and the Ballistix logos on the side. Functionally, it also does a great job, because it dissipates heat from the modules themselves, which is nice. On top, you get an RGB light with 16 LEDs in 8 zones. These are compatible with the light control software from the most popular manufacturers, so you won’t need a separate piece of software to be able to control them.
It’s not just about looks, though. And we have zero complaints in the performance department, too. While 3600MHz isn’t too fast by today’s standards, the kit comes with CL16 timings, which is great, and a lot better than most of the competition. Performance is honestly great, and the compatibility with XMP 2.0 means you don’t have to bother overclocking things yourself – that’s done for you.
Last but not least, you have a reasonable price, too, so if you’re limited in terms of budget, this is still an excellent choice.
6. Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB, 3600MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 32GB (4x8GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 18 | Timings: 18-19-19-39 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 55mm/2.2″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Minimalistic Design, not too flashy
- A lot of headroom for overclocking
- XMP 2.0 Supported
Drawbacks
- Extremely expensive
- Less room for heat dissipation
The first thing you’ll probably say when you look at Corsair’s Dominator Platinum RGB kit is “Wow, that’s expensive”. And you’re right – it costs twice as much as other kits with similar performance. But there are some key differences there, and for some, those differences make this kit worth it.
The build of the Dominator Platinum RGB modules is very, very good. The choice of materials is excellent, and the heat spreader does a great job of keeping the modules cool. To add to this, the RGB light at the top can be controlled with Corsair’s iCUE software, and there are plenty of compatible products to sync it with, too. The 12 individually addressable RGB LEDs can be customized as you want.
The performance is excellent. Unlike other kits that get you two modules, here you have four 8GB sticks so you can populate all four DIMM slots on your motherboard. You don’t want gaps in your RAM, do you? It just looks bad. The frequency is 3600MHz, and you’ve got CL18 timings – pretty good for this kind of memory. You also have real-time performance and temperature monitoring, something you don’t get with a lot of other RAM kits. Yes, it’s expensive, but if top-notch quality is what you’re after, this kit is worth it.
7. Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB, 3600MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 16GB (2x8GB) | Speed: 3,600MHz | CAS Latency: 18 | Timings: 18-22-22-42 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 33mm/1.32″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Low-Profile design easily fits into any chasis
- Durable product with fast performance
- Affordable
Drawbacks
- Runs at standard 2133MHz right out of the box
One thing that many modern RAM kits have in common is the issue with high-profile heat spreaders. Yes, liquid cooling is all the rage, but some people would prefer an air cooler for their CPU – and a high-profile heat spreader causes compatibility issues with that. If that’s one of your concerns, you should give the Vengeance LPX kit by Corsair a chance.
This kit comes with no RGB lights and a compact heat spreader that doesn’t take up a lot of space. Functionally, though, it does a great job of keeping the modules cool. This is an all-black kit, with the only accent being the yellow Vengeance logo on the sides. It still looks pretty good, and will definitely fit in with your color scheme – you can’t go wrong with black, right?
Let’s discuss the performance. One of the best things about the Vengeance LPX kit is that Corsair handpicks memory chips to make sure you have plenty of overclocking headroom, and you get the best performance possible out of the chips. Pair this with CL18 timings and modules running at 3600MHz, and you’re looking at an excellent performer for your Ryzen 9 5950X.
And best of all? It won’t set you back too much either, which makes the Vengeance LPX kit an even more attractive pick.
8. Patriot Viper Steel Series 16GB, 4000MHz
Specifications
Memory Type: DDR4 | Capacity: 16GB (2x8GB) | Speed: 4,000MHz | CAS Latency: 19 | Timings: 19-19-19-39 | Voltage: 1.35V | Height: 44.45mm/1.75″ | Warranty: LifetimeBenefits
- Offers incredible performance with XMP 2.0 enabled
- Great performance with AMD chips
- Excellent gaming performance
Drawbacks
- Stability problems at higher speeds
- Not recommended for overclocking
AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X is a true beast in every sense of the word, and one way to take advantage of that is to opt for RAM that’s fast and tight, instead of RAM that has RGB lights and flashy aesthetics. Or do both, but that’s pricey. If you’d rather stick to a reasonable budget, Patriot’s Viper Steel Series 16GB is a strong contender for the best RAM for Ryzen 9 5950X.
When you look at the modules themselves, chances are you won’t really notice too much. The heat spreader is made to be relatively low profile, and efficient. But from a design standpoint, they’re boring because they come in a silver/black combination, without anything flashy. They do fit well with just about any color of your build, though, which is a nice addition.
It’s when you look at the performance that things start to look interesting. Two 8GB modules are pretty standard because you want dual channel, but you also get them at 4000MHz – the sweet spot for Ryzen 5000 series CPUs. You also have 19-19-19-39 timings, which is impressive for this kind of speed. Patriot also tests these modules to ensure compatibility with all the latest platforms, so you’re guaranteed not to have any issues. If value and performance are what you want, this is the kit to go for.
Best RAM for AMD Ryzen CPUs Informational Video
Final Thoughts
There’s no sense in getting AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X unless you’re going to be pairing it with some fast, high-quality RAM. And if those are your intentions, the modules on the list above should give you plenty of options, whether you want to go the aesthetics, or the performance route, there’s something for everyone. We covered multiple price points, too, and now it’s time for you to consider your needs and requirements, and pick the best RAM for Ryzen 9 5950X from the list above!
