Whicch RAM should I get for my mobo?

Skeleton322345

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Mar 4, 2016
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So I've looked around a lot on Amazon for RAM that I feel comfortable about getting, and I found these:

https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-3000MHz-Desktop-Memory/dp/B0134EW7G8/ref=pd_sbs_147_7?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0134EW7G8&pd_rd_r=AQN9KVNTH59K5HNT5PDX&pd_rd_w=iPSkS&pd_rd_wg=uxl4S&refRID=AQN9KVNTH59K5HNT5PDX&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-2x8GB-PC4-25600-CMU16GX4M2C3200C16/dp/B01HKF450S?th=1


Which one should I get to work with my MSI X370 Gaming Plus mobo?The only thing I really care about is compatibility and making sure everything works. Also getting a Ryzen 5 1600 if it matters.Thanks for advice
 
Look up your motherboard's vendor approved memory live (aka QVL or qualified vendor's list). It will list every memory type/model they tested with that motherboard. It doesn't mean that some modules will not work that aren't listed, it just means that they didn't test said non-listed memory.

That said, Ryzen is more finicky than Intel chipsets when it comes to memory compatibility, so I'd strongly recommend only using what's on the QVL. The support website lists four different memory categories and I have no idea what they mean:

Memory by A-Series
Memory by Rx-1x00
Memory by Rx-2x00G/GE
Memory by Rx-2X00

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/support/X370-GAMING-PLUS#support-cpu
 


You have no idea what they mean? You're joking right!? Rx-1x00 = R (3,5,7) - 1(12,13,15,16,17,1800). The others are self explanatory after the first example. That's why I linked the one for the Rx-1x00 i.e R5 1600 the OP has!

 


Ah, I see. Sorry. I misunderstood. Yes, i'd agree. Some QVL's are easy to read and find the proper info relatively quickly. Others not so easy. And the MSI website is at best, unfriendly to navigate too!

And BTW, I'd completely agree with you about Ryzen being finicky with ram. For the purpose of having no headaches, it's almost essential to get DIMMS from the QVL. Otherwise they may not work at the speed they are meant to.

 
Yup. I am looking to build a new rig as my Haswell i5 is getting long in the tooth. The only thing keeping me hesitant on AMD is the lack of Ryzen 2's overclocking capabilities. As I am looking for a more balanced system for video editing as well as gaming, Ryzen 7 fits the bill for cost alone compared to Intel's i7, but overclocking Intel 30% plus downrange keeps that lasting longer for several years in comparable performance as each new generation is introduced. Decisions, decisions.....
 


I hear ya! Ryzen is almost maxed out at stock when it comes to OC'ing. You can often get all cores to the max turbo, but beyond that it takes some real tinkering, better cooling too.

At the mo, IMO the I7 Coffelake is the way to go. Excellent IPC, great multi core performance, amazing gaming FPS, decent OC'ing. Only Ryzen 1800x/2700x can beat it in a limited set of tests.

BTW, I love the names of your rigs :) I've meant to say that to you before when happening across posts. Love Aliens!! :)
And still relevant systems gaming systems.