Best RAM for AMD Ryzen in 2024

Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB

(Image credit: Future)

Random access memory (RAM) is vitally important for your PC to run properly without sluggish performance. Choosing the right memory for your processor can be tricky with various factors to consider and plenty of jargon to break through. To help alleviate this, we've rounded up the best DDR4 RAM modules for AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors right here.

What is RAM?

RAM is a form of data storage in that the processor is able to access it quicker than other storage media like drives. Compared to the speed of the fastest M.2 SSD, RAM modules are considerably faster. The drawback of RAM compared to drives is it's considered short-term memory and is used temporarily to store data from drives.

When the PC is turned off (or loses power), everything stored in memory is lost. The operating system (OS) actively manages what is stored in RAM as the PC is used. When software is launched, it'll be loaded into RAM but not necessarily cleared completely when closed. Should additional RAM be required elsewhere, the OS will manage what's stored accordingly.

The faster the RAM, the better the overall system performance will be. The same goes for capacity, which allows for more data to be loaded into speedier memory before requiring slower drive storage. The sweet spot in terms of capacity for AMD Ryzen processors is 16GB, which is more than enough for the latest games and software.

Best RAM for AMD Ryzen 5000 processors

If you're planning to (or currently) use an AMD Ryzen 5000 Series processor like the excellent AMD Ryzen 9 5950X, we've rounded up some of the best DDR4 RAM to use with the CPUs. DDR4-3200 should be considered the minimum speed for AMD Ryzen 5000 processors (unless you're on a tight budget) with DDR4-3600 being considered the sweet spot.

Best RAM for AMD Ryzen 3000 processors

AMD Ryzen 3000 Series processors may be old news these days, but they're still worth considering for relatively powerful and efficient PC builds. Whether you're into gaming or doing some intensive workloads, the 3000 Series has plenty of options for most applications, allowing you to save a little in the process. RAM speeds should be DDR4-3000 or DDR4-3200 for best results.

Choosing the best RAM for AMD Ryzen 7000

Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Picking the best DDR5 RAM for AMD Ryzen 7000 processors is an easy process. Have a budget in mind that you'd be willing to spend up to. Consider just how much RAM you will require (16GB is a good place for gaming PCs and those who run large software, 8GB is considered the minimum for a modern PC), and then choose the fastest that fits within your budget.

Our recommendations here will work well with any AMD Ryzen 7000 processor, from AMD Ryzen 5 up to AMD Ryzen 9. 

TOPICS
CATEGORIES
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.

Read more
AMD Ryzen 9 7000
I found the best RAM to pair with AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X3D and 7950X CPUs
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D in socket
AMD's Ryzen 7 7800X3D and 7700X only get better when you add the right RAM
Gigabyte B650 AORUS ELITE AX ATX
Here's how to get the right motherboard for your Ryzen 9 7950X or 7950X3D
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X in AM5 motherboard socket
Don't waste the Ryzen 9 9950X's potential with the wrong motherboard
ASUS TUF GAMING X670E Plus WiFi
The best motherboard for your Ryzen 7 9700X might not cost as much as you thought
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D slotted into ASRock X870E Taichi board
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D review: Is $150 for V-Cache worth 5% gains for creators in this all-out Zen 5 CPU?
Latest in Hardware
NVIDIA CES 2025
You should be worried about NVIDIA’s launch strategy for its most popular GPUs. Here's why.
Surface Pro 11
Microsoft’s smaller Surface Pro appears in certification database ahead of rumored launch this spring
Lenovo 16" IdeaPad Laptop on a man's lap and displaying a video call.
Today only, this 16" Lenovo laptop is more than 50% off and comes with Microsoft 365 — Access Word, PowerPoint, and more
Intel booth at MWC Barcelona 2025
Intel's new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, will deliver a keynote speech to enterprise audiences at Vision 2025 — Streamed live on YouTube
AMD Ryzen 5 5500
This 1080p gaming CPU is down to $76 — it doesn't get much better for budget PC builders
Acer Swift 14 AI on a table and displaying background.
An $800 Snapdragon X Elite laptop is the best reason not to bother buying a MacBook Air
Latest in Buying-guide
MSI Claw 8 AI+ flat on a table with a Steam Deck below it.
I tested MSI Claw 8 AI+ and compared it against Steam Deck — Here's why one of these handhelds reigns supreme
MSI Claw 8 AI+ propped up next to an ROG Ally X on a table.
I reviewed MSI Claw 8 AI+ and ROG Ally X — Here's which PC gaming handheld you should actually get
NVIDIA RTX 5070 vs. RTX 5070 Ti
Is NVIDIA's RTX 5070 right for you? Why it might make sense to spend more on the RTX 5070 Ti.
AMD RX 9000
Is it worth spending more on the RX 9070 XT? — What you need to know before buying an AMD RDNA 4 GPU
AMD Radeon RX 9000
AMD's RX 9000 GPUs are selling out everywhere, but I found these in-stock pre-built PCs
NVIDIA CES 2025
The RTX 5070 Ti is sold out, but I found 7 pre-built PCs still available now