[SOLVED] Multiple questions about new build (RAM speed for Ryzen 5 3600 and GPU clock)

SaltyGamer

Honorable
Nov 12, 2015
16
0
10,510
www.tijdvoorbier.nl
Hey there,
I am thinking of upgrading my old system:
  • Intel i5-4590
  • Gigabyte G1 Gaming GTX970
  • 8 Gigs of HyperX Fury RAM
  • MSI H97 PC Mate
  • NZXT S340
  • Corsair CS550M
I only want to upgrade the CPU and GPU (so that means RAM and Mobo too):
  • Ryzen 5 3600
  • XFX Radeon RX 5700 DD Ultra
  • MSI B450M PRO-M2 MAX
  • 16 gigs of RAM
I have a few questions tho:
  1. I have read that RAM frequency can impact performance quite a lot with the new Ryzen series. Now I did a lot of research into this but all the stuff about infinity fabrics, memory timings and frequencies is still a bit vague to me. This site says that it's best to with 3200MHz C16 RAM if you're on a budget, which I am. I don't really know anything about overclocking and stuff and I just want to insert my RAM and have it work. Is this the case if I pick that type of RAM?
  2. I'm pretty sure that 550W is enough for this system. Am I correct? (I did not assume, I used some different calculators)
  3. Someone told me the GPU I mentioned runs at 1900MHz instead of 1750MHz. That sounds really weird because even on their website it says 1750. Can anyone elaborate on this?
  4. And for my final question: Is it worth it spending more money for the XT version of the GPU? Because in benchmarks I only saw a 10 to 15 FPS gain. For me it's a 50$ difference and I don't really find it worth it.
Thanks in advance for any help :)
 
Solution
1 - Regardless of being on a budget, 3200MHz RAM with Ryzen 3000 series is best price-to-performance. You won't notice much difference at 3600MHz. So go with whichever 3200MHz CL16 kit you found. I got Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB 3200MHz CL16 with my 3900X.

2 - For a build with the RX 5700, you will need a minimum of 600W power supply for optimal efficiency and reliability.

3 - Boost clock ranges based on current temps. So at beginning a game it might boost higher than what it's advertised at because it's cool enough and stable, but when it reaches near max-temp it will drop boost to the stated levels of 1750. Good cooling thus equals better performance and longer life-span. A common PC fact.

4 - Depends on what resolution you're...
1 - Regardless of being on a budget, 3200MHz RAM with Ryzen 3000 series is best price-to-performance. You won't notice much difference at 3600MHz. So go with whichever 3200MHz CL16 kit you found. I got Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB 3200MHz CL16 with my 3900X.

2 - For a build with the RX 5700, you will need a minimum of 600W power supply for optimal efficiency and reliability.

3 - Boost clock ranges based on current temps. So at beginning a game it might boost higher than what it's advertised at because it's cool enough and stable, but when it reaches near max-temp it will drop boost to the stated levels of 1750. Good cooling thus equals better performance and longer life-span. A common PC fact.

4 - Depends on what resolution you're gaming at. The RX 5700 is comparable to the RTX 2060, which means it can game at 60FPS on 1440p but will struggle to get over 100FPS on most AAA titles. It can handle 80-100FPS on 1080p however. So getting the XT version varies on what you play and at what resolution & refresh rate you prefer.
I personally enjoy 1440p 144+ FPS gaming, butteyr smooth gameplay. If you want that then a 5700XT or 2070 Super will stand its ground more firmly at those levels.
 
Solution