Need Advice on RAM (2 DIMMs vs 4, 48GB vs 64GB, Speed vs Capacity)

[zanatos]

Hi everyone,


I'm a long-time Ryzen fan, especially since the Zen 3 days, but I've had a rocky experience with RAM stability on Zen 4 — hoping to avoid that this time with my upcoming Zen 5 build.

My Zen 4 Experience:​

Originally, I built a system with the ASUS Crosshair Extreme X670E and 4 DIMMs of 16GB G.Skill NEO RGB DDR5-6000 (for a total of 64GB). While everything looked great on paper, I ran into major stability issues when enabling AMD EXPO. Most folks on forums told me 4 DIMMs were the likely culprit — and they were right.


Later, my board went in for RMA and I tried a Gigabyte board, which struggled even more with EXPO. Finally, I landed on the ASUS ROG STRIX X870E — and to my surprise, all 4 sticks ran perfectly at EXPO right out of the box. That said, it was a long and frustrating journey to get there.

Planning the Zen 5 Build:​

This time, I want to get it right from day one. I’ve been researching and narrowed things down to:

• RAM: G.Skill 48GB DDR5-6000 (2x24GB) – Model: F5-6000J2836F24GX2-TR5NS
• Motherboard: MSI X870E EDGE WIFI

When I checked MSI’s QVL list and documentation, I noticed it says "Supports only 2 DIMMs." So now I’m wondering:

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Questions:​

1. Should I go for 2 DIMMs or 4?
   I had stability issues with 4 DIMMs before. Is it still risky on Zen 5?
2. Is 48GB enough for gaming?
   I used 64GB in my last system (16x4), but I’m not sure I ever truly needed that much.
3. Is speed more important than capacity?
   I want to strike the right balance. Should I prioritize 6000MHz over total capacity?

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What I’ve Learned So Far:​

• 2 DIMMs is the way to go if you want better stability and guaranteed EXPO performance on DDR5.
• 48GB is plenty for gaming, streaming, and multitasking. Unless you do heavy workstation tasks, 64GB is overkill.
• DDR5-6000 CL30–36 seems to be the current sweet spot for Ryzen systems.

I’d love to hear what others are planning for Zen 5 — especially if you're eyeing similar RAM kits or MSI motherboards. Have your experiences with 2 vs 4 DIMMs changed in the new generation?


Thanks in advance for your thoughts and insights!

 

[Dr. Dro]

You've pretty much got it down to a T. 2 DIMMs is better than 4 for performance and stability, this remains true on Zen 5. 48 GB is enough (32 GB is still OK but getting a bit tight with all the new high VRAM GPUs and amount of memory required by games increasing all the time), and 6000 C30 is the sweet spot for socket AM5 PCs. If you want more performance, there are CL26 and 28 kits now, but they are pricier and you can usually tighten a CL30 kit at least down to 28.

 

[Arco]

You've pretty much got it down to a T. 2 DIMMs is better than 4 for performance and stability, this remains true on Zen 5. 48 GB is enough (32 GB is still OK but getting a bit tight with all the new high VRAM GPUs and amount of memory required by games increasing all the time), and 6000 C30 is the sweet spot for socket AM5 PCs. If you want more performance, there are CL26 and 28 kits now, but they are pricier and you can usually tighten a CL30 kit at least down to 28.

What he said, if you need more memory I would jump straight to 96gb on 2 dimms.

 

[arbiter]

32gb is more then enough for gaming.

 

[SL2]

I really didn't think Zen5 was that attractive to Zen4 owners, I mean zero improvement in RAM support.

I'd wait for Zen6, especially since it will most likey have a more up to date IOD and more cores per CCD. No, I'm not telling you to wait forever lol

 

[freeagent]

4 dimms for me was a bad scene. Fresh new AGESA and it still sucks.. maybe even worse now lol.

But.. some guys can run it no problem. Not sure what to say..

 

[zenlessyank]

Another vote for 2 DIMM's as it makes for a snappier system and better potential for OC'ing. ALWAYS check QVL fpr RAM. esp nowadays because Intel and AMD are not the same and different modules fair better with different platforms. Honestly, buy like 6 diff kits that are on the QVL and keep the one that is that best and send the rest back.

 

[Solaris17]

Keep this in your other thread.

Thread 'Zen 5 White Build – Need Advice on Motherboard, RAM & PSU Choices!'

May 10, 2025

Title: Zen 5 White Build – Need Advice on Motherboard, RAM & PSU Choices!
Hey everyone,
I’m planning a new Zen 5 build and have most of my components narrowed down, but I’d love some community input on a few final pieces. You’ve always been a great resource — thanks in advance!

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Some Background:​

I upgrade my main PC every 2 years. It serves as my work/gaming/media machine, and when I upgrade, it either goes to a family member or someone in my company. I’ve been loyal to ASUS for years, but honestly, I’m fed up with the price premium...

• zanatos
• Replies: 6
• Forum: System Builder's Advice