Crucial RAM 16GB DDR4 3200MHz CL22 (or 2933MHz or 2666MHz) Portable Memory CT16G4SFRA32A

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This is where we start to get into the geeky stuff. Let’s start with the short answer: While a higher data rate usually has a greater impact on measured performance, optimally “timed” memory kits such as DDR4-3200 CAS 14 can often outperform poorly timed kits such as DDR4-3600 CAS 20—despite the optimized kit’s lower data rate. (More about what “CAS” is in a moment.)

That leads to our general capacity guidelines. We recommend 16GB of main system memory for most users who want to multitask without incurring the above-mentioned slowdown, and 32GB for heavy multi-taskers or those running memory-hogging programs such as video editors.

The memory controllers of most consumer processors support up to four ranks of memory per channel, which is why so many dual-channel boards have four slots and why so many quad-channel boards have eight. If every module used in these boards was dual-rank, the memory controller would be “full.” Yes, that's some in-the-weeds math. But this explains why in our lead example, DDR4-3600 CAS 20 (11ns) can underperform DDR4-3200 CAS 14 (8.75ns) in certain operations: It takes 2.25ns longer for DDR4-3600 CAS 20 to respond. Most memory buyers won’t get down to that level of granularity, but that explains why you can’t weigh just a single specification in assessing performance memory.

The good news is a resurgence of AMD-compatible DDR4-2933 memory modules on the market following Intel’s addition of this speed to its 2020 desktop processor guidelines. Those who think that DDR4-2933 is unacceptably slow should dig a little deeper to find out what other people are running with the same motherboard and processor. Imitation can be far more than the greatest form of flattery—it can save you a heap of time and trouble! ▶ AMD X399 Chipset Motherboards (With First or Second Generation Ryzen Threadripper CPUs) How does one determine whether a module is dual- or single-rank? Specs may tell you, but you can’t count on that. If not, physical examination is another way. A look under the edge of a module’s heat spreaders would reveal how many ICs are used. Since the ICs on most performance-oriented memory modules have an 8-bit interface, eight of those make up a 64-bit rank. (Some low-end memory uses four 16-bit ICs per rank. These “chips” tend to be rectangular.)DDR3 is the sign of a geriatric PC, and spending to the max on performance-minded RAM for a platform that is fast disappearing in the rearview mirror may be false economy. Most DDR3 motherboards supported at least DDR3-1600, with later examples such as the AMD 990FX and Intel Z97 often exceeding DDR3-2133 and DDR3-2800, respectively. Man bekommt hier einen guten und günstigen Marken-Arbeitsspeicher. Ich habe mich für die 16GB Version entschieden, die ich in einem SFF-Rechner mit Debian benötige. Mir war weder die Geschwindigkeit, noch die Timings wichtig. Nur günstig und von einem renommierten Hersteller sollte er sein. The search ends here for some PC upgraders, as some machines simply can’t be upgraded. The above screenshots, for example, come from an old, DDR3-equipped notebook that doesn’t support modules of 8GB each and already has its two slots filled with 4GB memory modules. A key thing for starters: DDR3 is a sign of an older PC, and you can’t simply swap in DDR4 modules in their place. On both laptops and desktops, DDR3 and DDR4 memory are keyed differently from one another and are incompatible. But if you’re not getting this information from the manufacturer, there are other ways to figure it out. DDR4 was launched primarily at per-module capacities of 4GB to 16GB each, while DDR3 modules favored 1GB to 4GB capacities per module. The upper limits of these specifications were twice as high, but it took several years for 32GB DDR4 and 8GB DDR3 modules to reach the consumer market after the introduction of the memory type. Because of those delays, many older motherboards required a firmware update to support the bigger, later capacity. (As seen in the earlier “old Dell notebook” example, many platforms never got those updates.)