most ram does not like to be overclocked higher than its xmp rating

if it was higher binned ram chips they would sell them for more as a higher speed dimm/kit

just enable xmp and be done with it

Originally posted by _I_:

most ram does not like to be overclocked higher than its xmp rating

if it was higher binned ram chips they would sell them for more as a higher speed dimm/kit

just enable xmp and be done with it

I'm getting a minimum of 3200 but good deals might pop up for higher spec.
I'm not going to overclock it.

just make sure the cl timings are low
speed / cl >= 200

3200 cl16 = 200
if its 4000 make sure cl is 20 or lower

I've done a bit of research. Based on motherboard and CPU that you are using.

Since the QVL list is limited and doesn't show all tested memory. Yet they list the spec's of the board able to run at higher speeds, which should work fine.

I would recommend a dual channel memory kit 32GB (2x16) @3200-3600mhz CL16/18 (G.Skill, Corsair or whichever flavour)

if the price for 3200 or 3600 is very close or similar, pick the higher speed memory. Unless there's an awesome deal for higher specs at same price. Don't go overboard though, pick the one that best suits the budget of the price point of first mentioned!

When you first install the ram, it will run by default at 2133, Then select the memory profile for the kit in the bios. Use the recommended settings from the memory kit.

PS: Yes dual channel is relevant. it's double the memory bandwidth compared to single.

Final Note: Don't mix and match ram sticks, always use a kit for best stability and performance. Otherwise the pc freezes or crashes or memory errors and data corruption.

qvl is 1000% pointless

there is no way the board mfg can test every dimm/kit for the board
they only test a select group and thats it
they do not even say what dimm/kit fails or if there are any that do fail

you can mix and match,
different sizes or 3 dimms will run in mixed/flex/hybrid mode, some in dual ch, the rest in single ch speeds

different speeds can run at the speeds/timings of the slower dimm and will work

3-4 dimms, may also be limited by the cpus memory controller, but guaranteed to run at the cpus spec from amd or intel
which is why intel posts
Up to DDR5 4800 MT/s
Up to DDR4 3200 MT/s
on most socket 1700 cpus
and amd posts
am4 ddr4 Up to 3200 MT/s
and am5
2x1R DDR5-5200
2x2R DDR5-5200
4x1R DDR5-3600
4x2R DDR5-3600

No point in going single channel as you do end up leaving a lot of performance due to the memory bandwidth and even if you have a fast single stick DDR4 at 4000mhz with tight timings. you will still be behind compared to a typical 3200mhz on dual channel

Just go with the 2x16GB kit and call it a day. 3200-3600 is the ideal range in your case as going above 3766 on AM4 is utterly pointless and even 3766 isn't always stable

Thanks guys. 2x16 it will be, but no hurry. I'm still doing OK with only 16GB.

I have over 40 years experience building computers. I took the time to do research for you so you can make a confident decision.

It's a pleasure to help when i have the time.

PS: Yes, 16gb is enough for basic computing and gaming. 32GB if you intend to multitask workloads with lots of software applications then you will require more to suit the needs.