Memory

16 GB is the practical minimum today. Enough for gaming, though it gets tight with a browser open alongside.

DDR4-3200 CL16 is the sweet spot for Ryzen on AM4 — faster kits add very little beyond it.

The cheapest 32 GB of DDR5. High latency — 16.4 ns against 10 ns for rated kits — but immaterial for office work.

A cheaper alternative with slightly higher latency. The difference in games is within a few per cent.

A sensible 32 GB on DDR4. On AM4 it is worth checking the board holds 3600 MHz stably.

DDR5-6000 CL30 is where Ryzen runs most efficiently — above it the controller drops into a divided mode and performance falls.

Low-profile modules without tall heat spreaders — necessary under large air towers and in Mini-ITX cases.

64 GB is the threshold above which 4K editing and rendering stop hitting the swap file. For gaming it is excess.

A higher frequency at the same 10 ns latency. Tall heat spreaders — check the clearance under your cooler.

Two 32 GB modules rather than four 16 GB ones — the memory controller holds the profile far more easily.