Best RAM for Ryzen 2700X in 2023
Upgrading your CPU is one of the best ways to immediately boost your PC’s gaming performance, and the octa-core Ryzen 2700X is a fantastic choice. Unfortunately, though, to make the most of your new CPU, you’ll need to upgrade your RAM too.
In the absence of adequate RAM, that expensive CPU you’ve just smashed your piggy bank to afford will be sluggish, crash more often than not, and may not even work at all. Gaming especially is not an option, but we’re here to make sure you will never have to experience this tragic occurrence.
After significant legwork, we’ve compiled a list of the best RAM you can use in conjunction with a Ryzen 7 2700X CPU. From top-tier performers to brilliant budget options, we’ve got the RAM you need to optimize your Ryzen build.
Products at a Glance
How We Picked
Even though RAM used to be considered something of an afterthought, with major peripherals such as GPUs and core components such as CPUs taking prominence in a build, here at PC Guide, we’ve always appreciated the power of RAM.
Forever hungry for the next jump in memory technology, we know all the details before it’s even released, and as soon as it is, we get to testing. Just like everyone else, we want to know how different RAM types affect gaming performance. To find this out, we’re constantly benchmarking.
In the seven years since DDR4’s release, we must have tested every stick there is with every mobo/CPU combination you can think of, so we’ve picked up a thing or two along the way. What we’re presenting to you here are the best of the best. There’s no question about it.
Product Reviews
- 3200MHz Clock Speed
- Samsung B-Die
- 16GB DDR4
- AMD-Certified
- Price
- No RGB
Developed from the ground up with Ryzen CPUs in mind, it’s no surprise that these are incredibly sought-after sticks in Ryzen gaming communities. Everything about them is tailor-made to complement your Ryzen 7 2700X. Constructed on Samsung’s infamous B-dies, Flare X sticks offer awesome stock performance, but should you need to scratch that persistent OC itch, it’s renowned as the best IC for overclocking too. It’s a little pricey, but if you want the best and damn the consequences, the G.Skill Flare X 16GB 3200MHz is the RAM for you.
3200MHz is the fastest memory speed that your CPU can utilize, boosting frame rates, especially in 1080p resolutions. The 16GB capacity, ensures even demanding games run seamlessly and helps your CPU shoulder parallelizing content creation workflows.
Featuring a Samsung B-die DDR4 format, it’s also magnificent for overclocking. Depending on your motherboard, doing a bit of manual tinkering can unlock frequencies up to 3600MHz. That, my friends, means faster overall computational performance, and most importantly of all, boosted frame rates!
Measuring 40mm high, the black heat spreader gives the sticks a pretty aggro aesthetic that may be a little too ‘gamery’ for some, but we thought they looked awesome in our cases. Granted, it’s a pricey kit, but it’s a premium product with unbeatable performance.
- CL16 Module
- Price
- RGB and heat spreader aesthetics
- 3200MHz Stock Frequency
- Size
If this was a list of the most beautiful RAM for the Ryzen 2700X, the Vengeance RGB Pro would take the crown, no questions, and not just because of the gorgeous light bar. The whole heat spreader is tasteful, adding a refined touch to any case, but it’s so much more than nice to look at. Heavily layered, proprietary PCBs ensure that this kit’s style is matched, if not exceeded by its speed. Clocking in with a stock 3200MHZ frequency, a knowledgeable overclocker will be able to push this thing into the stratosphere.
While the CL16 memory module isn’t as revered as the CL14, it’s just as fast, and thanks to some ingenious Corsair PCB design, it lends itself incredibly well to overclocking too. It’s not unheard of for the Vengeance to reach highs of 4600MHz in the right circumstances, which is nuts considering the price tag.
This is a striking RAM kit in all the right ways. The light bar with 10 RGB LEDs is bold and bright, customizable via pretty much any syncing software, and the heat spreader looks elegant and neutral. Sure, other kits look nice, but we never felt the urge to wolf whistle at a stick of RAM before we came across the RGB Pro.
- RGB lighting
- Huge QVL List
- Price
- 10-Layer PCB
- RGB Burden
Augmenting any case with a glowing dragonish aesthetic, the G.Skill Trident Z RAM kit is another eye-pleasing prospect. Sold in kits that offer as much as 128GB capacities, Trident Z RAM features all you’ll ever need to enjoy that Ryzen 7 2700X. Even though Trident Z isn’t AMD-optimized like their Flare X counterparts, they still bring 3200MHz to the table, and thanks to specially screened ICs and a 10-layer PCB construction, the CL16 module offers spectacular CL14-level results when overclocked.
Despite not being optimized for AMD CPUs, this RAM kit works awfully well with the 2700 X, and besides the CL16 timings, there doesn’t seem to be all that much difference between Trident and Flare RAM. Featuring a 3200MHz frequency, perfect for DDR4 Ryzen CPUs, and a 16GB capacity, you won’t just have a quality gaming station, but an awesome workstation too.
The sticks are around 3-4mm taller than the Flare X series, so you might need to make a little bit of room for them, but once they’re in, they’re well worth the space they inhabit. Similar to the Corsair Vengeance, G.Skill has optimized their CI screening process and crafted a 10-layer PCB. This effectively means you’ll be able to push the CL16 module almost as hard as a CL14 design.
With an almost reptilian shape to the heat spreader, the Trident Z RAM kit brings a very cool look to any build, and the RGBs look amazing peeking through the extended fins. The RGBs seem to account for more of the CPU load than other RGB sticks do, which isn’t really a problem, but it does mean your CPU isn’t 100% focused on the task at hand.
- Highly AMD-Compatible
- Color options
- 3200MHz Clock Speed
- Price
- CL16 Unit
- No RGB
While the Ripjaw V sticks aren’t much to look at, they make an amazingly good RAM upgrade for any DDR4 Ryzen CPU. Honestly, we’re not entirely sure why these units work so fluidly together, but when they’re combined, something just clicks.
What’s even more curious is that the Ripjaw is the most affordable option on our list. True, it doesn’t come with any flash RGB lighting, nor are the heat spreaders all that attractive, but they’re available in some lovely colors, and it has all the things that truly matter.
3200MHz speeds ensure your system is responsive and reliable, allowing your in-game character to keep up with your commands. 16GB memory capacity per kit affords you all the power you could ever need for 1080p gaming with maxed settings. Combine all this with those eight multithreaded Ryzen cores and you’re not just playing the game…you’re in the game!
It’s a CL16 module, and unlike our second and third pick, doesn’t feature advanced PCB construction, so you can’t take overclocking quite as far, but for the price, you won’t find a better RAM kit.
- Size
- 16GB Capacity
- Respectable Speeds
- Neutral Aesthetics
- No easy overclocking
More and more these days, we see RAM stick dimensions expanding, which is fine if you’ve got an ATX board in a large mid or full tower, but for those micro-build enthusiasts with mini ATX or even ITX motherboards in tiny cases, options are sparse.
That’s why the Corsair Vengeance maintains its vice grip on the market. The minimal 34mm stick height allows them to slip into smaller builds without getting in the way of other peripherals or coolers. They’re simple, neat, and effective, and though they’re small, they pack a punch.
With 16GB of random access memory, games can store plenty of temporary data, allowing them to run in a buttery smooth fashion, and the 2133MHz clock speed does facilitate a really responsive feel. We were able to boost it to 3000MHz, but only on an X470 motherboard.
The slightly reduced specs and basic design of the LPX won’t appeal to everyone, but realistically, the performative differences are pretty negligible, making it a fantastic teammate for your Ryzen 2700X.
When choosing the best RAM for your Ryzen 2700X, consider the following key factors:
Size
The first thing you should consider when shopping for RAM is the capacity. For standard computing, the larger your RAM, the more applications you can run simultaneously, as it helps your CPU with multitasking.
Gaming normally only requires 8GB of RAM. Adding more on top of that essential 8GB won’t necessarily boost your frame rates in higher resolutions, as the workload shifts from CPU to integrated GPU VRAM, but it will support gaming in 1080p. The Ryzen 7 2700X can support up to 64GB of DDR4 memory.
Speed
RAM speed is measured as a frequency, e.g. 3200MHz. Having faster RAM isn’t quite as important as having more of it, but it still affects your CPU’s ability to run the show. The benefit of extra-low-latency RAM, as well as streamlining general functionality, is a small increase (perhaps 2%) in frames per second.
That is, of course, if your current RAM is fairly capable. If you have a very limited stick at the minute, upgrading to a faster chip will elicit a greater performative jump.
The Ryzen 7 2700 X is designed to support 2933MHz RAM, so you should be aiming for around that memory speed to ensure a mutually beneficial case ecosystem.
DDR4/5
DDR RAM is a dual-channel memory type. The most efficient versions are DDR4 and DDR5. With every ascending number, bandwidth and frequency are doubled, die density is vastly augmented, and voltage is reduced.
What does this mean for gaming?
Slightly increased frame rates.
What does that mean in this context?
RAM is always a little ahead of the curve, so it takes a while for other gaming hardware to catch up and actually be able to utilize its potential. As the Ryzen 7 2700X was released in 2018, and DDR5 was only made available in mid-2020, it cannot support it.
Motherboard Compatibility
While kitting out your build with RAM that works well with your CPU is essential, you’ll also need to consider your motherboard’s parameters. Ultimately, your motherboard defines how fast your RAM can run or whether it works at all. Typically, motherboards are also only capable of supporting one DDR format.
The best thing you can do is consult your mobo manual. It will feature a list of RAM types that have been tested by the manufacturer. That said, unlisted RAM types may still work if they have similar specs as the ones that are listed.
Our Verdict
RAM is an important part of any build, but you don’t always have to fork out for the most expensive kit. As this is a list of the best RAM memory for your Ryzen 2700X, they all feature pretty bolstered specs, but as long as your RAM has a 16GB capacity, you shouldn’t worry too much about latency. Choosing slightly slower RAM such as the Vengeance LPX will save you some money, and it’s unlikely you’ll notice any real-world difference.
If, however, you want to make the most of your Ryzen 7 2700X, we highly recommend going for the G.Skill Flare X or the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro. Not only will they be the perfect finishing touches to your current build, with their expandability, 3200MHz clock speeds, and flawless design, they’re future-proofed for later builds too. Do take some measurements before buying the RGB Pro, though, as it’s a hefty kit.
For G.Skill quality at a lower price point, the Trident Z won’t disappoint. It has a largely similar standard and overclocked performance, and what’s more, the sticks look incredible, but if you’re looking for the best value-for-money RAM on the market, it’s the Ripjaw V, without a doubt.