When people shop for RAM, they often consider the capacity and stick type while ignoring the cell type as well as the clock frequency. The cell type is not that important but the clock frequency(speed) is.
However, if you do not pair your CPU with fast enough RAM, it can cause a memory utilization bottleneck. This usually occurs when your system does not have enough RAM, but it can also happen if your RAM is not fast enough.
Best RAM For Ryzen 3 3100 And 3300X Buying Guide
In the simplest of terms, if your memory is not capable of delivering data to your CPU efficiently enough, your system will slow down substantially.
For that reason, you need to consider how well your memory modules will play with your CPU. In this case, we will examine the best RAM for the third-generation Ryzen 3 processors.
They are not the most powerful AMD Ryzen chips but if you want to get the best out of them, especially if you plan to overclock them, you will need to partner them up with some fast memory.
Nevertheless, if you are running a Ryzen 3 3100 or 3300X, this guide will show you which RAM is best for your system.
1. Patriot Viper 4 Blackout Series
Best non-RGB RAM For Ryzen 3100 / 3300X
- Capacity: 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4 Kit
- Base Frequency: PC4-21300(2666MHz); Base Timings: 19-19-19-43; Tested Frequency: PC4-25600 (3200MHz); Tested Timings: 16-20-20-40; Tested Voltage for Profile 1: 1.35V
- Feature Overclock: XMP 2.0 Support for Automatic Overclocking
Patriot’s Viper 4 Blackout Series looks and feels like a no-nonsense line of memory modules. They have a simple and rugged appearance. They come in a uniform black. What this means is that the entire stick, save for the contacts, is black. This includes the PCB as well as the logo.
I suppose that is why they call it the Blackout Series. Nonetheless, you must applaud Patriot for their attention to detail.
You can get these kits in four different clock frequencies; 3000Mhz, 3200Mhz,3600Mhz, and 4000Mhz. In addition to this, each module can come in the form of a 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB stick. Patriot offers various mix and match kits, where the combined capacity can be as little as 8GB or as much as 64GB.
The first thing you will notice when inspecting a module is its hefty heat-shield. You can attribute most of the module’s weight to it. The heat shield consists of two different parts. You get a heat spreader that is seated on the front of the memory chips and a heat sink that is situated on top of the stick.
While this is great for optimal cooling and heat dissipation, you can also use the heatsinks as little thumb handles. This makes it easier for you to click them into position, especially if you are working with poorly spaced out memory banks.
All the kits come in black packaging with a clear plastic window on the front and the back. This is useful as it allows you to inspect the RAM before even opening the packaging.
Patriot Viper 4 Blackout Series kits all come with a limited lifetime warranty. As you may be able to surmise from the name, Patriot is a US-based company and these RAM kits are produced there. Jingoism aside, the build feels high-quality.
Each module weighs 150 gm (0.33 lbs), which is quite heavy for RAM. The Patriot Viper Blackout Series is geared towards overclocking. It features XMP 2.0 support for easy automatic overclocking. The base timings on each of these modules are 15-15-15-36 and the tested timings are 16-20-20-40.
A basic Patriot Viper 4 Blackout Series kit with a frequency of 3000 MHz should be sufficient enough to work with your AMD Ryzen 3 processor. However, a 3200 MHz and above would be better.
Benefits:
- Easy to overclock
- Great frequencies
- Superior cooling
- Features a limited lifetime warranty
Drawbacks:
- Slightly more expensive than their rivals
2. Crucial Ballistix RGB 3200 MHz CL16
- Ideal for gamers and performance enthusiasts
- Customize your rig’s color scheme with 16 RGB LEDs in 8 zones on each module
- Compatible with ASUS Aura, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte AORUS Graphics Engine, and more
Crucial needs no introduction. They are the retail arm of Micron and they are responsible for creating some of the best SSDs on the market. Just like Patriot, they are a US-based company.
The Crucial Ballistix RGB RAM comes in three different colors; red, black, and white. Personally, I don’t like how the black/green of the PCB clashes with the color (or lack of color) of the heat spreader on the white version of the RAM.
However, we do like the material the heat spreaders are made from. Crucial made from anodized aluminum material. Not only do they look good but they offer optimal cooling. This allows them to make the sticks thinner.
Gamers with tempered glass cases will appreciate this RAM. Each stick has an RGB strip running on top of the heat spreader. Despite this, they utilize a low-profile build so it’s easy to click them in, regardless of how tight the spaces in your case are.
Another feature I was thoroughly impressed with was the customizability of these sticks. If you’re unhappy with the included RGB bars, you can 3D print your own and connect them to these modules. Although, I feel that the default RGB bars are good enough. They produce surprisingly bright high-color lighting.
Much like Patriot, Crucial claims to have worked with AMD and Intel in testing this RAM. So not only is it compatible with AMD Ryzen 3 3100 and 3300X processors, but it will also work with your Intel processors.
This RAM also comes with XMP 2.0 support for automatic overclocking. Alternatively, you can run it with the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) profile.
When you purchase one of these RAM kits, you are purchasing memory modules created by a company that knows what it’s doing. They have been producing the industry standard of die for the past two decades. The Crucial Ballistix RGB 3200 MHz CL16s will not let you down.
Benefits:
- Slim and easy to install
- Feature bright RGB lighting
- High-quality build
- Lightweight
Drawbacks:
- Pricey
3. G.SKILL Trident Z Neo
- XMP 2.0 profile support to reach up to the rated overclock speed, or run at default JEDEC profile speed
- Rated XMP frequency & stability depends on MB & CPU capability
- Check G.Skill QVL or RAM Configurator on the G.Skill website for validated motherboards
The G.SKILL Trident Z Neos were made especially for AMD Ryzen 3000 processors and X570 series motherboards. They’re arguably the best-looking RAM sticks on this list – at least to me. This is due to the unique dual-tone heat spreader design. They look like cyberpunk switchblades.
The beveled edges and corners on the fins are a nice touch. And of course, they have RGB lighting. The boards feel extra thick. According to G.SKILL, they are custom-made 10-layer PCBs. This makes the entire stick feel a little heavy.
They weigh 180 grams each, which makes them the heaviest memory modules on this list. You might have some trouble clicking them into your motherboard. I would not recommend them for compact builds.
You can customize and control the RGB lighting using G.SKILL’s Trident Z Lighting Control software. The G.SKILL Trident Z Neo use an SK Hynix die. This can either be a pro or a con for you. It depends on how you feel about that company.
The base timings on the G.SKILL Trident Z Neo’s are 18-18-18-43 at 1.2V and 18-22-22-42 at 1.35V. The RAM comes in a very diverse set of kits. You can get quad-channel kits which amount to a collective capacity of 256GB. Alternatively, you can purchase a dual-channel kit with a combined capacity of 16 GB.
G.SKILL may not have as much popularity as a company like Micron. However, they have been around since 1989 and they are a trusted brand, especially by gamers. The Trident Z Neo RAM kits are also remarkably affordable, especially if you consider the build quality and presentation.
One of the key reasons someone would purchase an AMD processor is that they are trying to save money. AMD generally has the best performance per dollar. Nevertheless, if you are looking to build a superior looking rig but want to save money, then this RAM is for you.
Benefits:
- Features bright RGB lighting
- Awesome design
- Relatively affordable
- High-quality build
Drawbacks:
- A bit tough to overclock
4. HyperX Predator Black
Best non-RGB RAM For Ryzen 3100 / 3300X
- Aluminum heat spreader in fierce new look : The new dense heat spreader in black aluminum provides greater heat dissipation to optimize reliability
- Extreme DDR4 performance : HyperX Predator DDR4 complements Intel’s 6 and 8 core processors for faster video editing, 3D rendering, AI processing and of course, gaming
- Optimized for Intel 9 Series chipset and X79 motherboards : Designed for compatibility and highest performance for Intel Core i7 HEDT processors along with the 100 Series Chipset and X99 motherboards
Hyper X is the gaming arm of Kingston Technology Corporation. They make some of the most affordable headsets, headphones, mouse pads, keyboards, and of course RAM.
The HyperX Predator Black follows Kingston’s tradition of affordability, depending on where you purchase these kits from. You can get each module in two capacities; 8GB and 16GB. The kits come in 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB capacities.
The HyperX Predator Black RAM comes with three timing profiles. JEDEC was clocked at 17-17-17 at 12 V. If you decide to switch from your Ryzen 3 3100 or 3300X to an Intel processor, you can use one of two XMP profiles. XMP 1 has a latency timing of 17-19-19 at 1.35V while XMP 2 has a latency timing of 5-17-17 at 1.35V.
The HyperX Predator Blacks have a robust business-like visage. You will find no fancy lighting here. Each stick is fully black except for the contacts and white logo.
It has a very pragmatic and stoic looking aesthetic. The cooling works as well as the heat spreaders look. This is the reason the HyperX Predator Blacks are suited to overclocking. They can do some heavy work while maintaining respectable temperatures.
Just like the Patriot Viper 4 Blackout Series, the heat spreader is made up of two parts. You get the heat shield that sits on the chips and the heat sinks which are situated on the top of each of the modules.
I like how the top heat sinks are spread out. The HyperX Predator Blacks are not particularly unique looking but this cosmetic feature makes them stand apart from their rivals.
Each module weighs 130g. They are not the heaviest on this list, but they are still heavy, nonetheless. There is nothing else to say about these sticks. They are affordable and efficient and a near-perfect match for your Ryzen 3 3100 or 3300X processor.
Benefits:
- Has an impressive build quality
- Made for easy overclocking
- Above-average cooling
Drawbacks:
- No RGB lighting
Conclusion
Did you know that DDR4 RAM with a frequency above 2400 MHz has been factory overclocked? As you can tell from that fact, all the modules in the above list have been overclocked and can be overclocked further.
We tried to ensure that our picks were varied but still affordable. Nevertheless, each of the featured RAM in this guide should pair well with a Ryzen 3 3300X and 3100 CPU. We hope you have found this guide to be helpful. Thank you for reading.
