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Jun 2025
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The ultimate memory guide to AMD Ryzen for gaming

Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 memory module on a motherboard

AMD Ryzen processors have revolutionised the gaming landscape, delivering top-tier performance across various segments, from budget-friendly gaming rigs to high-end enthusiast systems. Whether you’re optimising your current build or planning a new one, understanding how to match your AMD Ryzen processor with the right memory components is key.

In this guide, we explore everything from boosting Ryzen 9000 Series performance to the best RAM configurations for various Ryzen models, and the significant role that Kingston FURY EXPO-certified memory plays in this ecosystem.

AMD Ryzen memory support: What you really need

Games and applications benefit from overclocked memory, providing faster results and less lag, so planning for the right combination of speed and capacity for Ryzen configurations is important.

The latest AMD platform is referred to as AM5 (for Socket AM5), which utilises DDR5 memory exclusively and is built on the Zen 5 microarchitecture. AM5 Ryzen 7000 / 8000 / 9000 series processors can be paired with the following AMD chipsets: X870E / 870, B850, B840, X670E / 670, B650E / 650, A620.

These processors and chipsets feature a dual channel DDR5 memory architecture, where a pair of identical memory modules work together, aggregating their bandwidth, to provide optimal performance. While most AM5 motherboards feature four memory sockets, supporting up to two modules in each channel, it’s generally not recommended to install four memory modules unless you need the maximum amount of memory capacity.

Due to chipset limitations, installing a second pair of DDR5 memory modules will limit how fast the memory can run. Since all memory modules must run at the same speed, if you combine two high-speed dual channel kits, the results may be disappointing, not to mention unstable.

The first consideration should always be how much memory do you need? Once you decide on the best target capacity, then you can see what speed options are available by the processor model and motherboard.

Recommended RAM configurations by CPU

Ryzen CPURecommended RAMNotes
Ryzen 9 / 7 – 9000 Series 32GB (2x 16GB) DDR5 6400MT/s – 8000MT/s
64GB (2x 32GB) DDR5 5600MT/s – 6400MT/s
96GB (2x 48GB) DDR5 5600MT/s – 6400MT/s		 Ideal for high-end gaming and multitasking
Ryzen 5 – 9000 Series
Ryzen 7 / 5 – 8000 / 7000 Series		 32GB (2x 16GB) DDR5 5600MT/s – 7200MT/s
48GB (2x 24GB) DDR5 5600MT/s – 7200MT/s		 Mid-level gaming and multitasking
Ryzen 5 – 8000 16GB (2x 8GB) DDR5 5600MT/s – 6800MT/s Entry-level gaming and multitasking
Ryzen 9 / 7 – 7000 Series 32GB (2x 16GB) DDR5 5600MT/s – 6800MT/s –
Ryzen 9 / 7 – 5000 Series 16GB (2x 8GB) DDR4 3600MT/s – 4600MT/s
32GB (2x 16GB) DDR4 3200MT/s – 3600MT/s
64GB (2x 32GB) DDR4 3200MT/s – 3600MT/s		 High-level gaming and multitasking
Ryzen 7 / 5 – 5000 Series 32GB (2x 16GB) DDR4 3200MT/s – 3600MT/s Mid-level gaming and multitasking
Ryzen 5 – 5000 Series 16GB (2x 8GB) DDR4 3200MT/s Entry-level gaming and multitasking

Additionally, as modern gaming, heavy multitasking and new AI applications continue to demand more memory, upgrading from 16GB to 32GB can be highly beneficial.

Two Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 memory modules installed in a motherboard

Overclock profiles make it easy

Squeezing out every last drop of performance is a must for gamers and performance users, but reliability and stability are also a must. By using EXPO (Extended Profiles for Overclocking) certified memory, AMD’s memory overclocking profile technology makes overclocking simple and stable for users by providing rigorously tested memory profiles that are optimised for the Ryzen platform and certified on major brand motherboards.

AMD EXPO-certified memory for Ryzen, such as Kingston FURY Beast DDR5, provides an effortless solution to maximising the performance of an AMD system. In addition to EXPO-certified options, nearly all AMD Ryzen AM5 motherboards also support XMP-based memory profiles, making it easy to choose a compatible overclockable memory kit from Kingston’s website Configurator, based on your make and model, or from the motherboard qualified vendor list (QVL).

Key functions of EXPO

  • Simplifies setup: EXPO allows users to enable higher memory speeds with one click in the BIOS – no manual tuning required.
  • Improves performance: By running memory at faster speeds and tighter timings, EXPO can help boost frame rates and reduce latency in games and memory-bound applications.
  • Ensures compatibility: EXPO modules are certified to work reliably with AMD platforms.

Before EXPO for DDR5, AMD featured a DDR4 overclocking validation programme called Ready for AMD Ryzen™, which used XMP profiles for the speed, timings and voltage. These overclockable memory kits could be tested and verified as compatible with AM4 motherboards and processors to receive “Ready for AMD Ryzen” approval. This programme enhanced the ecosystem for cross-compatibility testing, helping to prevent issues and ensure a smooth, stable overclock configuration.

Check out Kingston’s Configurator where you can look up your specific Ryzen motherboard model and see which overclock kits are supported.

Further optimising gaming on Ryzen with Radeon GPUs

Pairing an AMD Ryzen processor with an AMD Radeon GPU can maximise gaming performance even further with exclusive features like AMD’s SmartAccess Memory™ Technology (SAM for short). SAM provides direct access to the graphics card’s memory to the CPU, further reducing bottlenecks and boosting frame rates. SAM is available to users who have an AMD Ryzen processor from the 3000 series or later, an AMD Radeon GPU from the RX 6000 series or later and a compatible motherboard, typically Ryzen 5000 series, or newer.

Enabling SAM

Enabling SAM involves a few straightforward steps, typically performed in the motherboard's BIOS:

  • Update the BIOS: Ensure the motherboard's BIOS is updated to the latest version, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website (e.g. ASRock, ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte). This update often includes support for SAM and other performance features.
  • Enter BIOS settings: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS by pressing the appropriate key (commonly DEL or F2) during startup.
  • Enable required settings: Navigate to the advanced settings or PCIe configuration menu and look for options like "Above 4G Decoding" and "Re-Size BAR Support". Enable both settings. Note that the exact names may vary by manufacturer, so consult your motherboard manual if needed.
  • Save and exit: Save the changes and restart your computer. SAM should now be enabled.

To confirm, you can check AMD’s Adrenalin Software, where there should be an option under the Performance tab to view or toggle SAM, providing visual confirmation that it is active.

The performance benefits of SAM are most pronounced in CPU-bound gaming scenarios, where the CPU is the limiting factor rather than the GPU.

Get the most from your AMD Ryzen setup

Using the right memory setup is key to squeezing out every bit of performance from your AMD Ryzen system. From faster DDR5 speeds to EXPO profiles and SmartAccess Memory, each piece plays a part in smoother gameplay and better responsiveness. Whether you're upgrading or building new, matching your CPU with the right RAM ensures that your system runs at its best.

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