Buying Guide
The Best RAM for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Five memory kits compared, from the Vengeance RGB to the Trident Z5 Royal Neo, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D came out with the first AM5 boards, so update the BIOS before you fit a fast kit. Every kit here is a 32GB DDR5 set with an EXPO profile and a CAS latency of 32 or lower.
Our comparison rests on published figures for CAS latency, rated speed and capacity; where a maker leaves out voltage, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Tightest CAS Latency
G.SKILL Trident Z5 Royal Neo 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL26
The tightest CAS latency here (CL26).
Best for: Buyers who put CAS latency first.
Our take Check price for G.SKILL Trident Z5 Royal Neo 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL26 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL28
Timings of 28-36-36-96.
Best for: Buyers who want timings of 28-36-36-96.
Our take Check price for G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL28 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Kingston FURY Beast White RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL30
Kingston's infrared RGB syncing.
Best for: Buyers who want Kingston's infrared RGB syncing.
Our take Check price for Kingston FURY Beast White RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
G.SKILL Flare X5 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL30
A 1.35V rating, the lowest here.
Best for: Buyers who want 1.35V rating, the lowest here.
Our take Check price for G.SKILL Flare X5 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
CORSAIR Vengeance RGB DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 6000 CL30
Undercutting the Flare X5 32GB on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the Flare X5 32GB the next step up.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR Vengeance RGB DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 6000 CL30 (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Tightest CAS Latency1 of 5
G.SKILL Trident Z5 Royal Neo 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL26 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Trident Z5 Royal Neo runs CL26 at 6000MT/s, the tightest timings here, at 1.45V.
Best for
- Buyers who put CAS latency first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Vengeance RGB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The gain over CL30 is small on an X3D chip, so it is for enthusiasts. On CAS latency it leads this guide at CL26, ahead of the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 (CL28). Like the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 and Flare X5 32GB, it has EXPO profiles, while the FURY Beast White RGB uses EXPO and XMP profiles.
You also get a Royal-series decorative lightbar. Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR5 kit for AM5, LGA1851 and DDR5 versions of LGA1700 boards; it does not fit DDR4 slots.
Its 1.45V rating is higher than most kits, so check that your board lists this kit or its speed on the memory support list. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- CAS latency: CL26
- Rated speed: 6000MT/s
- Capacity: 32GB (2 sticks)
- Voltage: 1.45V
- Profiles: EXPO
- RGB: Yes
- Memory type: DDR5
Pros
- Tight CL26 timings
- 6000MT/s, the usual sweet spot for AM5
- AMD EXPO profile for one-click setup on AM5
- Timings of 26-36-36-96
Cons
- Costs more than the Vengeance RGB at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL28 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Trident Z5 Neo RGB CL28 kit keeps the 9800X3D's preferred 6000MT/s speed with tighter timings than CL30 kits, and an EXPO profile sets it up in one click.
Best for
- Buyers who want timings of 28-36-36-96.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Vengeance RGB cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On CAS latency it sits mid-pack at CL28: the Trident Z5 Royal Neo offers CL26, and the Vengeance RGB comes in at CL30. Like the Trident Z5 Royal Neo and Flare X5 32GB, it has EXPO profiles, while the FURY Beast White RGB uses EXPO and XMP profiles. Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed.
It is a DDR5 kit for AM5, LGA1851 and DDR5 versions of LGA1700 boards; it does not fit DDR4 slots. RGB heatspreaders are taller than plain ones, so check the clearance under a large tower cooler. Its price falls between the FURY Beast White RGB and the Trident Z5 Royal Neo, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- CAS latency: CL28
- Rated speed: 6000MT/s
- Capacity: 32GB (2 sticks)
- Voltage: 1.4V
- Profiles: EXPO
- RGB: Yes
- Memory type: DDR5
Pros
- Tight CL28 timings
- 6000MT/s, the usual sweet spot for AM5
- AMD EXPO profile for one-click setup on AM5
- Timings of 28-36-36-96
Cons
- Costs more than the Vengeance RGB at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Kingston FURY Beast White RGB 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
FURY Beast White RGB offers 6000MT/s at CL30 with both EXPO and XMP profiles, with lighting on a white heatspreader.
Best for
- Buyers who want Kingston's infrared RGB syncing.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Vengeance RGB, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On CAS latency it ties with the Flare X5 32GB and the Vengeance RGB at CL30. Like the Vengeance RGB, it has EXPO and XMP profiles, while the Flare X5 32GB uses EXPO profiles. You also get Kingston's infrared RGB syncing.
Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR5 kit for AM5, LGA1851 and DDR5 versions of LGA1700 boards; it does not fit DDR4 slots. RGB heatspreaders are taller than plain ones, so check the clearance under a large tower cooler. Its price falls between the Flare X5 32GB and the Trident Z5 Neo CL28, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- CAS latency: CL30
- Rated speed: 6000MT/s
- Capacity: 32GB (2 sticks)
- Profiles: EXPO and XMP
- RGB: Yes
- Memory type: DDR5
- Colour: White
Pros
- Tight CL30 timings
- 6000MT/s, the usual sweet spot for AM5
- Both AMD EXPO and Intel XMP profiles
- Kingston's infrared RGB syncing
Cons
- Costs more than the Vengeance RGB at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
G.SKILL Flare X5 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Flare X5 runs 6000 CL30 at 1.35V, the lowest voltage here, and is tuned for AMD with an EXPO profile.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1.35V rating, the lowest here.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Vengeance RGB was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It is a quiet-looking match for Ryzen builds. On CAS latency it ties with the FURY Beast White RGB and the Vengeance RGB at CL30. Like the Trident Z5 Royal Neo and Trident Z5 Neo CL28, it has EXPO profiles, while the FURY Beast White RGB uses EXPO and XMP profiles.
You also get timings of 30-36-36-96. Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR5 kit for AM5, LGA1851 and DDR5 versions of LGA1700 boards; it does not fit DDR4 slots. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Vengeance RGB and the pricier FURY Beast White RGB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- CAS latency: CL30
- Rated speed: 6000MT/s
- Capacity: 32GB (2 sticks)
- Voltage: 1.35V
- Profiles: EXPO
- Memory type: DDR5
Pros
- Tight CL30 timings
- 6000MT/s, the usual sweet spot for AM5
- AMD EXPO profile for one-click setup on AM5
- 1.35V rating, the lowest here
Cons
- Costs more than the Vengeance RGB at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
CORSAIR Vengeance RGB DDR5 32GB (2x16GB) 6000 CL30 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Vengeance RGB matches that 6000 CL30 rating and adds lighting, with both profiles for AMD or Intel.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the Flare X5 32GB the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if CAS latency matters most to you; the Trident Z5 Royal Neo offers CL26.
Why we like it
It is the pick for builds with a glass panel. On CAS latency it ties with the FURY Beast White RGB and the Flare X5 32GB at CL30. Like the FURY Beast White RGB, it has EXPO and XMP profiles, while the Trident Z5 Royal Neo uses EXPO profiles.
It also comes with iCUE lighting control. Enable the memory profile in the BIOS after installing it; without it, the kit runs at a slower default speed. It is a DDR5 kit for AM5, LGA1851 and DDR5 versions of LGA1700 boards; it does not fit DDR4 slots.
RGB heatspreaders are taller than plain ones, so check the clearance under a large tower cooler. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Flare X5 32GB was the next step up. If CAS latency is your priority, the Trident Z5 Royal Neo (CL26) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- CAS latency: CL30
- Rated speed: 6000MT/s
- Capacity: 32GB (2 sticks)
- Voltage: 1.4V
- Profiles: EXPO and XMP
- RGB: Yes
- Memory type: DDR5
Pros
- Tight CL30 timings
- 6000MT/s, the usual sweet spot for AM5
- Both AMD EXPO and Intel XMP profiles
- ICUE lighting control
Cons
- CAS latency trails the Trident Z5 Royal Neo (CL26)
How We Chose
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five kits on CAS latency, rated speed, capacity and voltage as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 5 of the 7 fields compared are stated for every pick, while voltage and RGB have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Trident Z5 Royal Neo to the Vengeance RGB, state CAS latency, rated speed and capacity and share DDR5 memory type.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The FURY Beast White RGB gives no voltage; the Flare X5 32GB gives no RGB.
- Price range
- From the Vengeance RGB to the Trident Z5 Royal Neo, all sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in an RAM for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much CAS latency you need
Here CAS latency runs from CL30 on the Vengeance RGB to CL26 on the Trident Z5 Royal Neo, a 13% spread. For less, the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 is the runner-up at CL28.
Profiles
The Trident Z5 Royal Neo, the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 and the Flare X5 32GB list EXPO; the FURY Beast White RGB and the Vengeance RGB list EXPO and XMP. Sort out profiles before price: it splits 5 stated picks into groups of 3 and 2.
RGB
The Trident Z5 Royal Neo, the Trident Z5 Neo CL28, the FURY Beast White RGB and the Vengeance RGB have it.
Features beyond the spec table
The FURY Beast White RGB: Kingston's infrared RGB syncing. The Flare X5 32GB: timings of 30-36-36-96. The Vengeance RGB: iCUE lighting control.
Budget
Price does little to separate these 5: the Vengeance RGB through the Trident Z5 Royal Neo all landed in the $500 to $1000 tier, which leaves CAS latency to decide it.
How to Choose an RAM for Ryzen 7 7800X3D
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put CAS latency first | Trident Z5 Royal Neo | The tightest CAS latency here (CL26) |
| Buyers who want timings of 28-36-36-96 | Trident Z5 Neo CL28 | Timings of 28-36-36-96 |
| Buyers who want Kingston's infrared RGB syncing | FURY Beast White RGB | Kingston's infrared RGB syncing |
| Buyers who want 1.35V rating, the lowest here | Flare X5 32GB | A 1.35V rating, the lowest here |
| Spending as little as possible, with the Flare X5 32GB the next step up | Vengeance RGB | Undercutting the Flare X5 32GB on price when we checked |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Trident Z5 Royal Neo leads on CAS latency at CL26, ahead of the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 at CL28. "Not listed" marks voltage where the FURY Beast White RGB leaves the figure out.
| Kit | CAS latency | Rated speed | Capacity | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trident Z5 Royal Neo | CL26 | 6000MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | 1.45V |
| Trident Z5 Neo CL28 | CL28 | 6000MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | 1.4V |
| FURY Beast White RGB | CL30 | 6000MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | Not listed |
| Flare X5 32GB | CL30 | 6000MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | 1.35V |
| Vengeance RGB | CL30 | 6000MT/s | 32GB (2 sticks) | 1.4V |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Trident Z5 Royal Neo ahead of the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 on CAS latency?
The Trident Z5 Royal Neo is lowest on CAS latency at CL26; the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 follows at CL28, 7% apart. The Vengeance RGB is at the other end of this group with CL30.
Is the Trident Z5 Royal Neo worth paying more than the Vengeance RGB?
What it brings is CAS latency (CL26 against CL30). Both sat in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, so the gains in CAS latency cost little extra by tier.
What makes the Trident Z5 Royal Neo the Tightest CAS Latency?
The label rests on the tightest CAS latency here (CL26). The Trident Z5 Neo CL28 is next on CAS latency at CL28, so this pick's CL26 is 7% further out. It is aimed at anyone who puts CAS latency first.
Do the Trident Z5 Royal Neo and the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 differ on voltage?
The Trident Z5 Royal Neo uses 1.45V; the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 and the Vengeance RGB use 1.4V; the Flare X5 32GB uses 1.35V. The maker of the FURY Beast White RGB doesn't state voltage, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Trident Z5 Royal Neo and the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 apart?
The Trident Z5 Royal Neo: timings of 26-36-36-96. The Trident Z5 Neo CL28: timings of 28-36-36-96. The FURY Beast White RGB: Kingston's infrared RGB syncing.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Trident Z5 Royal Neo, chosen for the tightest CAS latency here (CL26). Look at the Trident Z5 Neo CL28 for timings of 28-36-36-96, the FURY Beast White RGB for Kingston's infrared RGB syncing and the Flare X5 32GB for a 1.35V rating, the lowest here if those matter more to you.
If the system will not boot at the rated speed, update the BIOS first and then re-enable EXPO.