Hey there! Choosing the right RAM speed for a new PC build or upgrade is an important decision. You‘ve likely come across two popular options – DDR4-3200MHz and DDR4-3600MHz memory kits. But you might be wondering:
Is the difference between 3200MHz vs 3600MHz RAM really that important for real-world use?
It‘s a great question. While 3600MHz RAM is faster on paper, is it worth paying extra over more affordable 3200MHz memory? Will you even notice the speed boost in games and applications?
To help make the right choice for your system, I‘ll compare these two RAM speeds in-depth across a number of factors:
- Price difference
- Performance and speed
- Timings and latency
- Capacity options
- Platform compatibility
- Overclocking headroom
- And real-world gaming benchmarks
Let‘s dive in and find out if 3200MHz vs 3600MHz RAM makes a meaningful difference or if it‘s just marketing hype!
Pricing Breakdown: 3600MHz Commands a Premium
First, we have to acknowledge the price gap between 3200MHz and 3600MHz memory kits. You can expect to pay around 20-30% more for 3600MHz RAM with the same capacity.
For example, a popular 16GB (2 x 8GB) 3200MHz CL16 kit from Corsair or G.Skill costs around $60 right now. But an equivalent spec 3600MHz kit will run you $75-$90.
No matter the brand or capacity, the faster 3600MHz DDR4 modules demand this premium tax. It‘s simply more complex and expensive to produce RAM chips and PCBs that can reliably run at these extreme speeds of over 3.6 billion cycles per second.
If you‘re building on a budget, 3200MHz provides excellent performance per dollar. But if you have the cash to spare, 3600MHz is enticing for enthusiasts who want every last bit of speed.
How Much Faster is 3600MHz Compared to 3200MHz?
On paper, 3600MHz memory has a raw clock speed that‘s 12.5% higher than 3200MHz. This directly translates to 12% higher memory bandwidth as well, since bandwidth scales linearly with frequency.
More bandwidth means your system can transfer data in and out of RAM quicker. This leads to snappier loading times in games when textures and levels are loaded from memory. File transfers and program launches also benefit.
But does this 12% bandwidth increase make a noticeable difference to real-world speed? Let‘s see how 3200MHz and 3600MHz RAM configs compare in games side-by-side:
| Game Benchmark | 3200MHz FPS | 3600MHz FPS | Improvement |
| GTA V 1080p Ultra | 148 | 153 | 3% |
| Rocket League 1080p Ultra | 194 | 199 | 2% |
| CoD Modern Warfare 1440p High | 127 | 130 | 2% |
| Valorant 1080p Competitive | 289 | 297 | 3% |
These benchmarks show real-world FPS gains are in the range of 2-4% on average when using 3600MHz versus 3200MHz RAM. The improvement is measurable but not massive by any means.
For higher resolution 1440p or 4K gaming, RAM speed matters even less since the GPU is working extra hard. Even 2400MHz RAM can suffice sometimes at 4K max settings.
So while 3600MHz does provide a small speed boost, it likely won‘t transform your gaming experience alone. The GPU, CPU, and monitor refresh rate matter more for hitting 144Hz+ FPS.
How CRUCIAL are Timings for RAM Performance?
Another important metric besides MHz speed is CAS Latency (CL). Lower CL = better, since it measures the delay before RAM can respond to a command. This affects overall responsiveness.
3200MHz kits often use CL16, while 3600MHz sticks run looser CL18 timings to compensate for their blistering frequency. So in terms of latency, 3200 CL16 and 3600 CL18 end up nearly equal.
But some 3600MHz RAM can achieve tighter timings like CL16 or even CL14 with manual tuning. This gives them the best of both worlds – top speed AND low latency. Then they clearly beat 3200MHz in all areas.
Memory timings have a huge impact on Ryzen performance in particular. Tuned 3600 CL14 B-die kits are highly sought after to take AMD rigs to the next level. Intel is less sensitive to RAM tuning.
Same Generous Capacity Options
High speed doesn‘t mean compromising on capacity though. Both 3200MHz and 3600MHz RAM is commonly available in kits from 8GB all the way up to 32GB per DIMM.
For modern systems, you‘ll want a minimum of 16GB total RAM or better yet, 32GB (2x16GB). This allows for uncompromised gaming and multitasking. DRAM chips have dense enough capacity to deliver both speed and size now.
What Motherboards and CPUs are Compatible?
To achieve these overclocked RAM speeds beyond the standard DDR4-2666 JEDEC spec requires a compatible motherboard and processor that can support XMP profiles:
-
For Intel systems, both 3200MHz and 3600MHz will work on Z-series boards (Z690, Z590, Z490, etc). Though some tuning may be required to stabilize 3600MHz on CPUs with finicky IMCs.
-
For AMD Ryzen, aim for higher-end B550, X570, or X670E boards and 5000/7000 series chips. Budget A-series boards may only allow up to 3200MHz due to daisy chain topology.
-
Small form factor builds should lean towards 3200MHz as it generates less heat and strain on the IMC compared to energy-hungry 3600MHz sticks pushing the limits.
Overall, compatibility and stability should not be an issue for modern DDR4 platforms. But it‘s ideal to check your motherboard‘s QVL list to ensure seamless XMP experience.
Overclocking Comparison: Higher Headroom on 3600MHz
Memory overclocking allows enthusiasts to push speeds and tighten timings beyond factory specs. How do 3200MHz and 3600MHz compare here?
Thanks to more advanced ICs, 3600MHz RAM generally has more OC headroom. A high-binned B-die 3200 CL14 kit may max out around 3400-3466MHz if you‘re lucky.
But 3600MHz sticks using the same ICs can often overclock to 3733MHz, 3800MHz, or even 4000MHz at CL16 or CL14 timings matching their 3200MHz counterparts.
This means with manual tuning, 3600MHz RAM maintains a 10-15% lead in max achievable frequency over mainstream 3200MHz kits. Every bit counts for record breakers!
Is It Worth Upgrading from 3200MHz to 3600MHz?
If you already own a fully capable gaming system with quality 3200MHz RAM, upgrading to 3600MHz alone won‘t suddenly supercharge your FPS or make a life-changing difference.
The performance gain is modest at best – usually between 5-15% depending on the game and workload. Only competitive esports players obsessed with squeezing out every last frame may find it worthwhile.
Upgrading your RAM only makes sense when doing a full new build or platform upgrade. Then it‘s wise to get the latest generation RAM designed for optimal compatibility with your new components.
However, if you‘re facing stability issues with an existing 3200MHz kit that refuses to run at XMP speeds, it could be worth upgrading directly to 3600MHz which has more wiggle room.
The Verdict: Pick What Makes Sense For YOUR Needs!
At the end of the day, there is no definitive "better" choice between 3200MHz and 3600MHz RAM overall. The right speed depends entirely on your budget and needs:
-
For mid-range gaming PCs and general home use, 3200MHz RAM is the ideal balance of affordability and performance.
-
For high-end systems focused on AAA titles at 1440p/4K resolutions, even 3200MHz is fine since the GPU matters more.
-
But for competitive esports and 1080p gamers wanting 400+ FPS, 3600MHz can provide a slight edge.
-
Workstation builds also benefit from 3600MHz when working with large assets that stress bandwidth.
-
For overclocking records, 3600MHz has more tuning potential to push the limits.
No matter which you choose, both 3200MHz and 3600MHz RAM deliver excellent speeds today. The average user would be hard-pressed to discern between them for general use.
But I hope breaking down the key differences between 3200MHz vs 3600MHz in detail helps you feel confident picking the best match for your PC and budget! Let me know if you have any other questions.