Memory for Ryzen 5000 CPU

[Cadder]

Hi all,

I've been searching the forums, the Web and YouTube and although I'm finding some answers I end up with more questions.

Can someone with good knowledge of memory please help me understand:

1. Is 3600MHz the sweet spot?
2. I hear CL16 is ideal, especially paired with 3600MHz. Would CL18 be so bad though? (considering difficulties finding memory at the moment)
3. I need 32gb. So, 2 sticks or 4 sticks?
4. Dual or single rank?
5. Hardcore gamers and overclockers will notice these differences, but will someone running everything stock, using CAD programs, notice the difference in timings?
6. Anything else?

I appreciate some of this will be repeated but I'm hoping I can consolidate as much info as possible and hopefully draw out more information from this forum, which has been EXTREMELY helpful so far.

 

[Cadder]

Thank you so much @GregI for that fantastic response. Hopefully I'll have my RAM ordered today and that's my build sorted!
I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.
I had that exact 8Pack memory kit on order from OCUK but received a refund and no context from them. I see from your link the price has gone down again so I might try once more.

 

[Cadder]

Then, what is better.... four sticks single rank or two sticks dual rank. From what I can gather, four sticks single rank will be less stable when pushed than two sticks dual rank. So the absolute ideal for people wanting the absolute tightest timings is two sticks of dual rank ram.

Thanks @Nitefly,
I can imagine when I am coming across videos and articles on "best RAM configurations" they will be designed for those who want to squeeze every bit of performance out of their kit.
I just want my 3D CAD models to load quick and not stutter when I work on them. They can be big models - oil rig, vessel, building, conveyor system etc.
Autodesk just recommend 24GB RAM, that's it. So I assume the single/dual rank may have an affect on my work, but probably not the frequency and latency providing I hit somewhere around 3600-CL18.

I'll likely go for that 8Pack kit again. I sent a message in to OCUK but understandably no response after a few days.

 

[Cadder]

Maybe a payment issue? They went on offer Friday around 3-4pm. I ordered at 4:30 and paid with PayPal. They only got sent out last night for delivery today and that was with DPD Next day. Fortunately I have free delivery for being an active forum member or else I would have been annoyed at the wait. They must be insanely busy right now.

Quite possibly. I used Amazon Pay. Have tried again and will see how it goes. I did RMA another order so I reckon someone got mixed up and cancelled the wrong order. Understandable of course, they are snowed under.