G.SKILL RipjawsV Series DDR4 RAM (XMP) 16GB (2x8GB) 3200MT/s CL16-18-18-38 1.35V Intel AMD Desktop Computer Memory U-DIMM - Black (F4-3200C16D-16GVKB)
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AI Verdict
A 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 CL16-18-18-38 1.35V kit for desktop PC builders and gamers who will enable XMP.
This 16GB DDR4-3200 CL16 kit hits a common performance sweet spot for many desktop builds and gaming systems. Its compatibility with both Intel and AMD platforms makes it a flexible choice. However, achieving the advertised speed requires enabling XMP, and some users have reported stability issues even after correct configuration.
If you need guaranteed tighter timings or higher overclocking potential, look for kits with lower CAS Latency (e.g., CL14) or confirmed Samsung B-die ICs.
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Pros
- Provides 16GB total capacity with two 8GB modules, enabling dual-channel memory performance.
- Operates at a 3200MT/s speed with CL16 primary timings when XMP is enabled.
- Features a 1.35V operating voltage, standard for DDR4-3200 XMP profiles.
- Includes Intel XMP memory overclock profiles for straightforward setup to rated speeds.
- Designed for broad compatibility with both Intel and AMD desktop computer systems.
- Equipped with black aluminum heat spreaders for passive cooling and a neutral aesthetic.
Cons
- Requires manual activation of the XMP profile in BIOS to achieve the advertised 3200MT/s, defaulting to DDR4-2133 otherwise.
- The secondary timings of 18-18-38 are not the tightest available for DDR4-3200, specifically the 18-cycle tRP and tRCD.
- Mixing this kit with other memory modules can lead to system instability or failure.
- Some users have reported system instability, including game freezes and 'Memory Management' bluescreen errors, even with XMP enabled.
- Overclocking significantly beyond the XMP profile can be limited, depending on the specific memory integrated circuits (ICs) used.
Dimension Scores
3200MT/s with CL16 is a common and effective speed for DDR4, but the 18-cycle tRP and tRCD are not the tightest available.
The memory is designed for broad compatibility with both Intel and AMD desktop platforms, supporting XMP profiles.
XMP works well to reach advertised speeds, but significant manual overclocking beyond XMP can be limited depending on the memory chips.
While many users report stability, there are documented instances of game freezes and bluescreen errors, and XMP configuration can sometimes be a point of instability.
Best For
- Desktop PC builders aiming for a balanced 16GB DDR4 configuration.
- Gaming systems where 3200MT/s CL16 is targeted for CPU performance.
- Users comfortable enabling XMP profiles in their motherboard's BIOS.
- Systems utilizing either Intel or AMD Ryzen processors.
Not Recommended For
- Users who prefer plug-and-play RAM without needing to adjust BIOS settings.
- Systems where maximum memory overclocking headroom beyond XMP is a primary concern.
- Users planning to combine this kit with existing, unmatched RAM modules.
Watch Out For
- No XMP enabled by default; it runs at a lower JEDEC speed like DDR4-2133 until you manually enable the XMP profile in BIOS.
- Mixing this 2x8GB kit with other RAM can cause system instability or outright failure.
- Some users experienced game freezes and 'Memory Management' bluescreen errors, even with XMP enabled and proper installation.
- Overclocking past the XMP profile might be limited, especially if the kit uses memory ICs like Hynix M-die instead of Samsung B-die.
Full Specifications
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| ASIN | B015FXXBW0 |
| Brand | G.SKILL |
| Color | Black |
| Series | RipJaws V |
| Voltage | 1.35 Volts |
| Item Weight | 3.53 ounces |
| Manufacturer | G.Skill |
| Memory Speed | 3200 MHz |
| Item model number | FBA_4719692004970 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 5.24 x 0.28 x 1.73 inches |
| Computer Memory Size | 16 GB |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Number of Processors | 1 |
| RAM Memory Technology | DDR4 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.24 x 0.28 x 1.73 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
Many users find this 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 kit to be a straightforward upgrade, especially for Ryzen systems where RAM speed impacts performance. However, a recurring theme is the necessity of enabling XMP in the BIOS to achieve the advertised 3200MT/s, as it defaults to a slower speed like DDR4-2133 otherwise. Some users have reported frustrating experiences with system instability, including game freezes and 'Memory Management' bluescreen errors, even after correctly setting XMP.
“Man, I just wanted my games to stop stuttering, and this RAM did the trick once I figured out that XMP setting, but then Age of Empires started crashing sometimes, so I'm not sure what's up with that.”
Common Praise
- Achieves 3200MT/s CL16 speeds easily after enabling XMP in BIOS.
- Works well with both Intel and AMD Ryzen platforms, providing a performance boost.
- Black heat spreaders blend into most PC builds without distracting RGB lighting.
- Provides a noticeable performance boost in CPU-limited games and heavy workloads when XMP is active.
Common Complaints
- Defaults to DDR4-2133 without manual XMP activation, requiring BIOS adjustment.
- Experienced game freezes and 'Memory Management' bluescreens, even with XMP enabled.
- Overclocking beyond the XMP profile is often difficult or unstable for some users.
- Mixing with other RAM kits causes system instability, as explicitly warned by G.SKILL.
Ownership Tips
- You absolutely have to go into your BIOS and enable XMP; it won't run at 3200MT/s out of the box.
- Check your motherboard's QVL list before buying to ensure full compatibility and stability at 3200MT/s.
- Don't even think about adding old RAM to this kit; it's a recipe for headaches and crashes.
- Some kits might use different memory chips (like Hynix M-die), which can affect how much you can push them past XMP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this RAM support overclocking?
Yes, this G.SKILL RipjawsV Series DDR4 RAM supports Intel XMP profiles, allowing you to easily overclock it to its rated 3200MT/s speed for higher performance.
Is it compatible with both Intel and AMD CPUs?
Yes, this memory is designed for compatibility with both Intel and AMD desktop platforms, making it suitable for a wide range of builds.
What speed does it run at out of the box?
Without enabling XMP in your motherboard's BIOS, the memory will default to a lower JEDEC speed, typically DDR4-2133.
Can I mix this with other RAM?
No, G.SKILL explicitly advises against mixing memory kits, as doing so can lead to stability issues or system failure.
Does it have RGB lighting?
No, this specific model (F4-3200C16D-16GVKB) does not feature RGB lighting; it comes with black aluminum heat spreaders.
Buying Guide
When buying RAM, you're not just looking at capacity; speed (MT/s) and timings (CL) are crucial. Faster RAM with lower CAS Latency can significantly impact your CPU's performance, especially in gaming and applications that rely on quick data access. You need to make sure your motherboard and CPU support the RAM's advertised speed, and you'll almost always need to enable an XMP profile in your BIOS to get that speed.
Speed (3200MT/s)
This is how many millions of data transfers per second the RAM can perform. Think of it like the speed limit on a highway; a higher number means data can move faster, which helps your CPU process information quicker, especially in games or heavy applications.
CAS Latency (CL16)
This is the delay, measured in clock cycles, between when the CPU requests data from the RAM and when the RAM actually starts sending it. Lower numbers are better, like a shorter wait time at a traffic light. CL16 is a common and balanced latency for 3200MT/s DDR4.
XMP (Extreme Memory Profile)
This is a pre-set overclocking profile stored on the RAM modules. Your RAM will run at a slower, default speed (like 2133MT/s) until you go into your motherboard's BIOS and enable XMP. It's like having a 'sport mode' button for your RAM that you have to press yourself.
Alternatives
If you need tighter timings for competitive gaming or specific professional applications, look for DDR4 kits with CAS Latency 14 at 3200MT/s or higher speeds like 3600MT/s with CL16.
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