Best RAM for 5600G: Top Memory Picks for Ryzen 5 APU Builds in 2026
Photo by Andrey Matveev on Pexels
The Ryzen 5 5600G has become a favourite for budget gaming and everyday builds thanks to its integrated Radeon graphics and solid six-core CPU performance. Because the 5600G uses system memory for both processing and graphics, choosing the best RAM for 5600G systems can make a real difference to how smooth your games and applications feel.
In this guide, we break down the ideal RAM speed, the best value kits, and the mistakes to avoid, so you get the most out of your APU without overspending.
Best RAM for 5600G — quick recommendations
- Best overall: 16GB (2×8GB) DDR4 3600MHz CL16–18 — great balance of speed, price and stability on most boards.
- Best budget pick: 16GB (2×8GB) DDR4 3200MHz — affordable, reliable, and still solid for mixed workloads.
- Best high-performance option: 32GB (2×16GB) DDR4 3600MHz — ideal for creators, multitaskers and heavier workloads.
Why RAM speed matters for the Ryzen 5 5600G
Unlike CPUs that rely on a dedicated graphics card, the 5600G’s integrated graphics share your system RAM. Memory speed and bandwidth directly affect both CPU and iGPU performance, especially in games and GPU-heavy tasks.
If an APU build feels oddly sluggish or its frame rates are lower than expected, slow or single-channel RAM is often the culprit. So, upgrading to faster dual-channel memory can deliver a noticeable bump in FPS in popular esports titles and make the whole system feel snappier.
Recent market changes have also affected RAM pricing and availability. We’ve covered this in more detail in our articles on why RAM prices have gone up and how Crucial shutting down is impacting the memory market. These two developments have created a ripple effect across DDR4 availability, especially for popular 3200MHz and 3600MHz kits.
Both situations may cause certain RAM kits to temporarily increase in price or go out of stock more often. If you’re building a system right now, it’s still worth prioritising speed and dual‑channel configuration, but keeping an eye on market trends can help you buy at the right moment.
What RAM speed is best for the 5600G?
Officially, AMD rates the Ryzen 5 5600G for DDR4-3200 memory, but many users run faster kits without issue. Here’s how the common speeds compare in practice.
3200MHz — the safe minimum
DDR4-3200 is the official spec for the 5600G and a solid baseline for most people. It’s perfectly fine for general use, productivity and lighter gaming, but you are leaving a bit of performance on the table for the integrated graphics.
3600MHz — the sweet spot
For most builders, 3600MHz is the sweet spot in terms of price to performance. It typically offers slightly better minimums and smoother frame times compared to 3200MHz, and it’s a very popular choice for Ryzen 5000 systems in general. As long as the kit is on your motherboard’s QVL (or widely reported as compatible) and you enable XMP/DOCP, it’s a great match for a 5600G.
4000MHz and above — diminishing returns
Higher-frequency kits can work, but they cost more and the real-world gains on a 5600G are usually small. They may also be trickier to keep fully stable, depending on the motherboard and memory controller. For most people, extra budget is better spent on a faster SSD, more RAM capacity, or saving towards a future dedicated GPU.
Dual-channel vs single-channel for the 5600G
If you want the best RAM for 5600G gaming performance, dual-channel memory is essential. Using two sticks of RAM (for example, 2×8GB) effectively doubles the available memory bandwidth compared to a single stick of the same capacity.
On APUs like the 5600G, that extra bandwidth can translate into a significant FPS uplift in memory-sensitive games, sometimes in the region of 10–30% depending on the title and settings. Even when the gains are smaller, dual-channel generally makes frame times smoother and reduces stutter.
TL;DR: avoid running a 5600G system on a single memory stick unless you have absolutely no choice.
Best RAM kits for the Ryzen 5 5600G (2026 picks)
Below are some reliable, well-priced kits widely available in the UK at the time of writing. Always check your motherboard’s QVL or vendor listings for compatibility before buying.
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2×8GB) — 3200–3600MHz variants
Corsair’s Vengeance LPX sticks are a simple, reliable choice for most AM4 systems. They work well straight out of the box, don’t cause fuss with compatibility, and offer steady performance whether you go for 3200MHz or 3600MHz. Even if faster kits are hard to find, the 3200MHz version is still a great match for the 5600G.
Kingston Fury Beast 16GB (2×8GB) — 3200–3600MHz
Kingston’s Fury Beast kits are also just as straightforward, stable and easy to drop into any AM4 build. They deliver consistent performance and tend to avoid the usual compatibility headaches. If the faster 3600MHz model is unavailable, the 3200MHz version still performs well with the 5600G.
TeamGroup T‑Force Vulcan Z 16GB (2×8GB) — 3200–3600MHz
TeamGroup’s Vulcan Z memory is a dependable budget‑friendly option. It’s usually priced well, tends to stay in stock longer than some competitors, and offers simple, no‑drama stability. It pairs nicely with the 5600G and delivers the performance most builders will need without overcomplicating anything.
32GB options for creators and heavy multitaskers
If you’re editing video, running VMs, or working with large projects, 32GB (2×16GB) DDR4 3200–3600MHz kits from brands like Corsair, Kingston and TeamGroup are ideal. For gaming-only 5600G builds, 16GB is usually enough, but 32GB adds headroom for the future.
If 3600MHz kits are out of stock…
Don’t worry — the performance gap between 3200MHz and 3600MHz on the 5600G is noticeable, but not night‑and‑day. A good 3200MHz dual‑channel kit still delivers smooth gaming and excellent everyday performance.
If you spot a reasonably priced 3600MHz kit from Crucial Ballistix, Corsair, Kingston, or TeamGroup, it’s worth grabbing — but there’s no harm in choosing 3200MHz when availability is tight.
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G official specifications
Common mistakes when choosing RAM for the 5600G
Avoid these to get the best out of your system:
- Choosing a single-stick kit – cuts memory bandwidth in half and hurts iGPU performance.
- Mixing RAM kits – even similar models can run at reduced speeds or cause instability.
- Reusing old 2133–2666MHz RAM – it works, but it heavily bottlenecks a 5600G’s graphics.
- Overspending on 4000MHz+ kits – the gains are small compared to the extra cost on this CPU.
- Not enabling DOCP/XMP – your RAM may run at a much lower default speed until you turn on the profile in BIOS.
Frequently asked questions
Is 16GB enough for a 5600G build?
Yes. For gaming, day-to-day use and light content creation, 16GB of dual-channel RAM is ideal. It gives enough room for Windows, a few background apps and modern games without constant swapping.
Should I get 32GB for the 5600G?
If you edit video, work with large photo libraries, run virtual machines or keep lots of heavy apps open, 32GB is worth it. For a pure gaming-focused 5600G build, it’s nice to have rather than essential.
Does the 5600G support DDR5?
No. The Ryzen 5 5600G is an AM4 processor that supports DDR4 only. You’ll need a newer AM5 platform if you want DDR5. For a clearer breakdown of what differs between DDR4 and DDR5, have a look at our guide here: DDR4 vs DDR5: What’s the Difference?
Is 3600MHz RAM stable on all motherboards?
Many modern B450, B550 and X570 motherboards can run 3600MHz kits with the right settings, but it’s not guaranteed. Check your board’s QVL list and be prepared to enable XMP/DOCP, and in some cases tweak settings slightly if you run into instability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right memory can completely transform how a Ryzen 5 5600G system feels. For most builders, 16GB of 3600MHz dual-channel RAM offers the best balance of cost and performance, especially if you’re relying on the integrated graphics for gaming.
If you’re planning a full build, it’s worth pairing the RAM with a sensible CPU cooler, fast NVMe SSD and a good-quality power supply. We’ve actually put together a full system using the 5600G, which you can check out here: Best £500 PC Build (2026) – Budget Gaming & Work PC. This build shows how the right RAM choice fits into a balanced, real-world setup.
More in [object Object]
HDD vs SSD vs NVMe: Which Storage Should You Choose?
If you’re shopping for a new laptop, PC, or even upgrading an older machine, you’ve probably come across the confusing choice of hdd vs ssd vs nvme. On paper, they all do the same job. They store your files, apps, and operating system. In practice, the difference can completely change how fast your device feels […]
Is the Ryzen 7 5800X Still Good in 2025? Should You Still Buy One?
If you’re asking “Is the Ryzen 7 5800X Still Good in 2025?”, you’re probably in one of two camps: either you’ve already got an AM4 PC and want the best “drop-in” upgrade, or you’ve spotted a tempting deal and you’re wondering if it’s still worth building around. The Ryzen 7 5800X is an 8-core, 16-thread […]
Why You Shouldn’t Build a Budget Gaming PC Under £750 Right Now
Building a budget gaming PC under £750 used to be the sweet spot for value-focused gamers. It balanced affordability with surprisingly strong performance, especially when component prices were stable. But as we head into 2026 and beyond, that balance has been shattered. Soaring RAM prices, driven by long-term shifts in the memory industry, have made […]