Although initially the 9000 series was delayed, the Ryzen 9 9900X was finally released a couple of weeks later. Bringing with it some of the top capabilities that the Zen 5 architecture can achieve. But to match and allow it to do so, you want to find the best RAM for the job. As it is a key component of your gaming PC and making sure it’s performing as it should.

This is also key to getting the best motherboard for 9900X, which of course will have to be an AM5 one, which also affects the RAM you can get. As AMD has moved to just DDR5 memory being supported, so you get a load of fast and new choices to go for. In that case, we recommend the G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo we reviewed and tested. A simple yet effective choice for your build and can get the job done for the processor, so here’s why it’s the choice for you.

Why we picked the G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo

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G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo Series (32GB, 6000MT/s, CL30)

Hands-on Review

4.5 /5

Editor’s Rating

How We Review

Specifications

• Capacity: 32GB (2×16)
• Generation: DDR5
• Speed: 6000MT/s
• Cas Latency: CL30

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The Trident Z5 Neo is a great set of RAM, it keeps things simple and plain, but that doesn’t detract from its performance capabilities. As for the specs of this particular model, we have 32GB of capacity split across two sticks for 16, an EXPO overclocks of 6000MT/s, and then a CAS latency of 30. It isn’t the fastest but it still is plenty quick for the AMD CPU and can unlock its potential.

It also offers a rather high-quality build with solid metal plates adorning the PCB it does a great job at cooling. Allowing it to perform at its best without any worries or problems. But that does leave it looking a bit basic and nothing too exciting, although that is the case for most memory as it might not be the most exciting part of your build. Still, it gets the job done with an edgy and sharp design to sit underneath or beside your CPU cooler.

Performance and price

When it comes to performance, in our review, we tested out its capabilities and compared it to a couple of other models. There we can see that it does hold up against the fast models in most scenarios. Although a lot of these tests are still rather close-knit, and so any sort of run-to-run differences may just cause them to be close together.

Either way, the Trident Z5 obviously does fall behind in some productivity tasks like the rendering in HandBrake or outright performance in AIDA64. However, gaming and similar performances do hold up and make it a strong value choice when it’s so close together.

Cyberpunk 2077 RAM benchmark, Image by PC Guide

Cinebench r24 RAM scores, Image by PC Guide

Blender 4.2.0 RAM benchmark, Image by PC Guide

3DMark RAM benchmark, Image by PC Guide

Super Pi 2.1 RAM results, Image by PC Guide

HandBrake time taken RAM, Image by PC Guide

HandBrake render average FPS for RAM, Image by PC Guide

F1 23 RAM benchmark, Image by PC Guide

AIDA64 memory benchmark speed, Image by PC Guide

AIDA64 memory benchmark latency, Image by PC Guide

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For the pricing of the model, it can be found for around $115, making it a strong value choice when considering the capacity and speeds. Sitting in the middle of the class of available options, but you can always adjust the spec individually. The model and solution will be the same, but the capacity, speed, and latency are very much easily interchangeable. Even then you may always look to different options, and explore them you should, so here are some alternatives.

Alternatives

There are always plenty of other options to look over though, with so many different specs and designs it’s easy to find something more suited to your needs. For RAM that comes down to design, capacity, speed, and latency, as the main selling points.

Starting off with the Corsair Dominator Titanium which is a rather more premium selection. With the nice build quality, and faster speed, but also something more unique. With its capability to swap out the tops of its modules, it is a rather more interesting choice of memory thanks to its personalization and quality. But of course that comes at a bit higher cost to it all.

So if you’re looking for something cheaper, and maybe just need something to fill the slot, the Teamgroup T-Create might just be the kit for you instead. With a cost of around $81 for the 32GB kit it’s not an unreasonable amount. However, it is only rated for 5,600MT/s and has a rather high latency as the CAS is specified at CL46. So it isn’t exactly a performance-orientated solution.

Instead one of the fastest models might be. As the G.Skill Trident Z5 has an incredible 8,400MT/s and even then still has a relatively lowish 40 CAS latency, although a bit higher compared to others it’s still not bad considering the faster overclock. It also has an interesting capacity with 48GB across two sticks so is probably one of the best choices for getting the most out of your system unless you prefer the capacity.

Final word

There you have a strong selection of RAM to pair with your 9900X. Ranging from an all-round option with the main Trident Z5 to then options for budget, speed, and glamor. That way you’re sure to find the right one for your new Zen 5 build. That way you can enjoy it all together at its best.

About the Author

Sebastian Kozlowski

With a fascination for technology and games, Seb is a tech writer with a focus on hardware and deals. He is also the primary tester and reviewer at BGFG and PCGuide.