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RAM is an essential part of your computer as it determines how fast the computer performs. It’s where all the temporary data is stored before being sent to the processor. Two of the most popular RAM speeds are 3200MHz and 3600MHz. However, each RAM size has unique features that fit into a different task for the user.

The amount of RAM installed on a computer is measured in megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), or terabytes (TB). A megabyte is 1 million bytes, a gigabyte is 1 billion bytes, and a terabyte is 1 trillion bytes. For example, if you have 4GB of RAM installed on your computer, you have 4 billion bytes of memory installed on your PC.

A slow RAM can cause lag in your system and slow down everything else, making your computer feel sluggish and unresponsive. The RAM size that is most preferable has generated a lot of debate. Ultimately, determining which RAM size is better will depend on you and what you use your computer for.

Both 3200Mhz and 3600MHz of RAM have a very outstanding performance. They can be operated using the correct devices to give effective results. When compared to other RAM sizes, the performance of these two RAM sizes is excellent and highly recommended.

The 3200Mhz RAM has a speed of 3.2 billion per second, while 3690Mhz RAM has a rate of 3.6 billion cycles per second.

Both 3200MHz RAM and 3600MHz RAM have the same capacity of 64GB. Both RAM speeds have 8, 16, 32, and 64GB capacities. Their capabilities hardly differ significantly from one another, so their performance in this regard will be comparable. They both operate under the voltage of 1.2 to 1.4 volts. The sum number of pins in 3200MHz RAM and 3600MHz RAM is 288.

Let’s break them down further below.

Computer RAM sticks on a black background
3200MHz RAM and 3600MHz RAM both have a capacity of up to 64GB.

©Lushchikov Valeriy/Shutterstock.com

3200MHz RAM vs. 3600MHz RAM: A Side-by-Side Comparison

3200MHz3600MHz
Number of Pins288288
Operation Voltage1.2 to 1.4 volts1.2 to 1.4 volts
Initial Release20142019
CapacityUp to 64GBUp to 64GB
Clock Speed3.2 billion cycles per second3.6 billion cycles per second
CAS Latency14 to 1616 to 19
RAM TypeDIMM, DRAM, and SDRAMDIMM, DRAM, SDRAM
PriceLess expensiveMore expensive

3200MHz RAM vs. 3600MHz RAM: What’s the Difference?

1. Price

The sweet spot between price and performance is one of the significant differences between the 3200MHz RAM vs. 3600MHz RAM. The 3200MHz RAM has a relatively good performance which is compatible with the price, and it’s a lot more accessible to people. On the contrary, the 3600MHz is quite expensive.

Factors that affect the RAM price include RAM speed (the higher the RAM speed, the more the cost of the RAM), capacity, and CAS latency (the lower the latency, the higher the cost of the RAM).

2. Ram Speed

The RAM speed determines the performance of the computer itself. Its performance improves as the speed increases. When comparing 3200MHz and 3600MHz RAM, you’ll notice that 3200MHz has a lower RAM speed. Hence, it has lower performance, while 3600MHz RAM has a higher rate.

However, other parts of the CPU that may also determine the computer’s performance are the motherboard and the processor.

3. CAS Latency

Column access strobe (CAS) Latency calculates how fast your RAM can process commands from the processor and give out critical data. The lower the latency, the better the performance. Other factors, like your choice of processor, affect the latency. Latency is measured in CL, followed by the latency number.

3200MHz RAM has a latency of 14 to 16, while 3600MHz RAM has a latency of 16 to 19. Usually, any RAM with lower latency, 3200MHz, will perform better than that with higher latency.

4. Size

The size of the 3200MHz RAM is relatively compact. This makes it possible for owners to carry it around. You can quickly put it in your backpack or briefcase, and off you go. 3600MHz RAM, on the other hand, is not nearly as small as 3200MHz RAM.

Random access memory RAM
3200MHz RAM is generally considered to be more accessible to more users than 3600MHz RAM for a variety of factors, from price to size.

©iStock.com/Serhii Opikanets

5. Availability

The availability of the 3200MHz RAM is low. Getting this RAM size is pretty challenging due to the production rate. This makes it uncomfortable for people to use them as they are not readily available. They are often found in faraway locations and the cost and time by way of billing are always too expensive.

3200MHz RAM and 3600MHz RAM: 7 Must-Know Facts

  • 3200MHz RAM is affordably priced.
  • 3600MHz RAM was invented after 3200MHz RAM. So, it is the improved version of 3200MHz RAM.
  • Performance increases as RAM speed increases.
  • Both 3600MHz RAM and 3200MHz RAM use a voltage of 1.2 to 1.4 volts.
  • 3200MHz RAM and 3600MHz RAM both have a capacity of up to 64GB.
  • A PC with 3200MHz RAM comes with a clock speed of 3.2 million cycles per second.
  • Computers with 3600MHz RAM have a clock speed of 3.6 million cycles per second.

3200MHz RAM vs. 3600MHz RAM Verdict: Which Should You Use?

The faster the RAM speed, the better its performance. 3200MHz has a speed of 3.2 billion cycles per second, while 3600MHz has a rate of 3.6 billion cycles per second. This might look simple, but it is more complicated. Picking the best for you depends entirely on what you intend to do with your computer.

The lesser the task with no running of heavy resource applications, the lesser your RAM size needs to be. If you intend to do fewer things with your RAM, 3200MHz is better. However, for those who play many games and engage in video editing and heavy tasks, 3600MHz RAM is a better option.

If you want a computer that is fast but doesn’t cost too much money, then a 3200MHz version will be fine. However, when you wish for a high-speed computer, you want to choose one with the 3600MHz RAM model instead of a slower version with less memory capacity.

While the 3600MHz models are much more expensive than the 3200MHz versions, they are worth it if you want your computer to perform better and run more programs simultaneously.

NEXT UP…

3200MHz vs. 3600MHz RAM: is the Difference Really That Important? FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

3200MHz or 3600MHz, which is better?

If you use your computer for less resource-dependent tasks and applications, then 3200MHz RAM will be great for you. However, if you use your PC for gaming, video editing, or other applications that require high speeds, you’ll want to opt for 3600MHz RAM.

Can I pair both 3200MHz RAM and 3600MHz RAM sizes?

 Pairing the slower and faster RAM sizes together will make your devices slower. Therefore, pairing two RAMs is not advisable. You should use the RAM with the best RAM speed and latency.

Is 3600MHz RAM good for gaming?

The best RAM size for gaming must have a good blend of speed and capacity. If it has this, your game frame will be at a steady rate. With low latency RAM, you can perform many tasks on your computer. A 32GB RAM is the best for gaming. 3200MHz RAM and 3600MHz RAM have a capacity of up to 64GB.

 

Hence, it is perfect for gaming. However, it would help if you considered the latency. Remember, the lower the latency of the RAM, the better the performance. Hence 3200MHz RAM has more latency, which is very good for gaming activities.

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