Question How important are timings with Intel CPU?

[firebirdude]

Ignore the rig in signature. i5-9600K and Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Pro Mobo. The price difference on 3200MHz CL 14 memory is quite the jump from 3200MHz CL 16 memory. About $65-70 upcharge comparing apples to apples.

I have read Ryzen CPU really unlock when you pair them with quick memory, but Intel CPU aren't so dependant on it. For gaming purposes, what type of increases would I see in CL 14 memory with an Intel CPU?

 

[VirtualLarry]

I doubt that you would see any real-world (gaming) differences at all, for the most part, because Intel's memory subsystem and collection of cache pre-fetchers is so strong. Ryzen is (or was, 3rd-gen seems a bit more forgiving) dependend on DRAM latency, as well as the fact that their internal IFclk was tied to DIMM clock speeds.

I wouldn't spend the extra. Heck, I even have Ryzen rigs, and I haven't bothered to spend the extra on B-die. I'm using some SK Hynix (according to CPU-Z) DDR4 DRAM, on some GSkill Trident RGB DDR4-3600, called out "for AMD" in Newegg's listing. It's 18-22-22-42 or something like that. It works OK, though, with my Ryzen R5 3600 and 4x8GB sticks @ 3600, so I can't really complain much.