New CPU Specifications: Need 64 GB RAM

dwarfzen · May 19, 2015

Hello,

My knowledge of computer hardware is very limited, I would appreciate help for the following query.

I have a Dell Optiplex 990 desktop at work whose maximum supported memory capacity is 16 GB. I'm currently in need of about 64 GB RAM. What is the cheapest solution to go about this? Would you recommend replacing the motherboard with a higher memory compatible one? What other compatibilities do I need to consider if I follow this? Or should I buy a new CPU?

My CPU specs are as follows: Intel Core i7 2600: 3.4 GHz
AMD Radeon 6450 Display Adapter
OS: Windows 7 Enterprise 64 bit
750 GB SATA storage

If your suggestion is to buy a new CPU, could you please also suggest good vendors where I could get a quote for a custom CPU?

Thanks.

IntelTurtleFan · May 19, 2015

64gb of ram?! Unless you are running multiple virtual machines you do not need it and it is a serious waist of money.

USAFRet · May 19, 2015

'Needing' 64GB RAM, and 'cheapest' do not really go well together.

What is the rationale for the 64GB RAM?

Supernova1138 · May 19, 2015

Getting 64GB of RAM is going to be expensive no matter how you slice it. The mainstream platforms currently cap out at 32GB. You have to look at enthusiast platforms like LGA 2011 to find boards that will support 64GB of RAM. Why do you need that much RAM? There aren't very many use cases on desktop that really needs that much outside of running lots of Virtual Machines or wanting a relatively large RAMDisk.

TriBeard · May 19, 2015

I don't know that you will find anything less than x79 or x99 that will let you go above 32GB. 8GB per stick is the max for ddr3, giving you 32GB max on most systems (4 memory slots) and 64GB max on x79 (8 memory slots). x99/DDR4 gives you access to 16GB sticks of memory, but they are extremely costly at the moment.

dwarfzen · May 19, 2015

Thanks a lot for the replies. I need to run full wave simulation software, specifically COMSOL Multiphysics, which is highly memory intensive. Simulations can go on for days. My lab would be paying for the system upgrade, but the budget is about $600. I can afford the x79 motherboard, but how do I check its compatibility with my other CPU components, if at all I should? Would I need anything else to go with it?

USAFRet · May 19, 2015

On a $600 budget, you're not doing 64GB RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600078206&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=30

US prices start at $500, and then you have to add a suitable motherboard on top of that.

synphul · May 19, 2015

For 64gb ram, this is an idea of what you'd be looking at. This is for the motherboard, cpu (6 core/12 thread), cpu cooler (this cpu doesn't come with a cooler at all) and the lower end price range of 64gb ddr4 ram.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-5820K 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor ($362.95 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Phanteks PH-TC14PE 78.1 CFM CPU Cooler ($58.39 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock X99 Extreme4 ATX LGA2011-3 Motherboard ($162.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws 4 series 64GB (8 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($719.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1304.31
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-19 15:27 EDT-0400

You could get a 4c/8t xeon or i7 and pair it with 32gb ram for a lot less. The recommendation for comsol does say 4gb ram per core or more if possible. So long as the work justifies the need, it would be worth it. The 5820k is the most budget friendly x99 cpu as far as I know.

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New CPU Specifications: Need 64 GB RAM

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