While the best RAM already works on MSI's Intel and AMD motherboards, the vendor has enabled support of 64GB DDR5 memory modules through a new firmware update. It allows users to use up to 256GB of memory, unprecedented on a consumer platform.
DDR5 introduced non-standard capacities for memory modules, such as 24GB and 48GB. These new densities have increased the maximum memory kit capacity to 96GB and 192GB, respectively. However, bigger things are coming. Memory manufacturers are preparing their mainstream 64GB memory modules for prime time. Kingston is one of the vendors that have shown off the brand's upcoming 256GB memory kits, comprised of four 64GB memory modules.
While 64GB memory modules aren't available on the retail market yet, MSI has already laid the groundwork for the looming memory kits. Firmware for AM5 motherboards with the X670, B650, and A620 chipsets went out in January. Now, it's Intel users' turn to receive the new motherboard firmware. Intel 700- and 600-series motherboards are eligible for the updates, but MSI will deploy the firmware for the former today. The 600-series motherboards will receive their updates in late February and March.
| Motherboard | BIOS Version |
|---|---|
| MEG Z790 Godlike Max | 7D85vA31(Beta version) |
| MEG Z790 Godlike | 7D85v191(Beta version) |
| MEG Z790 Ace Max | 7D86vA32(Beta version) |
| MEG Z790 Ace | 7D86v1A2(Beta version) |
| MPG Z790 Carbon Max WiFi | 7D89vA34(Beta version) |
| MPG Z790 Carbon WiFi | 7D89v1B3(Beta version) |
| PRO Z790-A Max WiFi | 7E07vM31(Beta version) |
| PRO Z790-A WIFI | 7E07vAA1(Beta version) |
| Z790MPower | 7E01vP12(Beta version) |
| MAG B760M Mortar Max WiFi | 7E01vH81(Beta version) |
| MAG B760M Mortar WiFi | 7E01vM81(Beta version) |
| MAG B760M Mortar | 7E01vM81(Beta version) |
The initial Intel deployment includes models from MSI's MEG, MAG, MPG, and Pro lineups, ranging from the flagship MEG Z790 Godlike Max to the budget MAG B760M Mortar. The recently unveiled Z790MPower is also part of the list as well. One thing to note is that these firmware are in the beta phase, so they may have some bugs. It may be wise to wait for the final version since there aren't any retail DDR5 memory kits with 64GB memory modules.
The debut of 64GB DDR5 memory modules will definitely change the game. Users can have 256GB of memory on a four-DIMM motherboard and up to 128GB on a dual-DIMM motherboard. Before DDR5, the only way to achieve these capacities was on HEDT and server platforms. Logically, the aforementioned platforms will also benefit from the new memory modules. A HEDT platform with eight DDR5 memory slots can house up to 512GB of memory.
Maxing out the memory on a four-DIMM motherboard will not come cheap. For example, Corsair's Vengeance DDR5-5200 192GB (4x48GB) retails for $649.99; therefore, a 256GB memory kit will likely push the pricing close to the $1000 mark.
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Zhiye Liu is a news editor, memory reviewer, and SSD tester at Tom’s Hardware. Although he loves everything that’s hardware, he has a soft spot for CPUs, GPUs, and RAM.
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thisisaname When you four slots with 256GB is it likely to result in have to run it slower than if you filled 2 slots with 128GB?Reply
256GB more than I am ever going to need but it does not stop me thinking maybe for my next build :unsure: :ROFLMAO: -
hotaru251 Reply
yes the more sticks you have the more stress on controller & fix is running them slower speeds. (how much slower ofc varies)thisisaname said:When you four slots with 256GB is it likely to result in have to run it slower than if you filled 2 slots with 128GB? -
usertests Reply
I might never use more than 2 DIMMs again. We can have 96 GB in that situation now, 128 GB soon. Good enough for me.thisisaname said:When you four slots with 256GB is it likely to result in have to run it slower than if you filled 2 slots with 128GB?
256GB more than I am ever going to need but it does not stop me thinking maybe for my next build :unsure: :ROFLMAO:
Looking at one of Samsung's roadmaps, it looks like 64 GB UDIMMs are the end of the line for consumer DDR5, but DDR6 will bring at least 96 GB modules using 48 Gb dies, and I assume 128 GB. It remains to be seen if traditional DIMMs will be in use after that generation.
If consumers get quad-channel APUs, then I'll take another look at using 4 DIMMs. -
TechLurker Now that consumer boards can push close to basic prosumer levels of RAM, I'd like for Intel and AMD to get off their butts and increase PCIe slot counts in the consumer lineup again too. Like during the dual-triple-quad SLI/X-Fire days. Mainly to be able to run at least a second x16 slot for either a 2nd GPU (used for AI or whatever), a capture card (capturing 4k/8k/More-k), a networking card, or an x16 NVMe drive.Reply -
thestryker Reply
Yeah if you want high speed DDR5 you're really limited to 1DPC or crossing your fingers that you got a great memory controller. The way things have gone I'd like to see a broader range of 1DPC motherboard choices.usertests said:I might never use more than 2 DIMMs again. We can have 96 GB in that situation now, 128 GB soon. Good enough for me.
Unfortunately I'd be surprised if Intel and/or AMD went this route for socketable CPUs. I think if it happens it will be laptop CPUs and likely with soldered DRAM (or potentially CAMM, but not SODIMMs).usertests said:If consumers get quad-channel APUs, then I'll take another look at using 4 DIMMs.
Outside of HEDT consumer CPUs have always been quite limited with regards to PCIe. The thing that changed is Broadcom bought PLX Technology and jacked up the prices on PLX chips. While PCIe switches don't solve the problem of limited bandwidth they did allow for more slots.TechLurker said:Now that consumer boards can push close to basic prosumer levels of RAM, I'd like for Intel and AMD to get off their butts and increase PCIe slot counts in the consumer lineup again too. Like during the dual-triple-quad SLI/X-Fire days. Mainly to be able to run at least a second x16 slot for either a 2nd GPU (used for AI or whatever), a capture card (capturing 4k/8k/More-k), a networking card, or an x16 NVMe drive. -
hotaru251 Reply
never is a strong word ;)usertests said:I might never use more than 2 DIMMs again.
if Quad channel becomes norm theres benefit to running 4 sticks. -
newtechldtech Reply
What again? it is the same lanes numbers ... and the extra x16 slots are only mechanical .. in old times if you wanted true x16 more slots you are not on a consumer level anymore but very high end HEDT systems with more lanes. and this never stopped for AMD , you can choose Threadrippers for tons of lanes and tons of slots.TechLurker said:Now that consumer boards can push close to basic prosumer levels of RAM, I'd like for Intel and AMD to get off their butts and increase PCIe slot counts in the consumer lineup again too. Like during the dual-triple-quad SLI/X-Fire days. Mainly to be able to run at least a second x16 slot for either a 2nd GPU (used for AI or whatever), a capture card (capturing 4k/8k/More-k), a networking card, or an x16 NVMe drive. -
usertests Reply
I said that in the post. Maybe Strix Halo or something will support regular DIMM slots to get to quad-channel and not just LPDDR5(X). Maybe we'll see stacked CAMMs getting to quad-channel. Maybe normal/prosumer CPUs (not Threadripper/Xeon) will support quad-channel. But it's a lot of maybes right now.hotaru251 said:never is a strong word ;)
if Quad channel becomes norm theres benefit to running 4 sticks. -
Notton Yeah, I would love to see more than dual channel RAM for consumer again.Reply
Like that weird Intel triple channel i7-900. -
mac_angel "More RAM than Chrome can chew on."Reply
Yea, I can just see the Chrome programmers going, "hold my beer"