DDR5 Configurations and Quad-DIMM Limitations

Summary

In this video, the creator experiments with different DDR5 memory configurations for their latest PC build. They test two 64GB kits at 5600 MHz, then add a third 96GB kit running at 6400 MHz. Through multiple attempts, they explore how adding more memory affects speed and stability, with the 96GB kit providing the best performance. After clearing the BIOS and enabling XMP, the system successfully runs at 6400 MHz with the 96GB configuration. The creator concludes that this setup is ideal for their future super-creator build and plans to proceed with custom water cooling in follow-up videos.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video is focused on experimenting with DDR5 memory, specifically testing different configurations of memory kits and speeds.
• 😀 The build includes various components such as the motherboard, power supply, and a temporary 360 AIO cooler.
• 😀 The video emphasizes that the cooling solution for the PC will be customized later, with water cooling being the final goal.
• 😀 The memory kits being tested are two 64GB DDR5 kits from G.Skill, each running at 5600 MHz, and a third kit with 96GB running at 6400 MHz.
• 😀 The video explores how DDR5 memory behaves when four sticks are installed, noting that the system might run at lower speeds due to potential compatibility issues.
• 😀 The primary testing procedure involves checking the memory's default speed, then enabling XMP to increase the memory speed to its rated maximum.
• 😀 When attempting to run all four DIMMs of 64GB each (128GB total), the system failed to achieve high speeds, dropping to 3600 MHz.
• 😀 After testing different memory configurations, the 96GB kit running at 6400 MHz achieved the highest speed and stability.
• 😀 The video demonstrates the process of clearing the BIOS to reset settings and ensure proper memory training during each test.
• 😀 After finalizing the 96GB configuration, the system successfully booted into Windows with a stable 6400 MHz memory speed, showing good performance without reverting to previous setups.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of this video?

The video showcases the process of testing DDR5 memory kits, exploring different configurations and speeds, and determining the best memory setup for a future PC build.

What memory kits are being used in the video?

The video features three DDR5 memory kits from G.Skill: two 64GB kits (2 x 32GB each) running at 5600 MHz and one 96GB kit (2 x 48GB) running at 6400 MHz.

What problem is the presenter trying to address with different memory configurations?

The presenter is exploring whether it's better to use 64GB at a higher speed, 128GB at a slower speed, or 96GB at a faster speed, and testing the impact of these configurations on performance.

Why is the presenter not adjusting any memory frequencies or timings during the tests?

The presenter decided to test the memory kits out of the box without adjusting any settings, such as frequencies or timings, to see how the system automatically handles memory training and configuration.

What issue does the presenter encounter when adding four DIMMs to the system?

The presenter encounters a significant reduction in memory speed when using four DIMMs, with the system running at 3600 MHz instead of the intended 5600 MHz, highlighting that using four sticks of DDR5 can lead to slower speeds.

What is the outcome after enabling XMP in the BIOS for the memory configurations?

Enabling XMP causes the memory to run at its rated speed (5600 MHz or 6400 MHz) but sometimes leads to training issues, requiring multiple attempts before successfully booting into the system.

How does the system behave when 128GB of memory is installed?

When 128GB is installed, the system initially runs at 3600 MHz, and despite several attempts to enable XMP, the memory speed does not increase, proving that the system struggles with four DIMMs.

What happens when the 96GB memory kit is installed?

After installing the 96GB memory kit, the system successfully boots up, with the memory running at 6400 MHz after enabling XMP, providing a good balance between speed and capacity.

What tool does the presenter use to clear the BIOS?

The presenter uses a tool to short the BIOS clear pins, holding it for 3-4 seconds to reset the BIOS before making changes to the memory configuration.

What will the presenter do next in the project after testing the memory?

The presenter plans to move forward by installing the PC components into the case and setting up a custom water cooling system for the build, which will be shown in follow-up videos.