Is 128GB of DDR5 IMPOSSIBLE on AM5? Level1 Investigates!

Summary

This video script explores the challenges and experiences of configuring 128 gigabytes of DDR5 memory on the AM5 platform, using G.Skill Trident Z Neo F5 6000J 32GB modules. It discusses the technical difficulties of utilizing two DIMMs per channel and dual-rank memory, the importance of precise memory insertion, and the impact on system stability and performance. The script also compares AM5's memory capabilities with Intel's Z790 platform and advises sticking to 64 gigabytes for optimal results.

Takeaways

• 😀 The AM5 platform and DDR5 memory require careful handling due to the smaller and more delicate memory slots compared to older designs.
• 🔧 AM5 motherboards have different memory slot designs, with some having mechanical reinforcements and others being more plastic-based, affecting the slot's durability.
• 🚀 Achieving 128GB of memory on the AM5 platform with low latency and high speed is challenging, especially with the Trident Z Neo F5 6000J 3040 G32 kit.
• 🛠️ DDR5 memory installation on AM5 platforms can be more resistive, requiring a firm push and manual dexterity to ensure proper seating of the DIMMs.
• 🔌 The two DIMMs per channel configuration on AM5 can create electrical and logistical issues for the integrated memory controller in the CPU.
• 📉 Using 128GB of memory on the AM5 platform may result in reduced memory bandwidth and higher latency compared to using 64GB.
• 🧩 The AM5 platform is more sensitive to mixing different memory kits, and using identical kits is recommended for better stability.
• 🔄 BIOS updates have improved memory support on AM5 platforms, but there's still room for further optimization, especially for configurations beyond DDR5 3600.
• 📊 Memory bandwidth and latency testing on AM5 showed unexpected results, with two DIMMs sometimes outperforming four DIMMs in certain scenarios.
• 💻 For users seeking the best memory performance and stability, it's currently recommended to stick with 64GB of memory instead of pushing for 128GB on AM5.
• 🔍 A comparison with Intel's DDR5 on the Z790 platform shows that Intel's memory controller offers slightly better performance and stability.

Q & A

What is the recommended memory kit for 128 gigabytes on the AM5 platform?

The recommended memory kit for 128 gigabytes on the AM5 platform is the Trident Z Neo F5-6000J-32GX2-TZ5NR from G.Skill, which consists of two 32-gigabyte sticks of DDR5 memory.

What are the differences in memory slot design between older and AM5 platforms?

Older memory slots had pins that went all the way through the printed circuit board, providing mechanical strength. AM5 slots, however, have much smaller surface mount pins, connected only to the top layer of copper, requiring more careful insertion.

How does the AM5 platform handle two DIMMs per memory channel compared to previous platforms?

The AM5 platform seems to handle two DIMMs per memory channel with more difficulty than previous platforms, creating more electrical and logistical problems for the integrated memory controller.

What is a dual-rank DIMM and how does it affect memory controller operations?

A dual-rank DIMM has two ranks of memory, such as 16 gigabytes each on a single stick for a total of 32 gigabytes. The memory controller addresses two physical sticks almost the same way as it addresses two ranks on a single stick, which can be more challenging for the controller to manage.

What is the issue with running 128 gigabytes of memory on the AM5 platform according to the script?

Running 128 gigabytes of memory on the AM5 platform can lead to lower memory bandwidth and higher latency compared to using 64 gigabytes, and it may introduce instability if not set up perfectly.

What is the recommended memory configuration for gaming and achieving the lowest latency and highest bandwidth?

For gaming and to achieve the lowest latency and highest bandwidth, it is recommended to stick with 64 gigabytes of memory rather than going for 128 gigabytes.

What is the significance of the memory bandwidth and latency figures mentioned in the script?

The memory bandwidth and latency figures are significant as they indicate the performance of the memory configuration. Higher bandwidth and lower latency are desirable for better system performance, especially in tasks that require fast memory access.

What is the role of the iGPU in the memory stability on the AM5 platform?

Disabling the iGPU on the AM5 platform seems to allow for better driving of four sticks of memory at a higher rate, suggesting that the iGPU might introduce some instability or competition for memory resources.

What BIOS features were found to be helpful during memory testing on the AM5 platform?

MSI's Memory Triad feature, ASRock and Gigabyte's CMOS clearing facilities, and Asus's BIOS presets for different non-XMP kits of memory were found to be helpful during memory testing on the AM5 platform.

How does the AM5 platform compare to Intel's DDR5 platform in terms of memory performance?

While DDR5 on Intel's Z690 and Z790 platform is slightly better in terms of memory performance, the AM5 platform still shows promise, but it has some challenges, especially when running configurations beyond DDR5 3600.

What was the outcome of the long-term testing with 64 gigabytes and 128 gigabytes of DDR5 memory on the AM5 platform?

The long-term testing showed that both 64 gigabytes and 128 gigabytes of DDR5 memory were stable at 3600 on the AM5 platform, with 64 gigabytes being rock solid stable.