Understanding DDR5 Memory Upgrades
Today we are discussing memory upgrades on AMD Ryzen and Intel DDR5 platforms, focusing on the impact of using four modules on DRAM frequencies. This is particularly interesting to customers looking to increase from 32GB to 64GB of memory for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Understanding Memory Upgrades on AMD Ryzen and Intel DDR5 Platforms
As DDR5 memory becomes the new standard in the PC industry, enthusiasts and professionals alike are looking to take full advantage of the speed and capacity upgrades it offers. However, when upgrading your memory on modern AMD Ryzen and Intel platforms, there are important considerations regarding the number of memory modules you use and the impact on achievable peak DRAM frequencies. In this blog, we explore how transitioning from two to four memory modules can affect performance and delve into the officially rated DDR5 frequencies for these platforms when using four modules.
The Role of the Memory Controller
Both AMD and Intel processors feature an integrated memory controller (IMC), a critical component that determines how efficiently the CPU can communicate with system memory. The IMC has physical and electrical limitations, and one of the key factors that can influence its performance is the number of memory modules installed.
With DDR5 memory, the transition from two to four modules adds complexity for the IMC. This is because the additional modules increase the electrical load and signal interference, reducing the maximum achievable DRAM frequencies. While DDR5 is designed to operate at much higher speeds compared to DDR4, these limitations mean that achieving the highest rated speeds often requires using fewer memory modules.
AMD Ryzen DDR5 Platforms
The latest AMD Ryzen processors, based on the AM5 platform, support DDR5 memory and offer impressive performance gains over AM4 predocessors. However, AMD’s officially supported DRAM frequencies differ depending on the number of modules:
Two DDR5 Modules (Dual-Channel, 1 DIMM Per Channel): The officially supported frequencies are typically higher, in the range of 5200 MT/s for 7000 series CPUs and 5600 MT/s for 9000 series CPUs.
Four DDR5 Modules (Dual-Channel, 2 DIMMs Per Channel): The officially supported frequencies drop significantly, with AMD rating them at 3600 MT/s. This reduction is due to the increased strain on the IMC and signal integrity challenges.
Enthusiasts aiming for maximum performance on Ryzen platforms should therefore stick to two high-quality DDR5 modules to achieve the best balance between speed and capacity. If you need more than the 96GB provided by two 48GB modules, then you need to recognise that this will come with a compromise to clock speed.
Intel DDR5 Platforms
Intel’s 12th, 13th and 14th Gen processors (Alder Lake and Raptor Lake), along with the Z690, Z790, and related chipsets, also support DDR5 memory. Similar to AMD, Intel’s memory support varies based on the number of modules:
Two DDR5 Modules (Dual-Channel, 1 DIMM Per Channel): Intel platforms typically support higher frequencies; 5600 MT/s for 13th and 14th generation processors depending on the motherboard and CPU model.
Four DDR5 Modules (Dual-Channel, 2 DIMMs Per Channel): Officially supported speeds are lower, often around 3600 MT/s to 4000 MT/s, reflecting the same IMC constraints faced by AMD platforms.
Intel’s robust IMC design and support for memory overclocking can sometimes enable slightly higher frequencies with four modules compared to AMD, but the gap is still significant compared to configurations with only two modules.
What this means for you if you are a….
Gamer or PC Enthusiast: If you’re building a high-performance gaming rig or workstation and care about memory speeds, stick to two DDR5 modules to maximize performance. If you already have two memory modules, look to trade these in or sell them and buy two larger capacity modules rather than add extra modules.
Professional Needing Large Capacities: If your workload demands 128GB or more of RAM, you may need to use four modules. In such cases, prioritise capacity over frequency, but check your expectations against the capabilities of your platform. Just because you bought a pair of 6GHz memory kits doesn’t mean they’ll work at anywhere near that speed when all installed together.
Conclusion
DDR5 memory offers exceptional performance improvements, but users must navigate its complexities to optimize their systems. Both AMD Ryzen and Intel platforms face similar challenges when using four memory modules, with significant reductions in peak DRAM frequencies due to IMC limitations. By understanding these trade-offs and selecting the right configuration for your needs, you can make the most of your DDR5 upgrade.
Whether you’re chasing maximum speed or simply need large amounts of memory, careful planning will ensure your system delivers the performance you expect.