I'm looking to upgrade my RAM with a DDR5 kit but I'm struggling to find clear, reliable information. Currently, I have a 9800X3D CPU paired with 64GB of RAM (4x16) that runs at 6000 MT/s with CL30 using EXPO. While it works, I have to go through memory training at each boot, or my system crashes. I'm reaching the limits of my RAM capacity, leading to performance issues due to memory paging.
I've noticed there's a lot of conflicting updates about DDR5, and what applied to DDR4 doesn't necessarily apply to DDR5. I've also read that the motherboard and CPU brand makes a bigger difference with DDR5, particularly between AMD and Intel. I'm fairly certain that having two DIMMs is better than four, which seems to be widely accepted. However, I'm confused about the ranks in DDR5. I can't even find out how many ranks my current RAM has since CPUz won't display that info. Are ranks a factor in DDR5? How can I verify the ranks in a kit? If I get a 128GB kit, does that mean it's typically 8 ranks?
Regarding speeds, I've seen mixed reports suggesting that larger capacities might be unstable at higher speeds. Some say 96 GB (2x48) can reach 6200 (or even 6400 for special samples), while 128GB kits (2x64) are often stable only up to 4800. If that's true, why are there 2x64 kits available at 6400? Any advice or trustworthy resources on using higher capacity DDR5 would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
Running four sticks can definitely create complications. If you switched to a 2x32GB setup, you'd likely see improved stability. Remember, X3D chips are less reliant on RAM due to their cache. Also, at higher speeds, you might hit instability because of the frequency ratio being off. So while 6000 MT/s is generally good, just ensure you're not pushing your limits too hard.
Thanks for the clarification! I appreciate the input!
You're right about the mixed messages; it really depends on your motherboard and CPU combo. Anything beyond AMD's guidelines can be a gamble. I’d suggest going for a 2x64GB kit at 6000 CL32-36. For most users, that setup performs just fine without the headaches of trying to get higher speeds. Stability is key, and it's not worth pushing for marginal gains if it leads to issues.
For DDR5, the rule of thumb is that sticks over 32GB are typically dual rank, while those below that are single rank. Two DIMMs are definitely better for stability, and trying to run four, especially with dual rank, can make things tricky. I’ve had good luck with 2x48GB running at 6200 CL30 without needing any tweaks. If you're only looking at the RAM, it can usually handle higher speeds; it's really about the CPU's memory controller. Stick with two sticks for better overall stability.
From what I know, AMD's memory controller doesn't handle four sticks very well, so it's best to stick with two if you can. Dual rank is still relevant with DDR5, and while dual rank can be trickier to stabilize, if you're going with two sticks, it shouldn't be a major concern. In fact, there are some good 128GB kits running at 6000 CL32 that should work smoothly, especially if you have the latest BIOS installed. Just keep in mind that 6400 kits are usually optimized for Intel and may not be as stable on AMD.
> But aren't you running quad channel?
Actually, modern consumer boards operate on dual channel, including AM5, so he's just using dual channel with two DIMMs per channel.