Consider the latest Intel build options: Gen5 PCIe, Gen4 PCIe, and 2x32GB RAM.
Consider the latest Intel build options: Gen5 PCIe, Gen4 PCIe, and 2x32GB RAM.
Updating my gaming and production rig with a premium setup in January or February 2025. I’m still figuring out which LGA1851 motherboard to choose, possibly waiting until the new year before making a decision. For a more reliable build, I’m leaning toward the best SSDs and RAM available. I’ve done some research myself but am open to hearing others’ thoughts on these choices.
I plan to install a Gen5 PCIe SSD of 4TB, partitioned, serving as my operating system and primary gaming drive (C: and D). I’ll also add two Gen4.0 PCIe SSDs, each 4TB—one for apps and another for general use. The storage should be backed by fast RAM (at least 8000MT) in two 32GB sticks with low latency.
Any suggestions for these components, based on my experience or reasons to skip certain options?
Would you be open to evaluating CUDIMMs? Currently, there are just three Core Ultras available on socket 1851. Are you committed to one of them instead of holding out for potential options later in the year?
Yes, CUDIMM chips are typical for the latest LGA1851 premium Motherboards. The top-tier boards, two in number, cost more than 1.3kEuro, so I’ll skip them. My needs are a Gen5 SSD, two Gen4 SSDs, fast RAM with CUDIMM at 8000MT+, and sufficient high-end USB ports. All but the ASUS ROG Z890 Extreme and Godlike fit within my budget.
Found a recent review mentioning CUDIMMs from the past few days, using either a Core Ultra 265k or 285k. The reviewer was very impressed, though I don't remember the exact site. They noted speeds exceeding 8000, but I can't recall how much that translated into real-world performance.
They're currently referencing a figure around 6000MT as the ideal balance of cost, reliability, and performance.
I've observed several high-end motherboards from ASUS ROG, MSI, Gigabyte, and another brand I can't remember, which have consistently shown stability above 8000MT.
My goal will be to target a speed of 8000MT with overclocking, but without going too extreme.
After reviewing my preparations for a possible LGA1851 setup in the new year, the board I find most suitable (offering good value for money) is the MSI MEG Z890 Ace. I plan to install one PCIe5.0 SSD, partitioned, for my operating system and high-performance gaming drives. Additionally, I intend to connect two PCIe4.0 SSDs as my application drives and a bulk storage device, with all three SSDs being 4TB.
I'm curious if anyone has used this exact board before and has similar configurations. Could you confirm the type of M.2 slots needed for this setup? Also, would it be possible to use these slots directly without needing a DIMM2 slot? Any insights would be helpful as I explore YouTube and the manual.
Because this set of motherboards and CPUs is so new and uncommon, it's unlikely you'll find anyone with the identical setup. I'm generally compatible with boards like Ultra 9 or 7 CPU and an NVMe drive mix. However, I'm holding off on making a decision.
I'm facing the same situation as you—prepared to trigger the next steps when these criteria are met:
285K CPU has a fresh release that offers better performance or speed. The existing one doesn't really make sense as an i9 upgrade yet.
Win11Pro adapts well to this newer CPU lineup.
There aren't any other motherboards that outperform it (though a few exist, but they're double the cost without added value for my needs).
I can stick with Intel, provided an upcoming AMD CPU doesn't surpass it completely.
*Also ex-airforce - Royal Air Force in my case.*
I've noticed a lot of criticism directed at the Ultras, with many calling them "THEY STINK!!! THEY SUCK!!"
However, perhaps not as harshly as some think.
What I've observed is that they often don't live up to the expected reputation.
Still...
improved over previous generations.
I need to witness a noticeable performance boost over the i9 before committing funds. Some of this depends on the updated Win11 Update rather than just the Core Ultra 285K CPU. I believe it hasn't been fully optimized yet. The CPU must also come with a newer, superior version to truly advance their current lineup—285K isn’t sufficient. Additional cores, more memory, quicker clock speeds—whatever is needed. I’m confident it will arrive. I won’t purchase until mid-January, if not later in February, so I’ll be monitoring the best-in-class components and their ideal setups.