Opt for a system with 128GB RAM and pair it with a suitable CPU or MBOA for optimal performance.
Opt for a system with 128GB RAM and pair it with a suitable CPU or MBOA for optimal performance.
I’m considering a significant upgrade for my 6850k motherboard. Since I won’t be able to reuse the existing RAM, I’m planning to install either a 7950x or a 13900k. My goal is to add 128GB of RAM, balancing gaming and productivity needs. I’m thinking about DDR4 versus DDR5 with Raptor Lake architecture. With all four slots filled, achieving top speeds becomes more challenging—does the extra cost justify it? Could DDR4 still reach high performance with DIMMs to offset DDR5’s benefits? If the difference isn’t substantial, it would be a positive sign for Intel. I’ve heard some speculation about AMD struggling with high-capacity, high-speed configurations; anyone has tested this? I’m leaning toward AM5 longevity and prefer AMD if it means better performance without Windows 11 restrictions. My main concern is finding a board that supports 32GB sticks, especially with four slots fully utilized. Any recommendations or experiences with boards that handle all 4 slots well would be appreciated. Also, I have six SATA drives and two M.2 drives, plus 13 USBs currently in use, running a Full ATX tower.
Updating the RAM section, I recommend using your existing DDR4 and purchasing Raptor Lake chips because they still support DDR4. This approach can help you cut costs during the upgrade. Most YouTubers will evaluate these CPUs objectively with both DDR4 and DDR5, but I wanted to highlight this if you're aiming to save money on the upgrade. Regarding RAM size, 128GB is becoming less common; games don’t typically require 32GB anymore. Raptor Lake boards will also work with 600-series chips (Intel only), allowing you to save further by opting for Z690, B660, or H670 instead of the 700-series. Edit: based on the number of components you’re using, especially a costly Z690, it seems B660 might be a better choice, possibly H670.
I own a 128GB system (four 32GB modules), using DDR4 at 3200MHz on an AM4 socket. No problems encountered, though I'm curious about higher speeds—some suggest 3600 is fine. Why switch from an HEDT setup to a mainstream one? Consider Xeon-W equivalents, new Threadrippers, or stick with current-gen options to retain performance while using existing RAM. Consumer builds typically lack quad-channel support, so with today's configuration you'd likely be limited to 32GB.
You mentioned concerns about EXPO compatibility with four DIMMs on AM5. It seems like the issue might be resolved once those adjustments are made. I purchased a 6850k + mobo through a retail loyalty program, which was a good offer for me. While a Threadripper would be impressive, they tend to be expensive. I’m also interested in gaming on it, so I’m not sure if a Xeon would fit. I believe the latest mainstream CPUs should meet my needs and still offer a solid upgrade from what I’ve used since around 2018. My system currently supports 64 gigabytes, and because I run many applications simultaneously—Unreal Engine, Blender, multiple Chrome tabs, etc.—I’m eager for more RAM. After some motherboard issues limited me to 32 gigabytes, I’ve experienced crashes in Blender when memory runs low. While 64 gigabytes is possible, I’d likely prefer 128 gigabytes or more.
Checking Task Manager for RAM usage is a good idea. It’s worth wondering if apps like Unreal Engine, Blender, and multiple Chrome tabs really consume a lot of memory. People often overestimate usage, so 128GB might seem excessive. You mentioned wanting more capacity as well.
Cost is only a minor concern. I initially considered starting with DDR5, possibly using two sticks first and upgrading later, especially if prices drop a bit. I planned to stick with 128GB DDR4. It’s unclear what the exact point is where performance improves enough to make the upgrade worthwhile. I’m hoping DDR4 3600 will run smoothly on four 32GB modules, but I’m curious about how quickly DDR5 can reach similar speeds. I found a Gigabyte AM5 MOBO listing that includes DDR5, with 32GB per DIMM at 4800 MHz. It seems slow compared to AMD’s target of 6000MT/s. I’m wondering if future RAM modules will achieve higher speeds when all four sticks are filled.