Two channels paired with dual rank options, either two channels at a single rank or four channels across multiple ranks.
Two channels paired with dual rank options, either two channels at a single rank or four channels across multiple ranks.
Testing 5950x with dark theme on a dual-channel setup. I noticed 5950 only works with dual-channel configurations. Do you think there’s a performance difference between running four single-rank in dual-channel mode versus two dual-rank dual-channel mode? Assuming all other specs like CPU speed and memory are the same.
Two RAM slots are generally simpler for a CPU to handle than four, except in HEDT configurations—so that’s the usual approach. The difference between single and dual rank RAM isn’t something I’m very familiar with... I’m not sure which hardware levels it really impacts.
Two-tier ranking works better, though it’s tougher to hit unless you purchase used items or Samsung B die bins.
Either way you're at the ideal of four ranks. The difference is obviously populating two slots or all four. The optimal number of DIMMs is always equal to the number of channels, so two here. More than that puts stress on the IMC. Depending on the RAM/chip/board/PSU, that may mean nothing at all, that you just won't be able to OC it as high/tighten the timings as much, that it won't stably accept XMP, or that it may fail to boot entirely. In short, go for two unless you have a good reason not to, i.e. pretty much just that you need an overall capacity you can't achieve with just two (128GB).
I searched thoroughly but didn’t locate a solution. You’re lucky I can help.