Since I last looked at DDR5 RAM, there are now a bunch of new sizes of RAM kits: 24GB, 48GB and 96GB. Is there a specific reason for these new sizes? Are there specific scenarios in which they should, or shouldn't, be used? Can/should RAM sizes be mixed? For example, a 16GB kit with a 24GB kit? Or do they just provide a bit more flexibility for total RAM amounts?
24/48/96 RAM kits. Why? What do I need to know?
- Thread starter nightwish
- Start date
Soldato
They exist because people need various amounts of RAM.
You can’t mix the RAM without dropping down to single channel which is a very bad idea for DDR5 as it relies on memory bandwidth to overcome an increase in latency.
If you’re not looking to overclock and just want X gigs of RAM to cover gaming, get a 32gig kit of 6000 MT/s with a very low CAS latency (32 or less) for AMD and (roughly) 7200 MT/s for Intel but it won’t make much difference to the average person given that there will likely be bottlenecks elsewhere in the system.
Going for 8000 MT/s RAM won’t net you that much more performance, is expensive and would require tinkering.
Do not run a 4 DIMM memory config, it can work but for technical reasons, is very difficult and would require a lot of tinkering and running 2 RAM modules just works fine.
The only thing I’d say is that a 48gig kit of Hynix M die would likely work on a lot of systems given that it puts less stress on the IMC but, again, that’s going into manual DDR5 overclocking territory and don’t worry too much.
I will link to Buildzoids memory buying advice that is on this forum under a separate thread. Pick from one of those kits.
Hummm, right, so one concrete advantage, if you needed a lot of RAM, is that you can have 96GB with only two sticks (or 192GB with 4, if sheer quantity is all that's important to you). Beyond that, it sounds like it's not much different, just different sizes. Good to know, thanks.
Soldato
Yes and I think the 24gig sized modules were only there because when DDR5 launched, it was expensive so people who needed more than 32gigs but couldn't afford 64gigs were catered for but that's only a hunch.
You do get a slight performance bump as you go for the higher capacities due to the increase in bandwidth but RAM isn't really worth stressing about unless you're an XOC or enthusiast who needs to do a specific thing with the RAM.
If you're a gamer, get fast enough RAM at a certain capacity and enjoy your gaming.
Soldato
Source: https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-ddr5-to-buy-84547490
Pick from one of those kits and enjoy your well balanced rig.
Intel boards usually have the optimisations and BIOS updates, but earlier AM5 boards could have issues with these modules, I'd check for BIOS support mentioning the 24GB/48GB sticks and/or a spec sheet that states support for 192GB. Technically, you can get single rank 32GB modules now (max: 256GB, 4x64), but I haven't seen any for sale.
DDR5 is still immature and a bit finicky (especially with running 4 sticks), so while in theory you could do this, I'd recommend that you don't.
Manufacturers could have just gone to double the die density to 32Gb (which they have, they're being made) like they usually do, but 24Gb still gives a decent amount of RAM, so I guess it was considered worthwhile to produce.
The new sizes are because smaller manufacturing nodes don't give 100% extra capacity anymore and cost more to produce. 32Gb dies have been done but they will probably be bigger and expensive dies so are all been used for server RAM.
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