Ram Configuration on New Threadripper Pro 8 Channel Platforms

[Dustin Pestlin]

I recently purchased a Threadripper pro processor (3955wx)with 16 core/32 threads. I have learned that it actually has 8 channel memory. I will be using the system for video editing – mostly 4k 10 bit footage with plenty of special effects. I will be using either a Nividia 3060 or 3080ti for my GPU. I fast 4th gen NVME drives to work from. My motherboard is the ASUS Prime TRX40 Pro. Here are my 3 questions:

1. What would be the optimal ram configuration to make themost out of these 8 channels?For example, for 64gb of ram, would it be 32gbx2, 16x4, or8x8?For 128gb, would it be 16x8 or 32x4?

I have noticed that the ram recommended for my motherboard(ASUS Prime TRX40 Pro) has better specs when I install less in my system (forexample, I can find 3600mhz with low latency at 32gbx2, but 32gbx4 or 33gbx8drops to 3200Mhz).

2. Would it be beneficial to sacrifice a bit of MHz (3600down to 3200) in order to populate more of the 8 channels. In other words, with video editing, would I really benefit from having faster ram, or is more ram better? The final part of my question is:

3. Since I am only editing 4k footage, I only really “need”between 32 and 64gb of ram. Would I BENEFIT (faster speed) in any way having 128gb of ram?Especially since processor has 8 channel memory?Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[alec]

Don't remember any becnhmarks testing 4 vs 8 channels on threadripper, so everything here is just a no proof speculation

First and foremost, more channels equals more bandwidth. It will double/quadruple, no strings attached.
So the easy answer is, if your task is bandwidth dependent, it will benefit. The little I know about video editing, it will appreciate bandwidth. But effect will probably be in single/low double digits.

1. As 32x2, 16x4 and 8x8 should be roughly same price, 8x8 gives you more bandwidth.
2. What you gain from 3600 vs 3200 is slightly improved bandwidth. Which you are getting much more of from using extra channels. So if you go for low latency 8x3200 (14-14-14), get best of everything.
3. If you are sure extra memory is not used by software, it is a waste.

Potential drawbacks from 8 sticks:
More power consumption from more sticks, more load/heat on memory controller.
XMP timings are less likely to just work out of the box. Should keep to motherboard recommended kits.
To upgrade capacity, need to replace all 8 sticks.

 

[Deleted member 66701]

Your motherboard is not compatible with your processor.