Which CPU for 128GB Memory?

[marcus2704]

I am looking to purchase a motherboard & CPU, and initially 4 x 16GB DDR4.

The motherboard I am looking at supports up to 128GB Ram - https://www.overclockers.co.uk/msi-...cket-2011-ddr4-atx-motherboard-mb-301-ms.html

I have been offered a I7 5820K which I have read supports up to 64GB memory - http://ark.intel.com/products/82932/Intel-Core-i7-5820K-Processor-15M-Cache-up-to-3_60-GHz

In the longer term I would like to expand my memory to 128GB, does this rule out the 5820K or would it work despite the tech specfication?

I note also the CPU states up to 2133 DDR4, were I to buy (say) 2400 DDR4, I assume it would just operate at the lower speed?

Reason for the requirement for a lot of memory is I will be using my workstation as a VMware-based lab running lots of VMs.

 

[marcus2704]

Thanks for replies, most helpful.

I have almost secured a deal for an Asus X99-A motherboard, 5820K CPU and 64GB (4x16GB) of DDR4 2400 RAM.

Based on the above, its likely then, with an updated BIOS that I would be able to add another 64GB further down the line to bring to 128Gb overall?

 

[marcus2704]

What do you doing that needs 128gb RAM?

Is it important? and if it is, you should really consider ECC RAM and official support.

If it's not important, what unimportant applications need 128gb RAM?

EDIT: Didn't read carefully enough, it's for a VM lab... still, would you really expect to use 128gb RAM for lab purposes before you run out of cores?

At this point this is more of the longer term, the option to increase to 128GB RAM if needed.

For now I agree, 64GB should be more than enough for the VM workloads I intend to put on there. The workstation also doubles as my daily-use PC, and runs dedicated Linux VMs for Plex and Sonarr for media purposes.

For the most part I would say the lab VMs are unimportant, so no need for ECC.

I will be purchasing a entire PC from a friend for £700, I think its a reasonable deal, not sure what you guys think..?

Asus X99-A
64GB DDR4
Intel I7 5820K
Intel 750 NVME SSD 400GB (which will be used for OS and lab VMs)
Kraken 61
GTX 970
Fractal Define S case
PSU (unknown at this moment)