AMD and its board partners are currently developing an update to allow high-capacity memory modules to be compatible with AM5 systems. This update is expected to enable memory configurations of up to 192GB DDR5 on B650 and X670 motherboards. This comes after being previously reported that the Ryzen 7000 CPUs (B650/X670 chipset) not supporting 24GB and 48GB of DDR5 memory.
According to recent reports, Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake and 13th Gen Raptor Lake processors, along with their 600/700 series chipsets, already support memory configurations of up to 192GB DDR5. Additionally, these systems are capable of running faster memory modules of up to 8000MT/s or more, while most AMD parts are limited to 6400MT/s. The upcoming AGESA microcode update from AMD is expected to be the first step toward bringing memory compatibility between the two systems to parity.
Although some AM5 motherboards can already boot with 24GB DIMMs, the lack of optimization may be preventing the memory modules from working correctly on these motherboards. However, this issue is likely to be resolved easily since it is related to capacity rather than frequency. In the past, first-generation Ryzen processors and Intel’s Haswell-E HEDT chips faced memory support issues related to memory speed, which were more complex to address. Therefore, it is expected that memory capacity issues will be easier to resolve. With AMD working with its board partners for their AM5 AGESA 1.0.0.7. they will be able to catch up to Intel with their support.
DDR5 memory technology is rapidly advancing in both frequency and capacity, making it an attractive option for both gaming and professional work. The production of 24Gb dies has enabled memory manufacturers to offer non-binary memory module capacities, such as 24GB and 48GB DIMMs, which is appealing for mainstream users who need large amounts of memory but don’t want to invest in a HEDT or workstation platform.
With DDR5, users can have up to 192GB of memory available on a regular four-DIMM motherboard (4x48GB), which is a significant improvement compared to previous generations. Even small form factor (SFF) system enthusiasts can enjoy the benefits of DDR5 by running up to 96GB (2x48GB) on a mini-ITX motherboard, something that was previously only possible on HEDT or workstation platforms. This advancement in DDR5 technology brings new possibilities for mainstream consumers and opens up new avenues for improved system performance.