24GB versions of the memory kit for ASRock X58 Exteme 3

[saintlypaul]

Hi Everyone,

I need to get my ASRock X58 Exteme 3 supported on 24 GB RAM so that I can host some virtual machines on my Windows 7 Professional 64 bit o/s. I have no limitation on the o/s I know that.

I've been doing some research and reviewing the ASRock website and user manual for specifications.

So this link tells me what tested version of the memory is supported but it is old and not sure if too helpful:

http://www.asrock.com/mb/memory/X58%20Extreme3.pdf

The memory specification from the user manual are as follows:


- Triple Channel DDR3 Memory Technology (see
CAUTION 3)
- 6 x DDR3 DIMM slots
- Supports DDR3 2000(OC)/1866(OC)/1600(OC)/1333(OC)/1066
non-ECC, un-buffered memory
- Supports DDR3 ECC, un-buffered memory with Intel®


Workstation 1S Xeon
® processors 3500 series
- Max. capacity of system memory: 24GB (see CAUTION 4)

- Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)


CAUTION 3. This motherboard supports Triple Channel Memory Technology. Before
you implement Triple Channel Memory Technology, make sure to read the
installation guide of memory modules on page 20 for proper installation.
CAUTION 4. Due to the operating system limitation, the actual memory size may be
less than 4GB for the reservation for system usage under Windows
® 7 /

VistaTM / XP. For Windows® OS with 64-bit CPU, there is no such limitation.

Page 20:

2.5 Installation of Memory Modules (DIMM)
This motherboard provides six 240-pin DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) DIMM slots, and
supports Triple Channel Memory Technology. For triple channel configuration, you
always need to install
identical (the same brand, speed, size and chip-type) DDR3
DIMM pair in the slots of the same color. In other words, you have to install identical


DDR3 DIMM pair in Triple Channel (DDR3_A1, DDR3_B1 and DDR3_C1; White
slots; see p.13 No.7), or
identical DDR3 DIMM pair in Triple Channel (DDR3_A2,
DDR3_B2 and DDR3_C2; Blue slots; see p.13 No.11), so that Triple Channel
Memory Technology can be activated. This motherboard also allows you to
install six DDR3 DIMMs for triple channel configuration, and please install identical


DDR3 DIMMs in all six slots.
Recommended Memory Configurations
DDR3_A2 DDR3_A1 DDR3_B2 DDR3_B1 DDR3_C2 DDR3_C1
(Blue) (White) (Blue) (White) (Blue) (White)
1 DIMM - Populated - - - -
2 DIMMs - Populated - Populated - -
3 DIMMs - Populated - Populated - Populated
4 DIMMs Populated Populated - Populated - Populated
5 DIMMs Populated Populated Populated Populated - Populated
6 DIMMs Populated Populated Populated Populated Populated Populated
1. Please install the memory module into the white slot (DDR3_A1,
DDR3_B1 or DDR3_C1) for the first priority.
2. Due to Intel
® CPU spec definition, the system will not boot if only
one DIMM is installed into DDR3_A2, DDR3_B2 or DDR3_C2 slot.
3. Due to Intel® CPU spec definition, XMP DIMMs and DDR3 2000/
1866/1600 are supported for one DIMM per channel only.
4. You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A, Channel B and
Channel C. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized
channel for the dual-channel or triple-channel configuration. Any
excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for
single-channel operation.
5. It is not allowed to install a DDR or DDR2 memory module into
DDR3 slot; otherwise, this motherboard and DIMM may be

damaged.

The caution I am worried about is highlighted below:


Due to Intel
® CPU spec definition, XMP DIMMs and DDR3 2000/

1866/1600 are supported for one DIMM per channel only.

Does this caution mean that if I install a memory bundle like24GB (6x4GB DDR3-2000/1866/1600) I will only be getting 12 GB maximum.

It sounds like the only way Im going to get 24 GB of RAM going is by getting a
24GB (6x4GB DDR3-1333) memory bundle.

Am I right in my thinking or has anyone proved this wrong and has successfully achieved 24 GB through either (6x4GB DDR3-2000), (6x4GB DDR3-1866) or (6x4GB DDR3-1600). If so please let me know which RAM model was acquired and the BIOS settings in your pc.

Thanks
saintlypaul

 

[Rammy]

I would imagine that what it means is that you can either go with

6modules of up 4Gb up to 1333Mhz

OR

3modules of up to 8Gb up to 1866Mhz.

If you did install a 24GB (6x4GB DDR3-2000/1866/1600) type of kit, it should just cap the speed and run it at 1333.

So 3*8Gb triple channel should work, if you can find a suitable kit.
EDIT-
Crucial 24GB (3 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model CT3KIT102464BA1339
Kingston KVR13N9K3/24
Both of those are 24Gb triple channel kits, running at 1333Mhz.

 

[Feldmarschall]

1333MHz and 2000MHz are so close in performance that you can't notice anything. And your both CPU and Mobo are old tech so even 1066MHz will work fine.

 

[jemm]

You can install 24GB RAM, but due to the integrated memory controller on the CPU you have to run it a lower speed, like 1333MHz.

So, yes, getting a 24GB (6x4GB DDR3-1333) memory bundle is your best option.