Compatibility, Performance and Stability of RAM and Processor

[techie.guy]

Hi,

As per the Specifications of Intel Core i5+8400 Processor, it supports DDR4-2666. It supports single channel, dual channel, triple channel and flex mode. And it supports up to 64 GB of memory.

An Intel B360 Chipset motherboard (ASUS Prime B360M-A) supports 4 x DIMM and Maximum 64GB of DDR4 2666/2400/2133 MHz.

If I use 8GB of memory module in all 4 DIMMs having same frequency (2666 MHz) i.e. 32GB (8x4) memory;

1. What type of memory architecture it will be?
2. As the processor supports up to 2666 MHz memory and if I use 4 memory modules of 2666 MHz, what can I expect in terms of performance and stability or any impact on motherboard?

Please clarify these confusions.

Regards
Techie Guy

 

[kanewolf]

If you populate all 4 DIMMs it will be dual channel. I don't recommend a 4x 8GB config. A matched set of two 16GB DIMMs will provide the fastest and most stable implementation. When all 4 DIMMs are filled, some systems will not reach the maximum clock speeds.

 

[techie.guy]

Agreed but there are two confusions;

As the maximum memory frequency supported the processor is 2666 MHz so will that be any issue in terms of performance and stability, if I use memory module of exactly 2666 MHz?

In case of using two memory modules of 2666 MHz, what will be the resultant frequency of two 2666 MHz memory modules in case of dual-channel memory architecture? Is it same i.e. 2666 MHz or both are added? If it’s added like 5332 MHz, any impact on processor as it supports only 2666 MHz?

 

[kanewolf]

All DIMMs operate on a single clock signal. They are all synchronized to the same clock. 2666 memory will use a 1333 clock, with transfers on the rising and falling edge (DDR).

 

[techie.guy]

As you said, 2666 memory will use a 1333 clock, if possible, please elaborate it as I couldn’t understand it.
And in which condition, 2666 memory will use 2666 clock?

 

[kanewolf]

As you said, 2666 memory will use a 1333 clock, if possible, please elaborate it as I couldn’t understand it.
And in which condition, 2666 memory will use 2666 clock?

No condition will 2666 DDR4 memory use a 2666 clock. Look up the definition of DDR memory. The number listed is double the clock speed (hence the name double data rate DDR ). The real clock speed is 1/2 the listed number.

 

[techie.guy]

It means, if I use a 2666 MHz memory stick, only 1333 MHz will be utilized. If I want to utilize 2666 MHz, do I need to use a memory stick of 5332 MHz? Am I right?

Intel Core i5+8400 Processor supports DDR4-2666 and a motherboard (ASUS Prime B360M-A) supports 4 x DIMM and Maximum 64GB of DDR4 2666/2400/2133 MHz.
While building a PC using this processor and motherboard, can I use a memory stick of more than 2666 MHz or of 5332MHz?

 

[kanewolf]

Did you look up the definition of DDR -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_data_rate The 2666 specified is the doubled rate. It is sometimes shown as Mhz but that is incorrect, it is MTS (mega transfers / second ). If you buy 2666MTS RAM, it will run with a clock of 1333Mhz. The motherboard and CPU will automatically set the 1333Mhz memory clock.