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Question Please help me pick the correct RAM and MoBo for my case ?

Dec 21, 2023
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Dear goated people of the Toms Hardware forums: Yesterday I tried to get advice on my next build, which I‘ll purchase next week or the week after that. Depending on how fast my issue can be solved. The subreddit I chose for this, suggested, that my case needs higher knowledge and hence should be forwarded to your circle. I think there is use in posting my original post and then describe what I‘ve already learned, so that you guys can correct, if I misunderstood anything:

original post:
Picking DDR5 RAM feels exhausting

So my last build was around 2015. A lot has changed and I clearly didn‘t pay enough attention. All the posts I can find on the issue of picking the right RAM Sticks, seem to be from when DDR5 standard was just released. I‘ve been wondering, if its still impossible to run 128 GB of DDR5 RAM?

But first things first: Last time I built ( and it lastet me fairly long ), I went for the best GPU and best CPU I could afford. RAM was no question. The money that was left decided the capacity and speed I bought. This time, things are different. I started designing CAD Models and heavy Photo/Video work. Files on the Photo and Graphic designs can easily be 60 GB, when I get lost in the process. But anytime I hit my current 32 GB RAM cap, stuff is taking forever. It‘s at the point, where I really think about which tool or shortcut I can afford to use, since its going to calculate for up to 10 mins at times. I bet you can imagine what that does to a creative process.
Before anyone asks: No, working with smaller files is not an option. I don‘t want to go to deep into detail, but it‘s a lot of experimental stuff for large scale projects in university context. Also, the work in CAD applications greatly benefit from more capacity, so size actually matters in my case. The configuration so far can be seen in this link:

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/v3tcgB

The motherboard was chosen primarily because of the direct ethernet connection to my NAS. That stuff could really ease some work flows up. If it is an obstacle to better RAM configs however, I‘m open for suggestions.

As you guys might probably be able to see, theres no video card right now. Ill update with a 4090 in a couple of months, since it wont be a bottle neck for now. I can render projects in the cloud or at university for the moment. Its just not a priority. Also, I can use my outdated 980ti for these months still.

So, if 128 GB is not an achievable option, what would be the smartest move? The ASUS qcl List gives some options, but I cannot decide, wether for example 2x48 GB at 6400 CL80 (Kingston KF564C32RSAK2) is actually a smart move, or the same size at 6800 CL84 (Team Group FF3D596G6800HC36DDC01) is better? Or would a lower speed with also lower CL maybe be the best bang for buck?

All this being said: I‘m, of course, still a Gamer. But I don‘t fear the relatively high CLs on that use case. Am I wrong?

Long story short: I really need someone who knows his RAM stuff, to give his two cents on this matter, please.



What I‘ve learned so far:
  1. It seems as if I don‘t actually have to stick with ASUS QVL recommendations on this. If that is correct, I‘m open for suggestions, which RAM sticks could be fitting for my use.
  2. My choice of MoBo seems to be overpriced. I was trying to go the safe rout and also, as already stated, liked the extra connection to my NAS, which could cut time for a lot of my projects. I would love to read some opinions on this matter.
I‘m still wondering, if it is even possible to run a 128 GB setup on DDR5, since i want this to be future proof as my last build for my use case was. Now with the new territory in terms of use, im very insecure about what to do best.

Thank you guys in advance!
 
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

All the posts I can find on the issue of picking the right RAM Sticks, seem to be from when DDR5 standard was just released. I‘ve been wondering, if its still impossible to run 128 GB of DDR5 RAM?
What would you be doing that would warranty the need for 128GB's of ram? To me, you're in need of a workstation, which means it should be reliable. You looking at high ram capacity with high ram frequency would mean you need to follow a QVL very strictly or work with base level ram frequency and high capacity modules.

You need to understand that if you want high memory capacity you will need to look at lower ram speeds. If you want high ram speeds, you will need to look at lower capacity ram kits. If you want to stick to DDR5-6000MHz, you should be able to drop in a 2x32GB ram kit without issue.
 
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Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

All the posts I can find on the issue of picking the right RAM Sticks, seem to be from when DDR5 standard was just released. I‘ve been wondering, if its still impossible to run 128 GB of DDR5 RAM?
What would you be doing that would warranty the need for 128GB's of ram? To me, you're in need of a workstation, which means it should be reliable. You looking at high ram capacity with high ram frequency would mean you need to follow a QVL very strictly or work with base level ram frequency and high capacity modules.

You need to understand that if you want high memory capacity you will need to look at lower ram speeds. If you want high ram speeds, you will need to look at lower capacity ram kits. If you want to stick to DDR5-6000MHz, you should be able to drop in a 2x32GB ram kit without issue.



Thank you, Luftij for the warm welcome and the points you‘re making.

So high speeds and high volume are mutualy exclusive. Got it. Here some thoughts:

The reliability is a big issue of course. Thats, why I initially thought about going with DDR4. Since my CPU and MoBo in that case, would lack the future proof label in my mind, I was thinking about making the DDR5 work.

Since I never had that kind of RAM capacity, I actually dont know how high my need is. It comes from heavy vfx and video editing, 3D modelling and big photo files. Ive seen a friend run 128 GB DDR4 and he seems to not have the very frustrating issues I do have with my files. Other than the 128GB only his GPU is better, which in most cases, other than rendering, should not be the issue. I cannot say wether or not, the higher RAM speed could outdo a higher RAM capacity. I just dont know how to calculate these things.

What is the matter with the high CLs? Ive read, somewhere here in the forum, that a “quick and dirty” method of judging them, would be to divide the speed by the CL. If I do that, the slower sticks int the QVL seem to outperform the higher capacity ones. But is that even true?
 
the 14900k is the correct choice for video editing with its quick sync feature. but its a power hungry and hot running chip.

So i would suggest one of these chonky bois to cool it:

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/CrLdnQ/alphacool-core-ocean-t38-628-cfm-liquid-cpu-cooler-13052
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/P4BzK8/lian-li-galahad-ii-trinity-891-cfm-liquid-cpu-cooler-ga2t36b

Those 360 AIOs are chonky. So you need a case that can accommodate them and as well as silent and sound damping in nature:

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/6cw7YJ/phanteks-eclipse-p600s-atx-mid-tower-case-ph-ec600psc_bk01

PSU with 135mm fan for silent operation and good performance:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/ZD...ly-modular-atx-power-supply-mpg-a1000g-pcie-5

I would suggest 2 of these ram kits:

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/6Q...-ddr5-6000-cl30-memory-f5-6000j3040g32gx2-fx5

the mobo spec is: https://www.asus.com/uk/motherboard...rds/proart/proart-z790-creator-wifi/techspec/

4 x DIMM, Max. 192GB, DDR5
7200(OC)/7000(OC)/6800(OC)/6600(OC)/6400(OC)/6200(OC)/ 6000(OC)/ 5800(OC)/ 5600/ 5400/ 5200/ 5000/ 4800MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory*

Most ram issues are solved with a latest Bios update.

the price of the 48gb kits are exorbitant. and they have CL40 for high speed kits. Better stick with 6000mhz CL30 for best performance.

Might i suggest the t500 SSD for your use case?

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/M8...e-40-x4-nvme-solid-state-drive-ct2000t500ssd8
 
Thank you Lucky_SLS!
I will go through your suggestions one by one and I have questions. Thanks already for taking the time!


I was hoping I could go with one air cooler until I find the resources to go custom water cooled. But after quickly reading up on the matter, you seem to be correct on this one. Do you have any idea, wether or not I can resell the AIOs after using them half a year? Is that an option, or will no one buy these?


The bigger case would also come with the custom water cooling. At least I had hoped to avoid it for now. I will definetly think about this.


is the be quiet PSU I added to pc part picker no good? I really like the brand and I want to support local business. Greetings from Germany, btw. :)


Thank you for the suggestion!

the mobo spec is: https://www.asus.com/uk/motherboard...rds/proart/proart-z790-creator-wifi/techspec/

4 x DIMM, Max. 192GB, DDR5
7200(OC)/7000(OC)/6800(OC)/6600(OC)/6400(OC)/6200(OC)/ 6000(OC)/ 5800(OC)/ 5600/ 5400/ 5200/ 5000/ 4800MHz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory*

Most ram issues are solved with a latest Bios update.

That is very good to know! I was very worried about these issues!

the price of the 48gb kits are exorbitant. and they have CL40 for high speed kits. Better stick with 6000mhz CL30 for best performance.

Might i suggest the t500 SSD for your use case?

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/M8...e-40-x4-nvme-solid-state-drive-ct2000t500ssd8
I’m currently running a 1 TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus in the M2 slot. Is the upgrade worth it for my case? I would be intrigued to go for the t500.

Thank you again very much for the time you took.
 
I was hoping I could go with one air cooler until I find the resources to go custom water cooled. But after quickly reading up on the matter, you seem to be correct on this one. Do you have any idea, wether or not I can resell the AIOs after using them half a year? Is that an option, or will no one buy these?

The bigger case would also come with the custom water cooling. At least I had hoped to avoid it for now. I will definetly think about this.

is the be quiet PSU I added to pc part picker no good? I really like the brand and I want to support local business. Greetings from Germany, btw. :)

I’m currently running a 1 TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus in the M2 slot. Is the upgrade worth it for my case? I would be intrigued to go for the t500.

AIO have a shorter life span of about 5 years. You can replace the fans in an air cooler and use it for 20 years if the heatsink design can keep up. So i dont see a good resale value for the AIOs unfortunately.

The Lancool 216 is still available in germany for a resonable price, some good cases that also suit a custom loop:

https://de.pcpartpicker.com/product/qP2WGX/lian-li-lancool-216-atx-mid-tower-case-lancool-216x
https://de.pcpartpicker.com/product/DXMMnQ/be-quiet-shadow-base-800-dx-atx-mid-tower-case-bgw61

Might have to compromise on the sound damping till you get your custom loop.

The Pure power 12 was not having a good US retail pricing, go for it if you want it.

https://www.tomshardware.com/features/ssd-benchmarks-hierarchy#section-m-2-2230-ssd-hierarchy

 

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