The speed of RAM for an X399 platform depends on the specific motherboard model, as the X399 is a chipset rather than a single component defining RAM characteristics. For the X399 AORUS Gaming 7 motherboard, the supported RAM speeds go up to 2666 MT/s.
Understanding X399 RAM Speeds
The X399 chipset is designed for AMD Ryzen Threadripper processors, supporting high-performance memory configurations. However, the actual maximum speed and type of RAM supported are determined by the motherboard manufacturer's implementation, including its traces, BIOS, and power delivery. Therefore, while the chipset is a foundation, the specific motherboard model dictates the precise memory capabilities.
RAM Specifications for X399 AORUS Gaming 7 Motherboards
For systems built with the X399 AORUS Gaming 7 motherboard, specific memory standards and capacities are supported to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | Up to 2666 MT/s |
| Memory Type | Unbuffered memory (UDIMM) |
| Maximum Capacity | 64GB |
| Unsupported Types | Load-reduced (LRDIMM), Registered (RDIMM) |
This motherboard is designed to work exclusively with Unbuffered DIMMs (UDIMM), commonly found in consumer-grade and some workstation systems, and does not support memory types typically used in servers, such as LRDIMM or RDIMM.
Key Memory Considerations for X399 Systems
When selecting RAM for an X399-based system, especially the X399 AORUS Gaming 7, several factors are crucial for performance and compatibility:
- MT/s vs. MHz: RAM speed is often expressed in MT/s (MegaTransfers per second), particularly for DDR (Double Data Rate) memory. For DDR RAM, 2666 MT/s effectively means a base clock speed of 1333 MHz (since it transfers data twice per clock cycle). This metric indicates the effective data transfer rate.
- Unbuffered Memory (UDIMM) Requirement: The X399 AORUS Gaming 7 exclusively supports Unbuffered DIMMs. These modules do not include a register or buffer chip, allowing data to be sent directly from the memory controller to the DRAM chips. This direct connection typically offers lower latency but can limit the total number of modules or capacity compared to buffered memory.
- Unsupported Memory Types: The motherboard explicitly does not support Load-Reduced DIMMs (LRDIMM) or Registered DIMMs (RDIMM). These memory types are designed with a register or buffer to stabilize electrical signals, allowing for higher capacities and greater stability in server environments, but they are not compatible with this specific consumer-oriented X399 motherboard.
- CPU Impact: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPUs that pair with X399 motherboards have a quad-channel memory controller, which enables significantly higher memory bandwidth. Utilizing four or eight memory modules (depending on the motherboard's slot configuration and capacity per slot) can maximize this bandwidth.
Choosing the right type and speed of RAM is essential to harness the full potential of an X399 system, ensuring stability and optimal performance for demanding tasks such as content creation, gaming, and professional applications.
