Higher memory speeds are finally possible on high capacity DDR5 configuration, as demonstrated by ASRock on its Z890I Nova WiFi.
ASRock Demonstrates CQDIMM Support With 256 GB DDR5-7400 Memory Configuration on Z890I Nova WiFi R2.0
Reaching higher memory speeds becomes difficult as you increase the memory capacity. While most users don't have a problem reaching 7000 MT/s or much higher on 32 GB or even 64 GB DDR5 memory kits, doing the same with a high capacity RAM kits, such as 256 GB, becomes incredibly difficult. This problem arises due to signal noise and jitter, which makes high frequencies unstable on high-capacity modules.
With CQDIMM, this can be solved as the memory brings a Clock Driver to the memory module itself. Popular hardware maker, ASRock, has demonstrated the same and has pushed a 256 GB DDR5 CQDIMM memory kit to 7400 MT/s on its Z890I Nova WiFi R2.0 motherboard. This result was achieved using 128 GB 4-Rank DDR5 modules from Kingston, and this marks an important step for high-capacity DDR5 configurations since running high-capacity memory at high frequencies has historically been difficult on consumer platforms.
This is especially difficult for 4-rank memory modules, which place more stress on the memory subsystem compared to 1-rank and 2-rank modules. CQDIMM technology helps with this by introducing the clock driver, which doesn't entirely rely on the CPU, unlike conventional DIMMs. The clock driver regenerates the reference clock sent by the CPU and then distributes a cleaner clock across the memory chips. Still, a motherboard with a great circuit optimization and tuned firmware is needed to push the memory to such high speeds.
As small form-factor motherboards such as Z890I Nova WiFi R2.0 already have a constrained layout, but with the revision model, ASRock has optimized the circuit pathways to achieve a new feat. This development comes nearly two months after GIGABYTE demonstrated running a 256 GB DDR5 CQDIMM kit on its Z890 AORUS Tachyon ICE motherboard at 6400 MT/s, and nearly 1 GHz higher frequency with the same memory capacity is surely impressive.
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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