A full list of the parameters of the i3-6100 processor related to DDR4 memory selection

[Vitalij]

Hello!

Please, provide a full list of the parameters of the i3-6100 processor that must be taken into account to select a suitable DDR4 memory kit 2 x 8GB for the following motherboard:

Motherboard: H110M PRO-VD,

Manufacturer: MSI,

Chipset: Intel H110 Chipset.

This motherboard has 2 memory slots and supports only DDR4-2133. 

There is a detailed description in the following file:

6th Generation Intel® Processor Families for S-Platforms

Datasheet, Volume 1 of 2

Document Number 332687-010.

However, some parameters, such as the number of ranks per channel, are specific to each processor. I was unable to find this specific information for the i3-6100 processor.

There is the following information in the file (copied text is marked in blue, my questions - in red).

DDR technologies, number of DIMMs per channel, number of ranks per channel are SKU dependent. Where is this information available for the i3-6100 processor?

Note: If the S-Processor Line memory interface is configured to one DIMM per Channel, the processor can use either of the DIMMs, DIMM0 or DIMM1, signals CTRL[1:0] or CTRL[3:2]. This information applies to my motherboard because it has one slot for each channel. Does this information relate to ranks?

DDR4 SODIMM/UDIMM Modules:

— Standard 4-Gb and 8-Gb technologies and addressing are supported for x8 and x16 devices. Other parameters of compatible memory chips are listed in Table 2-4. Supported DDR4 Non-ECC UDIMM Module Configurations (S-Processor Line). I consider several memory kits, which use memory chips with parameters from row 2 and 3 of this table.

DDR4 Memory Down: Single rank x8, x16 (based on SKU) According to some sources, this information doesn’t apply to PC motherboards. Is it so?

2.1.9 DRAM Clock Generation

Every supported rank has a differential clock pair. There are a total of four clock pairs driven directly by the processor to DRAM. As I understand, all processors support 4 ranks (2 ranks for each channel). Does this information match previous data? It’s desirable to use all supported ranks to increase memory performance. According to some sources, exceeding the number of ranks can lead to a malfunction. Therefore, it is important to correctly select the number of ranks of memory modules.

Since many manufacturers of the memory modules don’t provide all parameters, it’s difficult to choose suitable variants without help. Is it enough to rely on their suggestions for my motherboard and chipset without taking into account the requirements of the processor? Some of them indicate compatibility with Skylake (LGA 1151).

Best regards

Vitalij

[Jocelyn_Intel]

Hello, @Vitalij. 

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities.  

I am sorry to hear that you couldn't find the information you need, I will gladly assist you here. 

I will proceed to do some research, as soon as I have updates, I post them here. 

Best regards,  

Jocelyn M.   

Intel Customer Support Technician. 

[Jocelyn_Intel]

Hello, @Vitalij. 

Thank you for your time. 

Please check the answers to your questions below: 

Question: DDR technologies, number of DIMMs per channel, and number of ranks per channel are SKU dependent. Where is this information available for the i3-6100 processor?  

Answer: Max # of Memory Channels 2. You can verify this information here. 

Note: If the S-Processor Line memory interface is configured to one DIMM per Channel, the processor can use either of the DIMMs,  

Question: DIMM0 or DIMM1, signals CTRL[1:0] or CTRL[3:2]. This information applies to my motherboard because it has one slot for each channel. Does this information relate to ranks?    

Answer: This is more related to system configuration.  DIMMs must be installed in a specific order based on the memory configuration that you implement on your computer.  

A memory rank is a set of DRAM chips connected to the same chip select, which are therefore accessed simultaneously. In practice, all DRAM chips share all of the other command and control signals, and only the chip select pins for each rank are separate (the data pins are shared across ranks)  

Question: DDR4 SODIMM/UDIMM Modules:  

— Standard 4-Gb and 8-Gb technologies and addressing are supported for x8 and x16 devices. Other parameters of compatible memory chips are listed in Table 2-4. Supported DDR4 Non-ECC UDIMM Module Configurations (S-Processor Line). I consider several memory kits, which use memory chips with parameters from rows 2 and 3 of this table.  

DDR4 Memory Down Single rank x8, x16 (based on SKU) According to some sources, this information doesn’t apply to PC motherboards. Is it so?  

Answer: If you are planning to build a PC, you can refer to the motherboard manufacturer for the RAM specifications that will comply with the motherboard requirements, most Desktop PCs support DDR4/ DDR5  

Question: 2.1.9 DRAM Clock Generation  

Every supported rank has a differential clock pair. There are a total of four clock pairs driven directly by the processor to DRAM. As I understand, all processors support 4 ranks (2 ranks for each channel). Does this information match previous data? It’s desirable to use all supported ranks to increase memory performance. According to some sources, exceeding the number of ranks can lead to a malfunction. Therefore, it is important to correctly select the number of ranks of memory modules.  

Since many manufacturers of memory modules don’t provide all parameters, it’s difficult to choose suitable variants without help. Is it enough to rely on their suggestions for my motherboard and chipset without taking into account the requirements of the processor? Some of them indicate compatibility with Skylake (LGA 1151).  

Answer: In this case, the recommendation is to use the Memory compatible list for each processor to get the correct RAM   

Note: In the case of building a computer, use the compatibility list for each processor from the official website, and in case of doubt with other components, contact your System Manufacturer. 

Let us know if there is anything else I can help you with, more than glad to assist you from here. 

Best regards,  

Jocelyn M.   

Intel Customer Support Technician. 

[Jocelyn_Intel]

Hello, @Vitalij  

We are checking this thread and we would like to know if you were able to review our previous post. If you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us back. 

Best regards,  

Jocelyn M.   

Intel Customer Support Technician. 

[Vitalij]

Hello,

I’m upgrading my current PC, not building a new one.

Several days ago, I ordered one of the kits recommended by the manufacturer for the mentioned processor and motherboard. In my opinion, the found characteristics of the modules comply with the requirements of the processor and motherboard. When I receive the ordered modules in about 10 days, I will check how they work.

Best regards,

Vitalij

[Jocelyn_Intel]

Hello, @Vitalij. 

Thank you for your reply. 

I understand, in that case, we will proceed to close this thread now. If you need any additional information, please submit a new question as this thread will no longer be monitored.  

Do not hesitate to contact us back if you need our assistance, we will try to help as much as we can. 

Have a nice rest of the week. Best wishes on your new PC upgrade. 

Best regards,  

Jocelyn M.   

Intel Customer Support Technician.