Maximum DDR4 3200MHz CL22 RAM for i7 12700H

[Josep4]

Hi everybody!

Yes, another doubt about maximum RAM. The involved processor is i7 12700H and Intel Specs. show 64GB (dependent on memory type), and maximum speed 3200 MT/s.

I bought a laptop with this processor, and the manufacturer says maximum DDR4 3200MHz CL22 is 32GB, I received a manufacturer approved RAM manufacturers and models. I must say I can't find most of them in available stores.

So I'd like to know from Intel how much DDR4 3200MHz CL22 RAM (SODIMM, but I believe it's not relevant) may I attach to this processor.  32GB or 64GB or any other value? Maybe the processor maximum is 64GB but the manufacturer limited the maximum RAM size in the BIOS? I could not get response about this from the manufacturer.

By the way, wmic returns the maximum is 32GB, as the manufacturer states.

I have seen a Youtube video where apparently 64GB DDR4  are inserted in a laptop whose manufacturer (different of mine) says the maximum is 32GB, as my laptop manufacturer says, and apparently again, Windows 11 recognizes the 64GB !!!

Also the JEDEC profile seems important, I was warned by a friend to avoid RAM modules with XMP profiles instead JEDEC ones...

Note: I know 64GB may seem too much memory, but the laptop will run several virtual machines, so the maximum RAM is important.

May anybody (or Intel) help me? I'm so confused...

Thank you in advance

[n_scott_pearson · Accepted solution]

It's true that there are things that a manufacturer can do in their baseboard and BIOS designs that could yield a lower maximum for memory. It's true that Intel's processor memory speeds and maximums are based upon what Intel was able to support during their validation efforts (Intel will only warrant what it was able to thoroughly validate) and that higher numbers may be possible with the addition of (BIOS) support for newer memory technologies.

At the same time, it's also true that there are many blowhards out there, purporting to be 'experts', who will make unsubstantiated claims of higher numbers based upon completely flawed logic - the claim, for example, that "this processor supports that much, so that processor should support that much too" is flawed and not necessarily the case. The problem with this - like so many other social media issues - is that the claim, once repeated a time or two, starts to become gospel.

If Intel says 64GB but the baseboard manufacturer says 32GB, then you should believe that 32GB is your maximum. Can you try to use more? Certainly, and maybe it will even work, but understand that you are on your own from then on - and out of warranty - and neither Intel nor the Baseboard Manufacturer are going to help you with any memory problems that you have.

To your second issue, it's technically true that utilizing XMP profiles - especially those that take settings above the maximums warranted by Intel - is considered a form of overclocking and could (a) shorten the lifetime of your processor and/or (b) void your warranty(s) in the event this causes a processor or motherboard failure.

Suppose you do use an XMP profile. In practical terms, unless you go multiple bins above the maximum supported by Intel, this is not going to cause problems and should work ok. Now, that is. Later? That's another question...

The overarching issue is (electrical) noise. Most components produce noise. As components age, they produce more noise. Noise on the memory buses is a problem. While baseboard designs work to minimize this noise, there is only so much that they can do. The faster the buses are asked to run, the more susceptible to noise they become. Once noise levels reach the point where the memory controllers, both in the processor and in the DIMMs/SODIMMs themselves, cannot distinguish noise from actual data, they will hang. The watchdog timers will eventually reset the (now hung, data starved) system, but the damage is, as they say, done. Watchdog Timer resets caused by memory bus hangs is one of the most common cause of spontaneous system reset. Bottom line, the overclocked memory buses might work at these settings when the system is new, but could fail once the noise levels reach a critical point, somewhere down the road.

Hope this helps with your decision-making,

...S

[Josep4]

Thank you very much, n_scott_pearson, for your very detailed, complete and direct response.

Now I understand why the laptop manufacturer found it so difficult to give a reason why the RAM limit was 32GB and not 64GB!

I completely understand how complicated it must be, especially on a laptop, not to degrade the original specification of the processor, although it would have been nice to receive a response as clarifying as the one you have given me.

Greetings and thanks again

[serverflake]

Intel's specifications for the i7 12700H processor indicate a maximum RAM support of 64GB at 3200MHz. However, laptop manufacturers may impose their own limits based on factors like BIOS settings. To clarify the maximum RAM for your laptop check Intel's official documentation for your specific model and contact the laptop manufacturer's support. Ensure your laptop's BIOS is up to date, explore user forums for experiences with similar models, and consider testing a 64GB module if available. Stick to JEDEC profiles for RAM compatibility. While Intel's specifications suggest 64GB is supported, limitations set by the laptop manufacturer could impact the actual capacity recognized.

[AlHill]

@serverflake   So, you join to answer an already solved thread that was posted two months ago, with an answer that likely came from ChatGPT?

Doc (not an Intel employee or contractor)
[Maybe Windows 12 will be better]