Typically RAM has very predictable sizes, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, etc.
Crucial has now broken this pattern somewhat with its new DDR5 RAM modules. These are available in the notebook segment with up to 48 GB per module. This is currently a record because previously the limit was 32 GB per module.
Theoretically, up to 96 GB of RAM is possible in a notebook or mini PC. However, what about compatibility?
Do these 48 GB modules work easily in any notebook / mini PC with SO-DIMM DDR5?
Let’s just test this in various systems!
The RAM
The RAM in this test is the “Crucial SO-DIMM Kit 96GB DDR5-5600” “CT2K48G56C46S5”.
These are notebook memory modules with 2x 48 GB and up to 5600 MHz. Officially, this RAM hardly appears on compatibility lists.
Most notebook manufacturers often only advertise “up to 64 GB”. But is this true?
Intel N100 and 48GB RAM
Let’s start with a small mini PC with the Intel N100 CPU. The Intel N100 is an absolute entry-level CPU that only has one memory channel and can support DDR4 and DDR5, depending on the system.
In this case I am testing the Geekom Mini Air12 with a 48 GB module. It’s particularly exciting because Intel explicitly says on its website:
Max. storage size (depending on storage type) 16 GB
Is this true?
In the case of the Geekom Mini Air12, no! This accepts the Crucial 48 GB RAM module without any problems. However, this “only” clocks the RAM at 4800 MHz. But it works.
AMD Ryzen 5 6600H and 96GB RAM
Let’s move on to the Beelink SER6. The SER6 relies on the AMD Ryzen 5 6600H. The Ryzen 5 6600H relies on the Zen3+ architecture, so it is not yet a Zen4 chip.
This came onto the market well before the 48 GB RAM modules. Do these work?
Here too the answer is yes! The Beelink SER6 accepts both RAM modules and can therefore have up to 96 GB of RAM.
However, here too the RAM only runs at 4800 MHz.
AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS + 96 GB RAM
The Minisforum UM790 Pro contains the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS, a current and very powerful 8-core CPU that relies on the Zen 4 architecture.
Does this accept 96GB RAM?
Yes! Here too there are no problems with 96 GB of RAM. Here it also runs at the full 5600 MHz.
Framework 16 and 96 GB RAM?
Last but not least, let’s talk about Framework 16. This also relies on the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS. Accordingly, the 96 GB should also work without any problems?
And the answer is yes! The 96 GB of RAM also works here and 5600 MHz is achieved here too.
Conclusion
Although I certainly can’t speak for all systems on the market, I did test them The 96 GB and 48 GB modules from Crucial worked in 4/4 tested systems.
We also looked at three different CPU architectures.
Therefore, in my experience, these memory modules seem to be quite unproblematic.