For a workstation-class system, you typically see a minimum of 4 RAM slots, and sometimes maybe 8 for the cream of the crop models. While one can just increase RAM capacity by adding more sticks, there’s also the practical limit you have to consider. But how about expanding your RAM through the PCIe slots?
That’s where the GIGABYTE AI Top CXL R5X4 comes in as a dedicated add-in card, running the PM8712 controller sitting on top of a 16-layer PCB paired with a full-metal heatsink and an AIO fan system to keep the memory cool. With 4 slots available, each of them supports up to 128GB RDIMMs, maxing it out at 512GB for another half-terabyte fun.
Of course, GIGABYTE’s own TRX50 AI Top and W790 AI Top motherboards have been certified for compatibility; in theory it should run on any PCIe 5.0 board with CXL 2.0 or 1.1 support. You’ll need an 8-pin EXT12V power connector to feed it, but Gigabyte even tossed in a little LED to show you whether the cable’s plugged in right.
The only catch here is that there’s no pricing info as of now, as well when it will actually come out. But surely workstation folks will be eyeing this one.
