Question 1

Is X399 performance better with all 8 memory slots filled or is the performance the same with 4? I.e. buying 4 16gb dimms as opposed to buying 8 8gb dimms?

Accepted Answer

It will be better with 4. I can only get up to 2800mhz with 128gb installed using 3200 trident z. Also, having 8 installed blocks some AIOs. My Kraken x72 only fit if I rotated it so that the logo was vertical AND I still had to shave down some of the plastic around the usb cable head so it would clear the dimms.

This board also posts very slow. It takes over 30 seconds. MSI support says its going to be fixed with an update but I have my doubts. Its still recommend for the 2990wx, but I was expecting more from the ram performance and the boot times are a bummer.

Question 2

Will this board accept sticks of 32 GB ECC memory?

Accepted Answer

i don't think threadripper officially supports ecc memory.  to my knowledge it will run with ecc ram but won't use the parity bit so you effectively are non-ecc memory, but slower clocked than just going non-ecc in the first place.  my advice is go with epyc if you need ecc support.  also, as was suggested go to msi's website for this motherboard and check for supported memory.  i suggest samsung b-die it was most stable on the last threadripper generation.  this is what i used "CMK64GX4M4C3000C15"

Question 3

Can I use AMD or Nvida graphics cards or do you have to use a certain one?

Accepted Answer

you can use either.  i'm planning to go with either a rx 580 or vega 56 if he goes on sale.  if you use linux go with amd, the drivers are better.  rx 580 is enough to drive monitors if you're not trying to game on threadripper which you shouldn't be trying anyway.  vega 56 and vega 64 are great if you can find them at an okay price, especially vega56.  if you find a good deal on rx 580 consider taking it for now and wait to see how navi does in a couple months.  i laugh at the waste of using threadripper on windows but if you are and want max frame rates regardless of price consider the new nvidia rtx cards.  just buy it :) you can also find good deals on 1080ti.

Questions & Answers