Will 48GB of system memory be the next gold standard in PC gaming? Now that Micron has introduced new 24GB and 48GB DDR5 DIMMs, it is at least physically possible.

Based on Micron's latest CL46 1.1V DDR5, this new format runs at 5200 MT/s and 5600 MT/s. It also supports AMD EXPO and Intel XMP 3.0 profiles for smooth and easy compatibility with AMD's Ryzen 7000 series and Intel's 12th and 13th generation Core processors (via Tom's Hardware (new (open in new tab)).

For PC gaming, the new capacities are not immediately compelling: 24GB looks interesting as a midpoint between 16GB and 32GB, but it takes two 24GB sticks to run in optimal dual-channel memory mode. Also, anything over 32GB is pretty much overkill for gaming. In other words, one 24GB stick is not possible, and two is really too much.

In that regard, we are a little afraid that some system builders will be tempted to stick a single 24GB DDR5 in a single-channel mode rig as a cheap way to provide what looks like a proper up of the usual 16GB and not advertise a suboptimal configuration.

After all, Forsaken's recommended specs (open in new tab) include a 24GB midpoint, which is only possible in an optimal dual-channel configuration with a funky 4GB stick alongside an 8GB stick. At least, not the one you would ideally want.

Another issue that is not 100% clear is the maximum memory capacity support. Theoretically, slotting four of these new 48GB DIMMs into a rig would bring the total to 192GB; the maximum capacity of both Intel 13th generation CPUs (open in new tab) and AMD Ryzen 7000 CPUs (open in new tab) is 128GB, and the arrival of 48GB DIMMs I don't see that changing.

In any case, 48GB of RAM will eventually become mainstream and useful for gaming. And Micron's new DIMMs are the first step in that direction, at least in terms of hardware.