What determines the maximum RAM I can use?

[SenditMakine]

I have an Huananzhi x99-F8 and in the manufacturers site it says that it can handle 256GB of RAM

Support non-ECC PC and ECC Server memory
Support DDR4 memory, 4 channel up to 8 x 32GB, supports ECC memory modules, with memory error correction.

But on the Intel page(Xeon e5-2620 v3) it says that the CPU can handle 768GB of RAM, I'm not even planning on having all that much memory, I just wish to know which one is right, or if both are right but the motherboard is limiting the cpu max ram capacity

Max Memory Size (dependent on memory type)768 GB

 

[birdie]

In my experience the motherboard has the upper hand when it comes to memory support IOW if it has a certain limit it doesn't matter if your CPU supports more RAM, the motherboard won't let you use it.

 

[Blue4130]

I have an Huananzhi x99-F8 and in the manufacturers site it says that it can handle 256GB of RAM
But on the Intel page(Xeon e5-2620 v3) it says that the CPU can handle 768GB of RAM, I'm not even planning on having all that much memory, I just wish to know which one is right, or if both are right but the motherboard is limiting the cpu max ram capacity

It's a mix of all factors involved. From the max that the cpu allows to the number of slots on the motherboard. That last point is your limiting factor. If you switched to a different board with more memory slots, you could use more (up to the xeons limit)

 

[rethcirE]

Another vote for motherboard, specifically the chipset and corresponding firmware AFAIK. Back in the day I'd say "Northbridge" when things were separated like that. I believe all facets of the chipset are integrated to one unit these days.

 

[300BaudBob]

Sometimes the MB makers just list what they have tested: it's worth checking user reports to see if they will actually support more (if anyone has tried).

 

[Caring1]

... on the Intel page(Xeon e5-2620 v3) it says that the CPU can handle 768GB of RAM

Based on use in a Server board with more Ram slots.

 

[arbiter]

its what ever lowest of cpu or board. in this case the board can't detect past 256gb due to bios.

 

[SenditMakine]

Sometimes the MB makers just list what they have tested: it's worth checking user reports to see if they will actually support more (if anyone has tried).

i was thinking about it, but from the errors that I already got with this mobo, and lack of information I found on the internet, i really doubt it. But if i'm not wrong miyconst tested up to 32Gb on each of the 8 slots.

Another vote for motherboard, specifically the chipset and corresponding firmware AFAIK. Back in the day I'd say "Northbridge" when things were separated like that. I believe all facets of the chipset are integrated to one unit these days.

I see, I did a little digging (I'm no expert about this, pretty much the opposite) and I couldn't understand if this is a Physical limitation, or a Logical one (like the Bios)