MSI is joining other motherboard vendors with BIOS updates for HUDIMM memory.
MSI enables 1×32-bit DDR5 HUDIMM support on Intel boards.
The company says its Intel 800, 700 and 600 Series motherboards are receiving BIOS support for HUDIMM, also called Single Sub-Channel DDR5. MSI defines these modules as 1×32-bit DDR5 memory, compared to regular desktop DDR5 UDIMMs with two 32-bit sub-channels.
Half sub-channel DDR5 for cheaper memory
The idea behind HUDIMM is cost reduction. By using one 32-bit sub-channel instead of two, memory vendors can reduce the number of DRAM chips per module. This should lower production cost, although the final retail price will still depend on memory vendors, availability and store pricing.
MSI says the latest BIOS firmware enables automatic detection and initialization of HUDIMM modules. The company says users do not need to change settings manually after updating the BIOS. The update is available through the official MSI support pages for each motherboard.
HUDIMM memory basically has half the slot disabled (hence the tape “simulation”), Source: ASUS
This is not the first HUDIMM rollout we have covered . ASRock announced support for 1×32-bit DDR5 modules in April, while GIGABYTE later confirmed support for Intel 800, 700 and 600 Series motherboards as well. ASUS also started enabling HUDIMM support on selected Intel boards through beta BIOS releases.
HUDIMM uses half the sub-channel layout of a standard DDR5 UDIMM, so bandwidth per stick is lower . Earlier HUDIMM simulation with ASUS BIOS showed nearly 50% lower bandwidth, which means these modules are aimed at entry-level and office systems rather than high-performance desktops.
Sources: MSI
