How Much RAM Can an i5 Processor Support?

Intel’s mid-range processor, Core i5 is widely known for its superb optimization and cost-effective pricing.

Among Intel’s wide range of processors, i5 is a must-have choice for the latest PCs.

Core i5 is well-known for being the most balanced processor because of its ability to perform all sorts of tasks necessary for the present era.

Intel Core i5 processors have different support limits in terms of RAM which varies from in its generation. All the generations after the 9th Gen Core i5 can support up to 128 of RAM.

There are other parts like the motherboard that play a part in how much RAM the processor can intake and utilize.

Knowing Your Core i5 Processor

Core i5 was first released back in 2009 and released upgraded versions every year.

Intel created the core i5 processor to meet the mid-tier demands of a PC user. Up until now, i5 can accomplish complicated tasks such as photo/video editing, graphics designing, playing AAA games, and streaming HD videos.

Generations of Intel processors play a vital role in the PC’s power and output. A 2nd Gen Core i5 can never accomplish or support the amount of memory that a 10th Gen Core i5 can.

In such a way, the generation upgrade matters when it comes to adding more RAM to your already existing Core i5 processor.

Core i5 Maximum RAM Capacity

Before thinking of buying or adding more RAM to your desktop or laptop, check the generation of the i5 processor used in your CPU. Since Core i5 has different limits for different generations, they have all been compiled here for your convenience.

In case you’re unfamiliar with current PCs, you can check the generic version from the About your PC tab in the System Settings menu.

i5 Processor ModelGenerationMaximum RAM capacity*
Core i5-1240012th128 GB
Core™ i5-1140011th128 GB
Core™ i5-1040010th128 GB
Core™ i5-94009th128 GB
Core i5-84008th128 GB
Core i5-74007th64 GB
Core i5-64006th64 GB
Intel Core i5 Desktop Processor Maximum RAM Capacity

*Maximum RAM capacity is dependent on the type of RAM you are using.

8th Gen & Newer i5 Generations

It’s common knowledge that all the i5 processors can handle at least 8GB of RAM. However, most 8th Gen and newer i5 processors can handle up to 128 GB of RAM. This varies from motherboard to motherboard and it doesn’t apply to laptops. Laptops have their RAM limitations which almost have the half limit of desktop processors.

64-bit CPUs can address a theoretical maximum of 16 exabytes of memory but the practical limit of 64-bit CPUs is 8 TB of addressable RAM. The support also depends on the type of RAM a processor can support. The 9th Gen+ i5 processors support DDR4 memory and they can hold up to 128GB of RAM.

7th Gen and Older i5 Generations

Intel has made a huge leap from 7th Gen to the 8th Gen Core i5 because the i5 processor below 7th Gen can support up to 32GB of RAM. The maximum support also varies depending on your processor model and the type of RAM your motherboard supports. Nonetheless, 32GB is the maximum RAM for most of the 7th Gen and under Core i5 processors.

Questions may arise like although the 7th Gen Core i5 processor supports DDR4 memory types, why can’t they support 64GB or 128GB of RAM? The simple answer is that the versions aren’t upgraded enough to support large memory sizes. That’s why Intel upgraded and released the 8th Gen and so on.

Final Words

Intel Core i5 is the benchmark for maintaining a smooth and multitasking PC in the present decade. So, the most important aspect of this processor is its generation upgrades.

Currently, Core i5 has 12 Generation upgrades which differ in power and output from each other. For this reason, the RAM support varies too.

Finally, it’s wise to say that Core i5 supports up to 128GB of RAM for the 8th to 12th Gen, while the older generations have a RAM limit of 32GB but only for desktops.

RAM limits for laptops with i5 processors are less than desktop i5 processors and differ from one another. The limit may vary depending on the motherboard’s RAM type support too. So, check your PC’s system info before adding more RAM to your Core i5 processor PC.

Chris Martin is a professional tech writer. He's been covering tech tutorials, hardware reviews, and more as a professional writer for over seven years now and it doesn't look like he'll be stopping anytime soon! In addition to writing about the latest gadgets on the market, he also covers topics such as how to set up your home network or troubleshoot any computer problems you may have.

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