Intel W790 is the workstation platform for Xeon W-2400 and W-3400 processors (2023) and their W-2500 and W-3500 refresh (2024). It uses the LGA4677 socket and DDR5 ECC registered memory. The processor you choose sets the memory: W-3400 and W-3500 run 8 channels and up to 4TB, while W-2400 and W-2500 run 4 channels and up to 2TB.
W790 processors and their memory
| Processor family | Channels | Max memory | Rated speed | PCIe 5.0 lanes | Max cores |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xeon W-3500 (2024) | 8 | 4TB | DDR5-4800 (1DPC) | 112 | 60 |
| Xeon W-3400 (2023) | 8 | 4TB | DDR5-4800 (1DPC), 4400 (2DPC) | 112 | 56 |
| Xeon W-2500 (2024) | 4 | 2TB | DDR5-4800; w3 at 4400 | 64 | 26 |
| Xeon W-2400 (2023) | 4 | 2TB | DDR5-4800; w3 at 4400 | 64 | 24 |
Figures are from Intel's product pages and the W-3500/W-2500 product brief. Intel notes that the 4TB and 2TB maximums need two modules per channel, and that adding a second module per channel can lower the speed.
Memory rules for W790
- DDR5 ECC RDIMM only. Desktop UDIMMs do not work. See ECC UDIMM vs ECC RDIMM.
- Fill every channel. Eight identical modules on a W-3400 or W-3500, four on a W-2400 or W-2500, for full bandwidth. See dual, quad and eight-channel memory.
- Plan the second module per channel. The highest capacities need two modules per channel, which drops the rated speed to DDR5-4400 on most parts.
- Faster modules run at 4800. DDR5-5600 modules work and run at the processor's rated speed unless you overclock.
W790 boards
| Board | Form factor | Slots | Max memory | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS Pro WS W790E-SAGE SE | EEB | 8 | 2TB | 8-channel; overclocked speeds listed to DDR5-6800 |
| ASUS Pro WS W790-ACE | CEB | 8 | 2TB | Quad-channel |
| ASRock W790 WS | EATX | 8 | 2TB | Quad-channel; RDIMM and 3DS RDIMM; 4800 at 1DPC, 4400 at 2DPC |
| GIGABYTE W790 AI TOP | E-ATX | 8 | 2TB | Four slots disabled with W-2400 and W-2500 |
| Supermicro X13SWA-TF | E-ATX | 16 | 4TB (3DS) | 2DPC board; 2TB with W-2400 and W-2500 |
The W790 chipset itself adds up to 28 PCIe 3.0 and 4.0 lanes, 8 SATA ports and up to 5 USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 ports. Intel lists memory overclocking on the chipset, and select X-suffix processors are unlocked.
W790 vs AMD workstations
W790 competes with AMD's Threadripper platforms. AMD's WRX90 runs 8 channels of DDR5-6400 with a Threadripper PRO 9000 WX, up to 2TB; TRX50 runs 4 channels up to 1TB. See WRX90 vs TRX50 for the AMD side.
W790 memory from NEMIX RAM
NEMIX RAM lists DDR5 ECC RDIMM by board and system: the ASUS Pro WS W790-ACE and W790E-SAGE SE (also at DDR5-5600), the ASRock W790 WS and W790 WS R2.0, the Supermicro SYS-551A-T (X13SWA-TF), the Dell Precision 7960 and the Lenovo ThinkStation P7. Browse all DDR5 RDIMM.
Frequently asked questions
What memory does Intel W790 use?
DDR5 ECC registered memory (RDIMM). Unbuffered desktop memory does not work. Intel rates DDR5-4800 at one module per channel and DDR5-4400 at two; w3 processors run DDR5-4400.
How many memory channels does W790 have?
It depends on the processor. Xeon W-3400 and W-3500 have 8 channels and up to 4TB. Xeon W-2400 and W-2500 have 4 channels and up to 2TB.
Can W790 overclock memory?
Intel lists memory overclocking support on the W790 chipset, and select X-suffix processors are unlocked. Boards such as the ASUS Pro WS W790E-SAGE SE list overclocked speeds above DDR5-4800.
Does a Xeon W-2500 work in a W790 board?
Yes. The W-3500 and W-2500 refresh uses the same LGA4677 socket and W790 chipset, usually after a BIOS update.
Why are some slots unused with a W-2400 or W-2500?
Those processors have 4 memory channels. On some 8-slot boards, such as the GIGABYTE W790 AI TOP, four slots are disabled with a W-2400 or W-2500.
Buying for more than one system
IT teams and integrators that maintain Xeon W workstations for engineering, VFX or research teams can standardize on one kit per model. Request a quote with your models and quantities, or send us your system model and we will confirm the right module before you order.
Steps and rules are summarized from the vendors' published documentation; follow the guide for your exact model.