Socket 1156 CPUs, as well as Intel socket 1366 and AMD processors, have an integrated memory controller. All other Intel CPUs use an external memory controller, located on the northbridge chip (also known as MCH, Memory Controller Hub) of the chipset. It means in this processors the chipset (better said, the motherboard) is the key component that says what technologies and how much memory you can install in your computer.

Since now the memory controller is inside the CPU, it is the processor, and not the chipset, that defines the memory technologies and the maximum amount of memory you can have. The motherboard, however, may have a limitation as to how much memory can be installed.

At the moment, the integrated memory controller of socket 1156 processors supports only DDR3 memories up to 1,333 MHz under dual-channel architecture, however Gigabyte says P55-UD6 supports DDR3 memories up to 2600 MHz through overclocking. P55-UD6 has six DDR3 sockets (which is commonly seen only in socket 1366 motherboards) and the moment each DDR3 memory module can have up to 4 GB, but it supports up to 16 GB because it does not support six double side modules (i. e., modules with memory chips soldered in both sides), but only four double side modules or a combination of two double side modules and four single side modules (which have chips only in one side of the module).

In order to achieve the maximum performance you should install two, four or six memory modules to enable dual-channel architecture. When only two modules are used make sure to install them on the white sockets. If you install six modules, the ones installed on blue sockets must be single sided.

click to enlarge
Figure 6: Memory modules. Install two, four or six modules for the best performance.

Near the memory sockets there is a big power button, which allows you to turn your computer on with no need to connect the motherboard to a case panel. It is a great feature when there is a small button to do this, and having a big one is almost a enthusiast dream.