AMD CPUs have an embedded memory controller, meaning that it is the processor, not the chipset, that defines what memory technologies you can have and the maximum amount of memory that is possible. The motherboard, however, may have a limitation as to how much memory can be installed.

The integrated memory controller from socket FM2 processors supports DDR3 memories up to 1,866 MHz. According to MSI, the FM2-A85XA-GD65 supports memories up to 2,133 MHz.

The MSI FM2-A85XA-GD65 has four memory sockets. Since DDR3 memory modules can be found in capacities up to 8 GB, you can have up to 32 GB with this motherboard if you use four 8 GB modules.

In order to enable the dual-channel mode, you must install two or four memory modules. On the MSI FM2-A85XA-GD65, two memory sockets are black and two are blue. In order to enable the dual-channel mode when installing two memory modules, simply install the memory modules in sockets with the same color.

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Figure 3: Memory sockets; install two or four modules for the best performance