GIGABYTE has introduced the AI Top CXL R5X4, an add-in card designed to dramatically boost memory capacity on high-end workstation motherboards.
The card occupies a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot and supports up to 512GB of DDR5 RDIMM across four slots, making it a flexible alternative to fixed-capacity CXL modules from other vendors. And it is built around Microchip’s PM8712 controller and cooled with Gigabyte’s “CXL Thermal Armor” design, combining a full-metal shroud with active airflow from an integrated fan. Power delivery comes through a standard 8-pin EXT12V connector with an LED indicator for proper installation.
Compatibility is officially listed for Gigabyte’s TRX50 AI Top and W790 AI Top motherboards, though the card should function on any PCIe 5.0 platform with CXL 2.0 or 1.1 support. Supported memory speeds currently top out at DDR5-6800 according to Gigabyte’s latest qualified vendor list, though some RDIMMs have reached DDR5-8800 in testing.
But sadly, the brand has not disclosed launch timing or pricing for the AI Top CXL R5X4, but the card is a nice derivative strategy on how vendors are positioning CXL as a scalable way to extend system memory for AI workloads and data-intensive applications.
