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It seems that almost every day we receive information about ever higher DDR5 memory speeds. Less than two weeks ago I wrote about the upcoming Trident Z5 DDR5-6800 CL32 memory from G.Skill (opens in a new tab). While that kit may be impressive, it looks like just a tease of what Intel’s 13th Gen CPUs will ultimately be capable of.
Intel has expanded its list of XMP 3.0 supporting memory kits (opens in a new tab) (via Benchlife (opens in a new tab)). The latest kits go up to 7600MHz. Yes, DDR5-7600. The kit in question is made by G.Skill, and validated on the upcoming Maximus Z790 Apex motherboard from Asus. There is also a 7466MHz kit, also made by G.Skill but this time it was validated on the more mundane Z790 Hero as well as the Apex.
Several other high-speed kits are listed, with Teamgroup, Kingston and Adata all having kits at 7000MHz or beyond. It is interesting to note that not all have 2x16GB capacities. There are several 2x32GB sets that run at an amazing 7200MHz. That’s a good indicator that the 13th Gen memory controller has received an upgrade. None of the fastest kits are validated (not yet at least) on 12th Gen processors.
Those very fast modules will probably use second-generation Hynix A-die chips. Memory based on the first generation Micron and Samsung cannot reach those speeds, while the best currently available kits in the 6400MHz to 6600MHz range use Hynix M-die. DDR5 is really getting better all the time. And, it has many years of development ahead of it.
As DDR5 speeds increase, all remaining latency concerns fade into the rearview mirror. With exceptions, gaming tends to be sensitive to latency, so good quality DDR4 gear is still perfectly viable, even if it runs at half the speed of DDR5. But as speeds cross the 7000MHz threshold, 7200MHz on a C34 almost matches a top spec 3600 C14 set. Although secondary and tertiary timings are still above those of the best DDR4 kits, the actual differences should be pale. Plus, you have the advantage of having double the bandwidth.
More RAM
Best RAM DDR5 (opens in a new tab): the latest and greatest
Best RAM DDR4 (opens in a new tab): affordable and fast
What we don’t know is the price of these mega kits. DDR5 still has a price increase over DDR4, and these very fast kits are sure to be very expensive. The 7000MHz+ 2x32GB kits will cost a ridiculous amount. Hopefully that won’t last forever as production ramps up, especially with demand increasing as Ryzen 7000 and 13th Gen upgrades hit the market.
I’m personally looking forward to getting my hands on some of this second generation DDR5. I may not need it, but I sure want it.
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