On Tuesday, G.Skill unveiled its cutting-edge, ultra-low-latency DDR5-6400 memory modules, boasting an impressive CAS latency of 30 clocks. This development marks a significant leap in the market, promising to deliver some of the snappiest timings for DDR5-6400 sticks available today. These modules are designed to support both AMD and Intel CPU systems, ensuring a wide range of applicability.
As each new generation of DDR memory rolls out, we witness a race towards higher data transfer rates coupled with unavoidable rises in latency. For most applications, the increased bandwidth outweighs the downsides of these higher timings. But for those niche scenarios where low latency is king, finding modules that deliver becomes a challenge. Reducing latency often proves more difficult than simply boosting data rates, which makes these low-latency modules rare gems in the market.
G.Skill seems to have cracked the code, carefully selecting high-performing DDR5 memory chips and pairing them with precisely designed printed circuit boards to create DDR5-6400 modules with CL30 timings. This achievement dwarfs the JEDEC-suggested CL46 timings for this speed category. To put it in perspective, standard JEDEC modules come with an absolute latency of 14.375 ns, whereas G.Skill’s innovative modules shave that down to a swift 9.375 ns, translating to a formidable reduction of roughly 35%.
The new DDR5-6400 CL30 39-39-102 modules come in 16 GB capacities and will be packaged in 32 GB dual-channel kits. Interestingly, G.Skill has opted to keep mum on the specific voltages, though it’s expected they run higher than JEDEC’s typical standards. These modules are tailored for both AMD systems supporting EXPO profiles, like the Trident Z5 Neo RGB and Trident Z5 Royal Neo, as well as Intel PCs with XMP 3.0 profiles, such as the Trident Z5 RGB and Trident Z5 Royal.
For AMD’s AM5 platforms, which ideally cap at a 6000 MT/s – 6400 MT/s for DDR5 due to the constraints of AMD’s Infinity Fabric running at a 1:1 ratio, these new modules offer a fantastic match, particularly for the Ryzen 7000 and Ryzen 9000-series processors. However, G.Skill advises caution: these non-standard modules won’t work with just any setup. They demand high-end motherboards and efficient CPU cooling solutions to function optimally.
Expect these trailblazing ultra-low-latency memory kits to hit global markets through G.Skill’s partners starting in late August 2024. While pricing remains a mystery, they’re pegged to cater to the premium segment, given their specialty nature and distinctive specifications.
