On Tuesday, G.Skill unveiled its latest innovation in memory technology: ultra-low-latency DDR5-6400 memory modules with a CAS latency of just 30 clocks. It’s a record-breaking feat in the world of DDR5-6400 sticks, offering some of the most competitive timings we’ve seen yet. These modules are designed to work seamlessly with both AMD and Intel CPU-based systems.
Every iteration of DDR memory brings with it higher data transfer rates and, typically, longer relative latencies. For most applications, the boosted bandwidth compensates for the higher timings. However, there are still instances where low latency is key. The challenge? Minimizing latencies can be tougher than simply increasing data rates, which is why low-latency modules are a rarity.
Despite this, G.Skill seems to have succeeded in selecting the perfect DDR5 memory chips and developing compatible printed circuit boards. This has allowed them to craft DDR5-6400 modules featuring CL30 timings, a significant improvement over the industry-standard CL46 timings recommended by JEDEC for this category. Essentially, while JEDEC-specified modules sport an absolute latency of 14.375 nanoseconds, G.Skill’s offering reduces this to just 9.375 nanoseconds, a drop of around 35%.
Coming in at 16 GB capacity, these DDR5-6400 CL30 39-39-102 modules will be available in 32 GB dual-channel kits. G.Skill hasn’t mentioned the voltage specifics, but it’s likely these are higher than JEDEC’s standard recommendations.
G.Skill plans to roll out these DDR5-6400 modules for both AMD systems with EXPO profiles—such as the Trident Z5 Neo RGB and Trident Z5 Royal Neo—and Intel setups with XMP 3.0 profiles, including the Trident Z5 RGB and Trident Z5 Royal. The new modules should prove especially advantageous for AMD’s Ryzen 7000 and 9000 series processors, given the AM5 systems’ typical memory cap of 6000 to 6400 MT/s.
It’s worth noting that these modules are non-standard and won’t be compatible with just any system. They’re built to work on high-end motherboards paired with properly cooled CPUs.
Expect to see these cutting-edge memory kits hitting the global market through G.Skill’s partners starting late August 2024. While pricing details are still under wraps, it’s reasonable to anticipate that these premium, one-of-a-kind modules will carry a price tag to match.
