Review of Crucial 32GB DDR5-6400 CL52 RAM

The DDR5 memory market has been buzzing with activity lately as it becomes the norm across PC platforms. With the cost of memory dropping and new platforms becoming more budget-friendly, manufacturers are pushing out new options, some with top-tier features and others that cater specifically to gamers.

Crucial, a brand under Micron, stepped into the game last year with its first DDR5 UDIMMs for desktops. More recently, they introduced the PRO overclocking series, boasting speeds of up to 6000 MT/s. These were built on JEDEC standards to ensure broad compatibility across PCs. However, the PRO series aims at high-performance platforms. Now, Crucial unveils its first-generation CUDIMM memory kits. These feature a clock driver, designed to boost speeds on the latest systems like Intel’s Core Ultra 200S series.

In today’s review, I’ll be diving into the Crucial CUDIMM DDR5-6400 memory kit, which comes in a dual 16 GB module setup, totaling 32 GB.

Specifications of Crucial CUDIMM 32 GB DDR5-6400 Memory Kit

The pair of DIMMs we received offers a combined 32 GB capacity, with each stick housing 16 GB. Crucial mentioned plans for larger modules, with 64 GB options set to launch next year. The timing for these modules is advertised as CL52, with timings at 52-52-52-103, and a voltage of 1.1V. These unbuffered kits come with an on-die ECC design and comply with Intel’s XMP 3.0 and AMD’s EXPO standards, allowing users to achieve rated speeds via BIOS updates on supported motherboards.

• Series: Crucial CUDIMM series
• Module Type: 288 Pin Unbuffered DIMM On-Die ECC
• Capacity: 16GBx2
• Frequency: DDR5-6400
• Latency: CL52-52-52-103
• Tested Voltage: 1.1V
• Heat Spreader: None

No heat spreaders are provided, underlining a focus on stability rather than high heat or overclocking environments.

Unboxing and Close-Up of Crucial CUDIMM 32 GB DDR5-6400 Memory Kit

Upon unboxing, the kit is encased in a plastic shell. The front features the name and spec sticker, allowing you to view the module even while it’s still packed.

The reverse side, while sparse, does highlight some of the DDR5 DRAM features present on the module.

It’s important to note these modules come without heat sinks. However, their sleek black PCB coating ensures a clean aesthetic suited for any build.

The modules are marked with DRAM chips and a PMIC chip. Notably, the clock driver stands out as a crucial component, allowing for speed enhancements beyond traditional DIMMs.

Memory Test Setup by Wccftech

For evaluation, I paired the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 285K CPU with the MSI MEG Z890 Unify-X motherboard for testing the new CUDIMM kits. For comparison, the Intel Core i9 14900K and MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX motherboard were employed for other memory kits. While both setups are capable of high-frequency support, the Z890 board excels at handling fast CUDIMM modules effortlessly.

Performance Testing of DDR5 Memory Kits

The performance assessment is split into two parts. One side reviews synthetic and general workloads; the other looks at gaming effects from different memory speeds.

For synthetic tests, benchmarks like Super PI—popular for testing overclocking stability and performance—are used, showing how memory tweaks impact speed.

Gaming Performance Tests

Gaming performance doesn’t always see massive boosts from memory upgrades, but DDR5’s increased frequencies can indeed offer noticeable improvements. Switching from DDR4’s 2133 Mbps to over 6000 Mbps can see significant gains. Improved CAS timings in high-end versions can bump up FPS and enhance system responsiveness.

Final Thoughts – Clock Driver Elevates DDR5 for Future Platforms

Crucial’s DDR5 modules focus on reliability while aligning with the JEDEC spec, providing users the opportunity to customize performance to their liking. Their CUDIMM kit with 6400 MT/s speeds shines, especially with Intel’s new Core Ultra 200S CPUs. Despite the impressive specs, consumers looking for more affordability might struggle with the $169.99 US price point. Competing kits offer similar specs with additional designs and RGB, often for less.

The difference between 6400 MT/s CUDIMMs and slower kits isn’t gigantic for gamers. The boost might only reflect a 2-4% gain in FPS, depending on the application. Given that, patience might be wise as prices are likely to drop. If you’re investing around $200 in memory, considering higher-speed kits at 7000 MT/s+ might be worthwhile.

Nonetheless, Crucial should be credited for paving the way with CUDIMM. We’re likely to see more from them with higher-capacity modules set for the future. They’re also prepping CSODIMM modules for mobile platforms, which could showcase CUDIMM’s full potential in laptops. For enthusiasts seeking a straightforward yet powerful RAM solution, the Crucial DDR5 CUDIMM kit is a solid choice for modern builds.