Skip to main content

G.Skill's newest DDR4 memory should make it a little easier to wait for DDR5

Trident Z RGB - Lighting Effects & X99 Support
The next wave in PC memory, DDR5, is set to be introduced in 2018 with significantly improved performance. In the meantime, PC builders and buyers will need to settle with today’s fastest option, DDR4 RAM and, fortunately, memory makers are not standing still in terms of making that specification perform the best it can.

One example is G.Skill, which is introducing some high-capacity memory hitting some blisteringly fast clock speeds and offering up some RGB lighting for a customizable aesthetic. Specifically, the company is releasing new ultra-high capacity Trident Z RGB DDR4 memory kits utilizing 16GB modules and designed for Intel X99 and Z270 chipsets.

First, Trident Z RGB modules are available in sets of eight for PCs utilizing the Z99 chipset, allowing for 64GB (8 x 8GB) and 128GB (8 x 16GB) configurations. The modules will run at DDR4-3,466MHz (CL16-18-18-38) with 8GB x 8 and at DDR4-3,333MHz (CL16-18-18-38) with 16GB x 8.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Next, performance will reach even higher levels with Intel Z270 systems, albeit with slightly lower capacity. When configured with two 16GB modules, the resulting 32GB RAM will operate at DDR4-3,866MHz (CL18-18-38).

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Both sets of DDR4 modules will support G.Skill’s RGB lighting effects, with a dedicated lighting control application for complete customizability. XMP 2.0 support will also be provided for stress-free overclocking.

The following table provides a full list of the new parts and their complete specifications. The line’s frequencies will range from 2,400MHz up to 3,866MHz, in a variety of configurations providing for a wide range of capacities up to a full 128GB of very fast RAM.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

G.Skill will be releasing the new Trident Z RGP memory kits in May and has not yet provided full pricing information. Each module will be covered by the company’s limited lifetime warranty to provide buyers with a sense of security to go along with the dramatic increase in performance and capacity.

Mark Coppock
Mark has been a geek since MS-DOS gave way to Windows and the PalmPilot was a thing. He’s translated his love for…
DDR5 RAM will be much faster than DDR4, but it comes with one major compromise
A corsair cooler with DDR5 RAM around it.

DDR5 memory is on the horizon, and leading manufacturers are gearing up for its release. Corsair is one of the brands that is preparing to release DDR5 RAM soon. The company revealed more about the possibilities of DDR5 RAM, as well as some of the difficulties, including the fact that it will run much hotter than DDR4.

The warm-up is not a surprise. The best RAM in the DDR5 lineup is going to be up to 4 times more powerful than its predecessor, thus generating more heat. However, according to George Makris, Corsair's DIY Marketing Director, the reason also lies in the design of the memory module itself.

Read more
Corsair’s DDR5 RAM is up to four times better than DDR4 — and it’s coming soon
Close up shot of the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB memory in white.

Corsair has joined the ranks of RAM manufacturers who are gearing up for the upcoming release of the Intel Alder Lake processors. The company announced that preparations are well underway and we can expect to see the new DDR5 RAM modules hit the shelves later this year. Corsair also revealed the expected bandwidth and capacity of the new DDR5 memory sticks, promising performance unlike anything we've seen in the era of DDR4.

DDR4 RAM had a good run, but with the next generation of CPUs on the horizon, it's on the way out the door. Corsair claims that we will see massive improvements in memory speed and capacity. Compared to one of Corsair's 3200MHz DDR4 RAM modules, the newly announced 6400MHz DDR5 stick is an enormous step up.

Read more