SK hynix has unveiled the fastest DDR5 MCR DIMM server memory - it is 80% faster than standard modules

SK hynix has announced the fastest DDR5 server memory modules - it has 8000 MT/s (or 8 Gbit/s).
This is about 80% faster than the standard DDR5-4800 modules used in the server segment.
The key feature of SK hynix DDR5-8000 server memory is Multiplexer Combined Ranks (MCR) technology, developed in collaboration with Intel and Renesas.
By using a special chip developed by Renesas that acts as a data buffer, SK hynix has made it possible to simultaneously use two memory ranks (chips on both sides of the module) to increase the data channel width to 128 bits instead of the usual 64 bits.
The Renesas chip acts as an intermediate between the CPU and the RAM module, as shown in the diagram below.
The new memory architecture provides the ability to simultaneously route twice as much information to the CPU as conventional DRAM modules.
As a result, achieved a significant increase in the speed of the modules without the need to increase the frequency of the memory chips themselves.According to the vice president and general manager of memory interface development division in Renesas, Sameer Kuppahalli (Sameer Kuppahalli), the development of the data buffer took three years of intensive work.
Intel, on the other hand, says it is looking forward to the application of MCR technology by future Xeon platforms.
SK hynix expects that the new memory will be in demand in the HPC-segment, but it has not yet announced the date of mass production of MCR DIMM memory.

Intel has confirmed that the flagship Core i9-13900K supports DDR5-7600 memory modules

At the Innovation 2022 event, Intel confirmed that its 13th generation Core processors support RAM up to DDR5-5600 standard without overclocking.
Now we know that the flagship Core i9-13900K processor also announced support for DDR5-7600 memory, but overclocked with Intel XMP 3.0 profiles.Image source: VideoCardzIntel XMP technology allows you to automatically select the best memory profile for your intended use, determining the frequency and latency values when booting up the system.
Overclocking memory tweaks can usually take hours to complete and test results, and Intel has offered to save time with default memory tuning profiles from the RAM manufacturer.
Intel has a list of XMP 3.0 profiles which specify the optimal settings for certain memory modules to be overclocked.
Recently Intel has updated this list.
The fastest memory modules listed in the XMP 3.0 profiles are G.Skill's ones that were tested on ASUS Z790 ROG Maximus Hero and Apex motherboards.
The lists indicate that DDR5-7466 and DDR5-7600 standard RAM modules can run at 1.4V and CL36 timings, as part of configurations with a Core i9-13900K processor.
Below is a list of memory modules that work at these settings:G-Skill DDR5-7466 CL36 - F5-7466J3648G16GX2-TZ5RKG-Skill DDR5-7466 CL36 - F5-7466J3648G16GX2-TZ5RKG-Skill DDR5-7600 CL36 - F5-7600J3648G16GX2-TZ5RK Image Source: IntelWe should clarify that currently the fastest DDR5 memory kit available from G.
Skill is the Trident Z5 RGB DDR5-6600.
As for the RAM kits listed above, they have not yet gone on sale.

Analysts predict that by early 2023 the gap in the price of DDR4- and DDR5-memory will become insignificant

Contract prices for DDR5, which only for July decreased by 20%, will continue to fall until the end of this year, reports DigiTimes, citing sources related to the memory module manufacturers.
They believe that by the end of the current - early next year, prices will approach the optimal point (sweet spot), when the gap between chips DDR5 and DDR4 leveled.Image source: skhynix.comSources of Taiwan resource note that the supply of DDR5 chips in 2021 were limited due to lack of other components - logic and circuit power management, which caused a significant rise in price next-generation memory modules.
Now we see the reverse processes: the reduction of the components deficit and the low consumer demand for PCs and consumer electronics, amid negative macroeconomic factors in the 2nd quarter of 2022 led to a decrease in contract prices for DDR5 chips - in July alone they fell in price by 10-15% compared to DDR4.
Therefore, the expansion of production will be gradual, given the threats posed by stagnant demand.
All of these processes will certainly have a beneficial effect on the DRAM market for the consumer in 2023.
However, the spread of DDR5 in the PC segment is expected to be slower than in the areas of industrial and server equipment - prices will still be considered high.

AMD introduced EXPO technology for easy overclocking of RAM on Socket AM5 platform

During the nightly presentation of Ryzen 7000 processors and new Socket AM5 platform, AMD also officially introduced new technology that is designed to make overclocking of DDR5 RAM much easier.
It is named AMD Extended Profiles for Overclocking or AMD EXPO for short.Image source: AMDEXPO is an alternative to Intel XMP 3.0 technology.
It is specifically designed for Socket AM5 platform and Ryzen 7000 processors, and allows the user to easily select the desired speed of RAM operation within RAM profiles, announced by the manufacturer.
According to AMD company, using EXPO technology allows to easily increase the gaming system performance at 1080p resolution by up to 11%, and reduce the memory lag to around 63 ns.
AMD said it aims to distribute EXPO under a free and royalty-free license, which will accelerate its adoption by memory manufacturers.
The company said that many manufacturers have already adopted AMD EXPO and are about to release more than 15 bundles of EXPO memory modules with effective frequencies up to 6,400 MHz.
These companies include ADATA, Corsair, GeiL, G.Skill, Kingston and others, for example.
The first DDR5 RAM modules with support for overclocking profiles have already been introduced.
For example, such solutions were announced by GeIL, Corsair and G.Skill.

Silicon Power announced XPower Zenith DDR5 RAM up to 6000MHz

Silicon Power announced XPower Zenith DDR5 UDIMM RAM modules and kits based on them, designed for use in high-performance desktop computers and gaming stations.
Image source: Silicon PowerThe products will be offered in 5200 MHz (CL38), 5600 MHz (CL40) and 6000 MHz (CL40) versions.
In the first two cases the supply voltage is 1.25V, in the third - 1.35V.
The individual modules have capacities of 8, 16 and 32 GB.
Available in bundles of two with a total capacity of 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB, respectively, they are equipped with an aluminum heat sink for improved cooling and are available in white or black.
Customers can choose between multicolor RGB backlighting and non-backlit versions.PMIC (Power Management System) ensures uninterrupted power supply.
To unleash the full potential of DDR5, the XMP 3.0 expansion modules offer additional overclocking options.
The modules are thoroughly tested and backed by a lifetime warranty.

Transcend introduced DDR5 modules for laptops, desktops and servers

Transcend has announced new DDR5 standard RAM modules for a wide range of equipment.
This can be desktop PCs, laptops, media centers, as well as business-class devices.Image source: transcendBe available in desktop DIMM and ECC DIMM, mobile SO-DIMM and ECC SO-DIMM, as well as Registered DIMM solutions for servers and desktop workstations.
Depending on the modification, the modules have a capacity of 8, 16 and 32 GB.
The operating frequency starts from 4800 MHz at a supply voltage of 1.1 V.
Currently organized by the mass production of products, in addition, are carried out comprehensive compatibility tests.
It should be noted that the DDR5 modules contain a built-in power management integrated circuit (PMIC) for accurate data transfer and improve energy efficiency.
Transcend DDR5-4800 DRAMs come with a lifetime warranty.
Price is not disclosed.

DDR5 modules in the last six months noticeably fell in price in the global market

Prices of DDR5 standard RAM modules are still significantly higher than DDR4 memory, but over the past six months have fallen to more or less acceptable values.
That's according to Tom's Hardware, which analyzed offers from major U.S.
computer stores like Newegg and Amazon.Image source: ComputerBase.deIt makes sense that low-speed DDR5 modules with high timings are more affordable.
In this case the price for 1 GB of memory will be around $6-7 or $120-130 for a set of two modules with a total of 16 GB.
This is considerably less than the price, which sellers were asking for memory of the new standard at the start of its sales.
Sets cheaper than $ 500-1000 at that time to find in the free sale in principle not possible.
Fortunately, the manufacturers of DDR5 memory chips optimize their production, the lack of components weakened, and it is only natural that the modules of the new memory standard began to get cheaper.
At the same time, Tom's Hardware notes that the decline in prices is observed not only in the U.S., but also in Europe.
The data confirms the German portal ComputerBase, which reports that the average price per gigabyte of DDR5 memory on the European market has dropped to nearly €5.
In the U.S., the most affordable sets of DDR5 memory with a total capacity of 16 GB offered by brands Crucial, Kingston and Patriot.
Variants with a frequency of 4800 MHz and CL40 timings can be purchased for $110-120.
Faster kits with 5200-5600 MHz and CL40-CL36 timings are available for $120-180.
Sets of two DDR5 RAM cards of 16 GB each (32 GB total) at 5200 to 5600 MHz and CL34-CL36 timings can be found for less than $250.Image source: Tom's HardwareFor even higher speed modules with 6000 MHz and CL32-CL36 timings you would have to pay over $300.
This is still very expensive, but much cheaper than a few months ago.
For example, back in December last year, a 32GB set of G.Skill Trident Z DDR5-6000 CL36 RAM was offered for $4000 (four thousand dollars).
In January, its price dropped to $800.
And today the exact same memory and even with lower latencies can be found \"only\" for $380.It is very likely that by the release of Ryzen 7000 processors, which will work exclusively with DDR5, memory modules will fall even further in price.

Corsair releases fastest RAM - Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 with 6600 MHz

Corsair has announced the fastest commercially available Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5-6600 RAM modules.
They are offered in kits of two 16GB modules.
Thus, the total volume of the kit is 32 GB.Image source: CorsairThe manufacturer notes that the memory modules Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5-6600 work with low timings 32-39-39-76, at a voltage of 1.40 V.
Like all models of Dominator Platinum RGB series, new items are equipped with high aluminum radiators with RGB-lighting.
32 Gb Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5-6600 DRAM kits have already appeared in Corsair's official online store.
The manufacturer values them at $430.
The company notes that not all 12th-generation Intel Core processors support memory with such high frequencies, so it recommends using a Core i9-12900K chip with them.
And, preferably, a select sample.
In addition, it points out the need to use a flagship motherboard, such as ASUS ROG Strix Z690-F or ROG Maximus Z690 Hero.