G.Skill Launches Low-Latency DDR5 Memory Modules: CL30 at 6400 MT/s

On Tuesday, G.Skill unveiled its cutting-edge DDR5-6400 memory modules with an ultra-low latency of just 30 clock cycles. This advancement marks a significant leap in performance, highlighting some of the industry’s most competitive timings for DDR5-6400 sticks, making them compatible with both AMD and Intel CPU systems.

Each iteration of DDR memory tends to boost data transfer rates while also expanding relative latencies. Generally, most applications benefit from the increased bandwidth, which balances out the higher timings. However, there are specific applications that prioritize lower latencies. While enhancing transfer rates is often a simpler task, reducing latencies presents a bigger challenge, which is why there’s a scarcity of low-latency modules in the market.

In response to this challenge, G.Skill has successfully sourced a selection of high-quality DDR5 memory chips and crafted optimal printed circuit boards, culminating in DDR5-6400 modules with an impressive CL30 timing. This offers a marked improvement over the CL46 timing standard recommended by JEDEC for this speed, translating to a remarkable absolute latency of 9.375 ns, a notable 35% reduction from the 14.375 ns of standard modules.

The DDR5-6400 CL30 39-39-102 modules from G.Skill come with a 16 GB capacity and are sold in 32 GB dual-channel kits. While the company hasn’t revealed the operating voltages, it’s expected that they exceed JEDEC’s standard levels.

G.Skill is gearing up to release these modules for both AMD systems, featuring EXPO profiles (Trident Z5 Neo RGB and Trident Z5 Royal Neo), and Intel systems with XMP 3.0 profiles (Trident Z5 RGB and Trident Z5 Royal). Notably, AMD AM5 systems, which handle DDR5 memory up to 6400 MT/s—thanks to AMD’s Infinity Fabric limitations—stand to gain the most from these advancements, particularly benefiting the Ryzen 7000 and 9000-series processors.

It’s important to note, however, that these non-standard modules won’t be universally compatible; they’ll match best with high-end motherboards equipped with adequate CPU cooling solutions.

G.Skill plans to roll out these high-performance kits globally with their partner networks starting late August 2024. As for pricing, the company hasn’t released specific figures yet, but given the unique specifications and premium nature of these products, they’re expected to carry a higher price tag.