XPG Lancer RGB DDR5-6000 RAM review: Higher launch DDR5 data transfer rate comes at a price

DDR5 RAM is the next big switch for the PC industry, with Intel already supporting the next generation of memory with its 12th generation processor family. AMD is only a close second, stating that the next generation of Ryzen processors will follow. DDR5 promises exceptional speeds, lower power consumption and many other improvements.

We’re early in the launch of DDR5, and it already has an uphill battle against high-end DDR4 kits when you compare performance in benchmarks and real-world scenarios. Where DDR5 will shine is with further development to speeds above 6000 MT/s, which is precisely where this XPG Lancer RGB DDR5-6000 kit comes in.

We reviewed the XPG Lancer DDR5-5200, which was about on par with a handful of high-end DDR4 kits. This RAM kit was clocked at 5200MT/s with a latency score of CL38, and the 6000MT/s RGB modules we have today are at CL40. Read on for more details on this sleek RAM, as well as how it affects system performance.

We’re reviewing the XPG Lancer RGB DDR5-6000 32GB RAM Kit for $500. That’s pretty high for memory, but DDR5 is expensive regardless of speeds. Then there’s also the RGB lighting, which allows this kit to command a pretty hefty price tag.

If you’re not looking for ultra-fast DDR5 RAM, it’s possible to strike a deal on more affordable, but slower modules. Then there’s DDR4, which is more affordable. Take Corsair’s excellent Vengeance RAM for example. You can find these kits for as little as $100 and that’s for 32 GB at 3200 MT/s with a latency of just C16 (compared to the C40 in this XPG Lancer kit).

XPG Launch DDR5-6000 RGB RAM: what is good

ADATA has done a solid job with the non-RGB Lancer RAM modules, and the XPG Lancer RGB kits are no different. They are sleek with a premium look and feel. Both heatsinks have XPG branding and a DDR5 badge, just to remind you that you’re using the best thing around.

XPG Lancer RGB DDR5-6000 is fast RAM for your next PC build.

The heatsinks are made of aluminum and are relatively thick, reaching around 2mm. They make full contact with the eight modules, located on one side of the DIMM. The next side is left bare, this is where DDR5 makes some improvements, increasing the capacity per bank.

New features found on DDR5 include support for Intel XMP 3.0, Integrated Power Module (PMIC) for improved efficiency and tighter control, and built-in ECC error correction. When using an Intel XMP 3.0 profile, it’s easy to boost this 32GB DDR5 kit to 6000 MT/s with 40-40-40-75 timings at 1.25V. That’s already pretty impressive, apart from the rather high timings.

When testing the RAM kit, we did not encounter any problems, which is expected when using modules from a reputable brand. For performance, most RAM modules at specified speeds will perform about the same, and that goes for DDR4 versus DDR5. The higher latency and faster speeds match up on par with the lower latency and slower speeds of DDR4, which means we’ll only see a marginal upgrade (until we see improvements generations on the part of manufacturers).

We tested all of these DDR5 RAM kits with a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12600K processor, which is a great processor for most versions of gaming and productivity PCs. The motherboard, an MSI MPG Z690 Carbon WiFi, was also the same. Where our testing differed slightly was with the GPU, which saw the SK hynix DDR5 kit paired with an RTX 3080 instead of the RTX 3060 Ti used with all other DDR5 kits.

This should give some insight into how different DDR5 modules perform compared to DDR4 (using the MSI PRO Z690-P motherboard). When it comes to buying RAM, just be sure to choose a reputable brand and buy a kit that has enough capacity for your needs and fits your budget.

There’s not much room to overclock XPG’s DDR5-6000 kit. I managed to hit 6200MT/s at 1.35V before running into stability issues. It also had to increase the delays slightly, which almost offset the performance gains.

XPG Launch DDR5-6000 RGB RAM: What is not good

There’s not much to complain about the XPG Lancer DDR5-6000 RAM Kit. I just have a problem with recommending DDR5 over DDR4 if you’re building a new PC. Latency is terrible with a C40 rating, but the significantly higher speeds make up for that, which shows in the benchmarks against C16 DDR4 modules.

Where DDR5 shines is error checking, an integrated power regulator module, better populated banks for higher capacities, support for faster transfer speeds, and all using less memory. ‘energy. At launch, the story is similar to DDR3 to DDR4, and you can expect to see significant improvements later.

If you’re happy with the DDR4 modules you already own, there’s no need to upgrade and spend a few hundred on a component that won’t really make much of a difference in the real world. But if you’re starting over with a new PC build with a 12th Gen Intel processor like the Core i5-12600K, this XPG Lancer RGB DDR5-6000 kit really shines if the motherboard you’re considering supports it.

XPG Launch DDR5-6000 RGB RAM: Competetion

ADATA, like other RAM brands right now, is taking advantage of the latest offerings from Intel and AMD. With desktop processors now supporting DDR5 RAM, these companies are able to improve transfer speeds and other features. ADATA uses the Lancer family to drive the next generation forward.

We reviewed the GeIL Polaris RGB SYNC DDR5 RAM Kit with 32GB of RAM on the Intel Core i9-12900K processor and it was excellent, allowing the processor to set new records against previous Intel processors. The XPG Lancer kit we reviewed today did not disappoint and would certainly give GeIL a run for its money.

There are also other options. When it comes to choosing the better RAM for your PC really depends on cost, design and rated speeds. Enabling an XMP profile is easy with the latest motherboards.

XPG Launch DDR5-6000 RGB RAM: Should I buy it?

You should buy it if…

• You want the best of 12th Gen Intel
• You plan to buy a new motherboard and RAM
• You want to have extra headroom for even faster RAM
• You don’t mind adopting tech early (and paying more for luxury)

You shouldn’t buy it if…

• You want the best value RAM for your PC
• You don’t want to use other high-end PC components
• You don’t have a motherboard that supports DDR5 yet

This XPG Lancer RGB DDR5-6000 RAM kit is brilliant and looks just like any other DDR5 launcher kit. Speeds are way up there with the best DDR5 starter kits available today, offering a substantial jump over DDR4. If you’re building a new PC from scratch and using a motherboard that supports DDR5, this is a great piece of kit to use.

4
out of 5

But if you’re already using DDR4, I’d say keep doing that and just buy a new DDR4 motherboard if you want to use a new Intel or AMD processor. It will take time for us to see significant improvements in performance from DDR5 over DDR4. Give it a few more years, and they’ll be a bit more affordable too.

DDR5 is the way to go for new PC builds with 12th Gen Intel and future AMD Ryzen processors, as long as you’re happy with a slight increase in real-world usage. 3200 MT/s was once the sweet spot for DDR4 RAM in a dual-channel configuration, but now we’re seeing speeds of up to 7000 MT/s with DDR5, further improving your PC’s performance.