Crucial PRO Overclocking 32 GB DDR5-6000 CL36 Memory Review: The Bare Minimum!

The DDR5 memory segment has been seeing a lot of action as it gets standardized across all PC platforms. With memory prices dropping and the latest platforms becoming affordable, memory makers are offering new solutions all the time with some focusing on high-end specifications. In contrast, others focus on strengthening their gaming product portfolios.

Last year, Crucial (Micron) introduced its first desktop-ready DDR5 UDIMMs, offering up to 5600 MT/s speeds. These were designed in accordance with JEDEC specs to make sure that they were compatible with all PC platforms. More recently, Crucial introduced its Pro Overclocking lineup & the specs have seen a slight bump along with added features. The DDR5-6000 spec can be seen as the baseline for the latest PC builders as it offers the best performance ratios available. Platforms such as the AMD Ryzen 8000G APUs can benefit from such speeds and OC support will allow users to gain an extra punch.

As such, we were presented with Crucial's latest PRO Overclocking DDR5-6000 memory kit which comes in 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) modules.

In terms of specifications, the Crucial DDR5 Pro Memory: Overclocking Edition builds upon the previous series by updating the speeds to 6000 MT/s. All kits are Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO compliant which means that they will run great on either of the two platforms without any major issues. Furthermore, these DIMMs are designed for overclocking support and come with tighter memory timings of CL36 (36-38-38-80) with a voltage of up to 1.35V.

The biggest change to the Crucial DDR5 Pro Memory: Overclocking edition is the addition of slim heatsinks that come with a black-tone. The aluminum heat spreader allows users to tune the memory with higher clock speeds without worrying about heat. The following are the main features of the lineup:

Cool look and feel

Our overclocking DDR5 Pro memory features an aluminum heat spreader with a unique, origami-based design that is both cool to the touch and an aesthetic win for any rig.

Accelerated performance for more wins

Since every millisecond gained in fast-paced gameplay means the difference between winning and losing, seize the advantage with 25% lower latency4 for higher frame rates per second.

Intel and AMD compatible

Crucial DDR5 Pro Memory for overclocking is compatible2 with Intel Core 12-14th Gen and AMD Ryzen 7000 series and higher desktop CPUs.

Flexibility is our flex

By supporting both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO on the same module, Crucial offers you ultimate flexibility with your build and a tactical advantage. Keep your options open by starting with Crucial DDR5 Pro for overclocking.

Micron quality and reliability

With 45 years of memory expertise, Micron delivers cutting-edge engineering and superior component and module-level testing for all Crucial DRAM products.

According to Crucial, its DDR5 Pro Memory will first be available in 16 GB densities per DIMM with plans to introduce 24 GB densities later in 2024.

For testing, I used the latest Intel Core i9 14900K processor along with the MSI MEG Z790 ACE MAX motherboard which can support higher frequencies memory but even high-end motherboards like these require a bit of tuning to get the modules to work at their rated XMP speeds.

I have separated the performance tests into two sections. The first section consists of synthetic and general workload tests while the second section focuses on gaming performance and how different games are affected by higher-clocked memory sticks.

Super PI is used by many overclockers to test the performance and stability of their computers. In the overclocking community, the standard program provides a benchmark for enthusiasts to compare “world record” pi calculation times and demonstrate their overclocking abilities. The program can also be used to test the stability of a certain overclock speed.

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Gaming applications generally don't see huge gains with different memory kits but DDR5 has enabled a huge gain in memory frequency which can impact gaming performance. Moving from the stock 2133 Mbps (DDR4) to 6000+ Mbps can have a huge effect on performance and the improved CAS timings on some of the high-end SKUs can result in better overall FPS and system responsiveness.

Crucial's second entrant into the DDR5 realm is faster and a much-needed upgrade over its first-gen products. The PRO Overclocking series works great on both Intel and AMD platforms and we had no trouble running it at its default XMP/EXPO profiles on either setup. The performance was right where we expected, falling in line with the rest of the similar spec'd kits that we have tested before.

Going from a heatsink-less to a heatsink design is a big upgrade for Crucial's DDR5 memory lineup and it makes sense to have a heatsink on these DIMMs considering they are catered towards the overclocking segment. But that's where all the fun ends, the heatsink is very slim and should only be worthwhile when running the modules at default specs. They utilize the Micron D-die which can be overclocked to a respectable DDR5-6400 at the same timings but the gains aren't that huge and worth your time and effort.

Lastly, there's the pricing concern. Micron's original MSRP for the kit that we received was set at a hefty $164.99 US. The company has since rolled back the pricing to a more reasonable $104.99 US price point but even then, the kit faces heated competition in this crowded DDR5 market where the rest of the manufacturers are offering more unique options, attracting gamers and overclockers.

I was able to find similar spec'd kits with RGB support under $100 US while $105-$110 US gives you slightly better options. It looks like there's still room for improvement for Crucial as far as pricing goes. Overall, the DDR5-6000 should be the new baseline standard for new PC builds with Intel & AMD both supporting higher-frequency DIMM kits as these platforms become mature.

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