Zadak Spark RGB DDR5 6000 CL40 review

Memory (DDR4/DDR5) and Storage (SSD/NVMe) 366 Page 1 of 15 Published by

teaser

Introduction

Zadak Spark DDR5 6000 MHz CL40 32 GB (2x 16 GB)
Will this Spark ignite and make your PC faster?

Zadak presented a new series of DDR5 memories in April: the Spark DDR5. The available kits are 16, 32, and 2x16 GB, and their frequency is higher than the base 4800 MHz (5200-6400 MHz). We are checking the Zadak Spark 6000 MHz CL40 DDR5 kit today. It’s in the middle frequency in the series. We already had an opportunity (almost three years ago) to review the Spark series RAM, but it was for the DDR4; the frequency was 4133 MHz (from the upper end of the market offers), and it received a “Recommended” award. But let’s focus back on the tested DDR5 kit.

Page1_1


A quick reminder - DDR5 is the newest technology to hit the market, make headlines, and break world records. DDR5 already set spectacular results in overclocking (of course, using the LN2), as 9560 MHz and even 10550 MHz.  DDR4 RAMs operate on a single 64-bit bus, while DDR5 has two 32-bit buses (plus, in both cases, an additional 8-bit for ECC). As a result, a single module is identified as Dual Channel, while two are identified as Quad Channel. However, the solution itself does not match the throughput of HEDT platforms with processors with a four-channel controller. The internal (A / B) channels of DDR5 RAM also share the RCD (Register Clock Driver), which provides more output signals and more extended pulse reading (8 vs. 16). The DDR5 comes with a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) from the most important things you need to know. It’s responsible for controlling voltage changes, optimizing the energy draw, and making it less demanding for the motherboard controller. The DDR4 nominal voltage is 1.2 V; for the DDR5, it’s 1.1 V. Typical XMP voltage for the older type of memory is 1.35V (sometimes 1.45 V); now, it’s mostly 1.25 V. Speaking of the XMP, till now, it was 2.0 revision, with the introduction of the DDR5 we’ve got the rev 3.0. The main difference is that the number of profiles has increased from three to five (three for the manufacturer settings and two placeholders for the users).

Page1_2


After this short introduction – let’s present a bit of the review sample. It’s not the highest frequency kit from the Spark series, with a 6000 MHz clock, CL40-40-40-96, at 1.35. It’s not available in the current lineup (there's 1.25V version). Zadak also has the following kits:


Memory Capacity (units per pack)

Frequency

CAS Latency

Voltage

16GB / 32GB / 16GBx2

5200MHz

CL38-38-38-84

1.25V

16GB / 32GB / 16GBx2

5600 MHz

CL40-40-40-80

1.25V

16GB / 32GB / 16GBx2
 

6000 MHz

CL40-40-40-96

1.25V

16GB / 32GB / 16GBx2
 

6400 MHz

CL40-40-40-84

1.35V

 

Page1_3

The height of the memory module is 50 mm, so it’s not a low-profile form, which should make the problems with the (air) CPU coolers possible. As for the compatibility – there’s a Z690 chipset given, as AMD didn’t release the compatible CPU/chipset yet (but that will change when the AM5 platform appears). The top of the SPARK RGB DDR5 heatsink is covered with a light aluminum alloy and extends to the center of the module. The staggered design also features a light guide effect in a gem shape. It is coupled with the white matte frosted texture, which makes the module stand out. The series is equipped with RGB, so the LED enjoyers should be happy. We’ll check the kit only on one platform, with Z690-based motherboards (Asus Z690 Maximus Apex) combined with the Intel Core i9 12900K. We are traditionally going to try and squeeze something more out of it, so the standard 6000 MHz probably is not the last word here (or at least we might manage to fine-tune the latencies). You can always stay on the safe side and stick to the advertised frequency and latencies using XMP 3.0. The default parameters look great, and so are the visual aspects – we need to check the performance then. The current price is unknown. A limited lifetime warranty backs the Spark series. The MSRP is 329.99 USD. Ok, next page, please.

Share this content
Twitter Facebook Reddit WhatsApp Email Print