Client-segment DDR5 memory is on the anvil, with Intel 12th Gen Core "Alder Lake-S" desktop processors that support them. It should come as little surprise then, that some of the first DDR5 memory kits will be outrageously pricey. One such product, a GeIL Polaris RGB DDR5-4800 2x 16 GB kit, saw an early listing on Newegg for $350. DDR5-4800 can be considered an entry-level memory speed (similar to DDR4-2400, when the DDR4 standard was new). DDR5 heralds 16 GB as the new mainstream module density, with "single rank" (two individual ranks for each of the two 40-bit channels per DIMM) being standard. 32 GB per DIMM will be the new premium density (four ranks, two each for the 40-bit channels per DIMM).

Given these, it's conceivable that the first DDR5 memory kits targeting gamers and PC enthusiasts will come with a heavy early-adopter premium. Luckily, the 12th Gen Core processors support both DDR5 and DDR4 memory standards, and there appears to have been a major attempt by Intel to get its motherboard partners to launch motherboards with DDR4 slots across a wide range of price-points, so people can keep using their existing memory, or buy the relatively more affordable memory kits out there. It remains to be seen just how much of a performance penalty using DDR4 attracts on the new processors.

Axiomtek - a world-renowned leader relentlessly devoted in the research, development and manufacture of series of innovative and reliable industrial computer products of high efficiency - is proud to introduce its extremely compact fanless embedded system, the eBOX560-52R-FL. This palm-sized embedded system is powered by the onboard Intel Core i5-8365UE or Intel Celeron 4305UE processors (codename: Whisky Lake-U). It provides high-performance, power-efficient, and abundant I/O interfaces in a compact device. The eBOX560-52R-FL is highly suitable for space-constrained applications with strict performance requirements such as industrial equipment computers, in-cabinet equipment integration, collaborative robots, and more.

"Axiomtek's eBOX560-52R-FL is designed to provide customers with flexible, convenient, and simplified solutions for industrial and embedded applications. The fanless yet low-power embedded system can operate under wide temperatures ranging from -10°C to 50°C with 0.7 m/s airflows and endure up to 50G shock and 3Grms vibration. Moreover, it features two independent 4K Ultra HD displays through its DisplayPort++ and HDMI for multi-display applications," said Janney Lee, a product manager of Product PM Division at Axiomtek. "Its compact size, excellent computing power, and ability to function in harsh environments making it ideal for diverse industrial applications such as factory, machine, and logistics automation, station gate controls, and ticket vending machines."

Xi'an UniIC Semiconductors, which goes by the trade name UniIC (probably pronounced "unique"), has delivered the first DDR4 memory module made 100% in China (which includes all its DRAM chips, PCB, drivers, and other components). The module may be nothing much to look at, with just a bare green PCB and DRAM chips, lacking in any heatspreaders; but this product can be considered a baby step toward a large and diverse product lineup. The debutante memory modules are unbuffered DDR4-2400 and DDR4-2667 memory modules that come in 8 GB densities.

The DDR4-2400 module is timed at CL17 17-17-39, and the DDR4-2667 at CL18, with both pulling 1.2 V - again nothing to write home about, but given the breakneck speeds at which Chinese companies flush with state investment are developing and diversifying their PC hardware lines, UniIC's product portfolio could look very different in the coming two years. UniIC is a cog in China's 3-5-2 policy of localizing PC hardware manufacturing, and eliminating dependence of foreign hardware.

Team Group launched its first 32 GB memory module, the Team Elite TED432G2400C1601. This is a dual-rank DIMM with eight 32 Gbit DRAM chips, with a rated clock-speed of DDR4-2400, and timings of 16-16-16-39, and module voltage of 1.20 V. The module features a simple black PCB of standard height (32 mm), and comes without any heatspreader or heatsink.

Team Group is also selling a 64 GB (2x 32 GB) dual-channel kit with two of these DIMMs, which bears the SKU TED464G2400C16DC01. To use these modules, you'll need either a 9th generation or 10th generation Intel Core processor, or 3rd generation AMD Ryzen, as 32 GB dual-rank DIMMs are unlikely to be supported by older processors. Team Group is backing these modules with lifetime warranty, and is likely to price the 32 GB single-module at USD $150, and the dual-channel kit at $300.

Thermaltake today released an RGB-less kit of DDR4 memory. The H-ONE Gaming Memory Sticks offer an anodized aluminium treatment in the looks department, and don't include any RGB lighting at all (the "Gaming" brand, however, is here to stay until the end of time). These sticks are only available in single, 8 GB capacities, with three different speed ratings rounding out the offerings. The DDR4-2400 sticks tick at CL17 and 1.2 V, the DDR4-2666 do so at CL19 and the same 1.20 V, while the highest-performance DDR4-3000 sticks will feature a CL16 timing and 1.35 V operating voltage.

The H-ONE modules have been designed for maximum compatibility and stability on Intel platforms, ranging from the 100-series all the way through to the X299 chipsets. The H-ONE modules feature support for XMP 2.0 for easy setting of stock timings and speeds, backed with a lifetime warranty to boot. Sadly, no pricing or availability have been detailed at the closure time for this printing press.