Out of nowhere, Micron has announced that it will end production of its Ballistix RAM products that are the high-performance and gamer focused RAM products from its Crucial brand. The details available so far doesn't state a reason for the discontinuation of these products. That said, Crucial has launched a wide range of DDR5 products, but so far none under the Ballistix brand and that is obviously a permanent move now. The company said it would focus on "the development of Micron's DDR5 client and server product roadmap, along with the expansion of the Crucial memory and storage product portfolio."

Furthermore the press release mentioned that "the company will continue to support the performance compute and gaming communities with its award-winning SSD products, such as the Crucial P5 Plus Gen 4 PCIe NVMe SSD, Crucial P2 Gen 3 NVMe SSD, and the popular Crucial X6 and Crucial X8 portable SSDs." It seems like Micron has decided to change the focus of it's consumer focused Crucial brand yet again, as the company has done several times in the past, but it's going to remove a major player in the consumer DRAM market, which isn't a good thing, especially as Micron was one of few DRAM manufacturers to offer high-end RAM modules, since neither Samsung or SK-Hynix is in this market. That said, it looks like Crucial will at least continue to offer its standard RAM modules, but they tend to follow JEDEC spec and aren't particularly exciting.

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., a division of SGH and a global leader in memory solutions, solid-state drives, and hybrid storage products announces its new DDR5 32 GB Very Low Profile Registered Dual In-Line Memory Module (VLP RDIMM). SMART's new DuraMemory DDR5 32 GB VLP RDIMM is the industry's first DDR5 VLP RDIMM form factor.

The 32 GB VLP RDIMM addresses applications with space constraints, such as embedded 1U blade compute and storage, enterprise networking, telecom, and industrial single-board computers (SBCs). The space savings also equates to improved heat dissipation and energy savings, reducing business costs. The DDR5 32 GB VLP RDIMM is the newest addition to SMART's broad portfolio of VLP and ULP (Ultra Low Profile) modules that are suitable for all types of dense computing, storage, networking and telecom applications. For ruggedized and harsh operating conditions, SMART also offers retention clips to secure the socket latches in place, and industrial grade temperature operation of -40°C to +85°C.

Leading memory provider TEAMGROUP has released a variety of DDR5 memory and applied its advanced R&D capabilities to conduct Intel XMP3.0 certification testing for its next-gen memory modules. After rigorous testing of ASRock, ASUS, Biostar, GIGABYTE and MSI motherboards with Intel processors, TEAMGROUP announced today that all of its T-FORCE DDR5 gaming memory have received Intel XMP3.0 certification, ensuring that gamers can enhance the performance of their processors using T-FORCE's overclockable DDR5 memory. With just an easy single click, users will be able to fully experience the incredible performance of T-FORCE gaming memory with XMP's easy-to-use overclocking profiles.

TEAMGROUP's DDR5 product series strictly uses high-quality, specially selected ICs to provide gamers with stable and compatible memory. Its T-FORCE overclocking memory modules have all passed XMP3.0 certification tests, including frequencies of 4,800 MHz, 5,200 MHz, 6,000 MHz, 6,200 MHz and 6,400 MHz, making T-FORCE the DDR5 memory brand with the most specification variety under Intel's XMP 3.0 certifications. To meet the demand for high-frequency, low-latency overclocking, TEAMGROUP created a proprietary DDR5 thermal module that enables T-FORCE DDR5 memory to operate smoothly and stably when overclocked to its very limits.

Thermaltake, officially announces the worldwide availability of TOUGHRAM RC DDR5 Memory. This series is the first DDR5 memory of Thermaltake's RAM collection, which comes in frequencies of 4800 MHz, 5200 MHz and 5600 MHz and with capacities of 32 GB (16 GB x2), offering enhanced performance. Thermaltake TOUGHRAM RC DDR5 4800 MHz is available now, followed by the 5200 MHz and 5600 MHz on March 3rd.

Being compatible with mainstream hardware and the latest AMD and Intel motherboards, the new DDR5 series comes with higher capacities, faster speeds and better performance than the previous generation. The TOUGHRAM RC DDR5 Memory has been through rigorous tests to select tightly-screened ICs, and features a built-in Power Management IC (PMIC) to enhance power supply stability; Additionally, the on-die error correction code (ECC) allows memory modules to correct errors automatically, further improving overall stability and reliability. With its doubled bank group architecture, the new TOUGHRAM RC DDR5 enhances access availability and brings you higher capacities without lag, leading the way to next-gen memory. What's more, the latest TOUGHRAM RC DDR5 Memory is compatible with Thermaltake's CPU and memory AIO cooler series, such as Floe RC and Floe RC Ultra Series, providing users more flexibility when it comes to matching PC builds.

Intel's next-generation Xeon processors code-named Sapphire Rapids are on track to hit the market this year. These new processors are supposed to bring a wide array of new and improved features and a chance for Intel to show off its 10 nm SuperFin manufacturing process in the server market. Thanks to the Twitter user YuuKi_AnS, we have some of the first tests run in AIDA64 and Cinebench R15 benchmark suites. Yuuki managed to get ahold of DDR5-enabled Sapphire Rapids Xeon with 48 cores and 96 threads, equipped with a base frequency of 2.3 GHz and boost speeds of 3.3 GHz. The processor tested was an engineering sample with a Q-SPEC designation of "QYFQ" and made for Intel Socket E (LGA-4677). This CPU sample was locked at 270 Watt TDP.

Below, you can see the performance results of this processor, tested in the AIDA64 cache and memory benchmark and Cinebench R15 bench test. There is a comparison between AMD's Milan-X and Xeon Platinum 8380, so the numbers are more in check of what you can expect from the final product.

As Intel launched the 12th Gen Core processors and immediately gained lots of attention, MSI also released many motherboards for various usages. However, the best has yet to come until now. Today, the last member of the Z690 platform is here. The one board to rule them all - MEG Z690 GODLIKE. GODLIKE's number one goal for the end-users is evident, designed for the best performance and experience enabled by truly remarkable systems. Whether it's record-breaking overclocking, ultra-customization of ARGB lighting with touch control LCD dashboard, or simply the desire to build the most powerful system imaginable, the MEG Z690 GODLIKE stands unrivaled at the pinnacle of all the Z690 motherboard capabilities.

It is covered in dark, deep, and full aluminium heatsink fashioned with a triangular grid pattern. The illuminating dragon nebula with tempered glass reveals the power with a column of faith and meteor RGB effect. The MEG Z690 GODLIKE symbolizes the endless power of the one universe, ready for every challenge.

We recently reported on the DDR5-8888 CL88 Overclocking world record set by G.Skill, ASUS, and overclocker "lupin_no_musume" using G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5 memory on an ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 APEX motherboard. This same overclocker has now set a new record using the same memory and motherboard combination achieving a speed of 4779.7 MHz (9560 MT/s) at 120-120-120-120-127-2 timings using liquid nitrogen cooling. The record was set with a single 16 GB Trident Z5 DDR5 memory module paired with an Intel Core i9-12900K processor.

JEDEC Solid State Technology Association, the global leader in the development of standards for the microelectronics industry, today announced the publication of the next version of its High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) DRAM standard: JESD238 HBM3, available for download from the JEDEC website. HBM3 is an innovative approach to raising the data processing rate used in applications where higher bandwidth, lower power consumption and capacity per area are essential to a solution's market success, including graphics processing and high-performance computing and servers.

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is delighted to announce the launch of an extremely low-latency, high-speed DDR5-6400 CL32 32 GB (2x16 GB) memory kit under the Trident Z5 family memory series, designed for the latest 12th Gen Intel Core desktop processors and Intel Z690 chipset motherboards.

Dedicated to developing ever-faster memory modules, G.SKILL is launching an ultra-low latency DDR5-6400 CL32-39-39-102 memory kit at 1.40 V with 32 GB (2x16 GB) kit capacity. Equipped with exceptionally tight timings, this extreme memory specification represents the next step of the Trident Z5 family flagship performance. The screenshot below shows this memory kit validated on the Intel Core i7-12700K processor and ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Hero motherboard. The DDR5-6400 CL32 32 GB (2x16 GB) memory kits under the Trident Z5 and Trident Z5 RGB series is available now via G.SKILL worldwide distribution partners.

G.SKILL International Enterprise Co., Ltd., the world's leading manufacturer of extreme performance memory and gaming peripherals, is thrilled to announce the achievement of a new overclocking world record for fastest memory frequency at DDR5-8888 CL88-88-88-88, in cooperation with ASUS. This amazing frequency speed was achieved by the extreme overclocker "lupin_no_musume" with G.SKILL Trident Z5 DDR5 memory, ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 APEX motherboard, and Intel Core i9-12900K processor. To see the moment this amazing overclocking world record was set, please click the following video link: https://youtu.be/OgQFbUOs6i8

DDR5-8888 CL88-88-88-88 - Pushing the Speed to the Limit
At the dawn of the DDR5 era, G.SKILL and ASUS have been constantly exploring the memory speed limitations of the latest Intel Z690 platform. Surpassing the previous DDR5-8704 world record in November 2021, a new memory frequency world record is achieved at DDR5-8888 under liquid nitrogen extreme cooling. The memory speed has been validated by CPU-Z. Please refer to the screenshot and validation link below: https://valid.x86.fr/qgvylc

Introducing the EVGA Z690 CLASSIFIED - The latest addition to EVGA's most-respected line of motherboards. This motherboard fully supports the latest 12th Gen Intel Core Series Processors and takes full advantage of PCIe Gen5 and PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSDs. The EVGA Z690 CLASSIFIED provides unbeatable power, performance and stability via a 19-phase VRM and 10-layer PCB. Moreover, this board supports up to 128 GB of DDR5 memory, 2x 2.5 Gbps NIC + Wi-Fi 6E / BT 5.2, 7.1 HD audio, and multiple USB options. The EVGA Z690 CLASSIFIED is designed for nothing less than the ultimate gaming experience.

The retail version of MSI MEG Z690 GODLIKE, the company's flagship Socket LGA1700 motherboard, will include an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler, and DDR5 memory sticks. Snapped at a PC retailer, the front-face of the retail box of the motherboard reads that the contents include an MSI MEG CoreLiquid S360 cooler, and Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 memory. The size and speed of the memory is not mentioned. What's also unknown at this point, is whether the board comes in retail packages that don't bundle the cooler or memory. Assuming the bundled memory is a 32 GB (2x 16 GB) kit of decent specs, such as DDR5-6000, this motherboard could easily command a four-figure price, with speculative prices averaging $1,500.Update Jan 17th: MSI has informed us, that the price for this bundle, consisting of the motherboard, 360 mm AIO, and 32 GB of DDR5 memory, will be around $2,099 in retail.

Based on details from multiple sources, least not the release notes for HWiNFO 7.17 beta, we now know that AMD is working on an answer to Intel's XMP memory profiles that should be called RAMP, or Ryzen Accelerated Memory Profile. Not much is known about RAMP at this point in time, but hopefully it'll be as straightforward to use as Intel's XMP when it comes to configuring overclocked DIMMs.

Intel has of course updated XMP to version 3.0 which includes support for DDR5 memory, although it was reported that Intel was late when it came to finalising the specifics of XMP 3.0, which meant some early DDR5 modules intended for overclocking didn't end up getting any XMP profiles. Hopefully AMD will get its RAMP spec finished well ahead of time, so the memory makers that want to offer support for RAMP can do so well ahead of the launch of AMD's upcoming AM5 platform.

TEAMGROUP today announced the worldwide release of the T-FORCE DELTA TUF Gaming Alliance RGB DDR5 DESKTOP MEMORY and T-FORCE CARDEA Z440 TUF Gaming Alliance PCIe 4.0 M.2 SSD at the end of this month. The first batch will be available on the North American Amazon store. Created in collaboration with ASUS TUF Gaming Alliance, the two products combine military gaming style and top-notch performance. The addition of the co-branded series to the hardcore gaming alliance means higher quality products and more pleasing, cohesive setups for the gaming enthusiast market.

The T-FORCE DELTA TUF Gaming Alliance RGB DDR5 DESKTOP MEMORY is the first ASUS TUF Gaming Alliance certified and rigorously tested DDR5 RGB gaming overclocking memory. The design merges stealth fighter-inspired aesthetics with TUF Gaming Alliance's unique gaming elements to create a distinctive look that features an ultra-wide 120° angle heatspreader and striking RGB lighting. It supports ASUS Aura Sync lighting control software, allowing gamers to adjust its RGB effects however they like to create custom and eye-catching gaming rigs. The product's first release will have speeds of 5,200 MHz and come in a 2x 16 GB dual-channel kit.

Here are some of the first real-world pictures of the next-generation AMD EPYC "Genoa" enterprise processors in the Socket SP5 package. The coaster-sized 6,080-pin SP5 package gives AMD's chip-designers fiberglass substrate real-estate to dial up CCD counts up to 12, resulting in up to 96 "Zen 4" CPU cores for "Genoa." Pictured below is a 16-core prototype with just two CCDs in place, as revealed by an X-ray shot. Socket SP5 gives "Genoa" some stellar I/O capabilities, including 24x 40-bit DDR5 channels (12-channel in the classical definition), and 128x PCI-Express Gen 5.0 lanes. AMD is expected to time its EPYC "Genoa" processor launch within 2022, to best compete with Intel's Xeon "Sapphire Rapids" processor launch. It will also launch a variant codenamed "Bergamo," based on "Zen 4c" CPU cores, with up to 128 cores to go around.

It would seem that AMD is concerned about DDR5 memory availability in the market, at least based on an interview that Tom's Hardware had with David McAfee, the Corporate VP and GM of the Client Channel business at AMD. It's not just about availability it seems, but also pricing, as McAfee is quoted saying "One of the dynamics that we do think about a great deal is how and when to introduce that AM5 ecosystem and ensure that the DDR5 supply, as well as pricing of DDR5 memory, is mature and something that's easily attainable for an end-user".

With the current issues that the DRAM module makers are experiencing, with both staff issues related to the pandemic and the PMIC shortage some are having, the question is how long it'll take until there's a steady supply of DDR5 modules in the market, at a reasonable price point. We obviously don't know what kind of DRAM speeds AMD is aiming for either, although it's unlikely that the company is looking at something faster than JEDEC spec at this point in time, even though we expect faster speeds will also be supported. Outside of the US, it seems like a cheap stick of 8 GB of DDR5 memory is going for around the US$100 mark (€89) or roughly four times that of a similar DDR4 stick. Crucial in the US is offering a single 8 GB stick for US$68, with a 16 GB stick costing the same as a pair of 8 GB sticks, US$137. This is unlikely to be the kind of price point AMD is hoping for and most DDR5 memory modules are a lot more expensive.

AMD is designing its upcoming Socket AM5 platform to be a "long-lived platform," not unlike AM4. CEO Dr Lisa Su, responding to a question on the longevity of AM5, by Paul Alcorn from Tom's Hardware, said that she's very happy with AM4 being the company's long-lived desktop socket; and while she doesn't have an exact number of years to share, one could expect AM5 to be a "long-lived platform" of a similar kind.

AMD Socket AM4 was debuted alongside the company's very first Ryzen processors, in March 2017. It has remained AMD's mainstream desktop socket for close to five years; and AMD continues to launch new products for the socket. Even in 2022, the company is expected to give the socket its swansong, with the Ryzen 5000X3D processors. AM4 was designed keeping in mind dual-channel DDR4 and up to 28 lanes of PCIe Gen 3 (later Gen 4) in mind. The change to Socket AM5 is driven by next-generation I/O, namely DDR5 memory (four 40-bit channels), and PCIe Gen 5.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions today announced AORUS RGB DDR5 6000 MHz 32 GB Memory Kit, which uplift frequency to 6000 MHz with RGB lighting for performance boost and striking accents. Enhanced by DDR5 XMP Booster and XMP 3.0 User Profile of GIGABYTE Z690 motherboards, and copper-aluminium heat spreaders with nano-carbon coating thermal design, the new memory kit promises the next-level performance with stability while dissipating heat efficiently under high-speed operation.

AORUS RGB DDR5 6000 MHz 32 GB Memory Kit features high clock speed and low power consumption by two 16 GB DDR5 XMP 6000 MHz dual-channel designs with 40-40-40-76 timings, which fit the support of DDR5 memory on Intel Z690 platform. Along with GIGABYTE Z690 AORUS motherboards, AORUS RGB DDR5 6000 MHz 32 GB memory kit can enable "DDR5 XMP Booster" function which detect the brand of memory IC in the BIOS setting to allow users to choose promptly from multiple built-in memory overclocking profiles, boosting the native DDR5 or XMP DDR5 memory speed. Furthermore, "XMP 3.0 User Profile" enables users to create and store XMP profiles of their own to unleash the extreme performance of memories.

At the launch of the Z690 chipset, ASRock didn't reveal its flagship Aqua model, but now the company has finally announced not just one, but two Z690 Aqua models, one "regular" SKU and one OC SKU. The main difference between the two is that the OC SKU only has two DIMM slots, since as we know, DDR5 is extra finicky when it comes to running at high clock speeds and two DIMM boards allow for higher DRAM clock speeds, This also means that all the major board makers have now launched a two DIMM product geared towards overclockers.

The two boards are mostly identical in terms of features otherwise, but there are some minor differences that we'll point out later. As expected, both boards feature a large, nicely integrated liquid cooling plate for the CPU and the 20 phase 105 A SPS VRM setup. ASRock has gone for a 12 layer PCB, not something you see in a lot of consumer motherboards and it's unclear if it'll bring any real benefits, but as this is a premium motherboard, it's a nice touch. The heatsink of the top-most M.2 drive is home to a small OLED display, but ASRock hasn't listed the size on its website.

Thermaltake, the leading PC DIY premium brand for Cooling, Gaming Gear, and Enthusiast Memory solutions, is proud to announce the launch of TOUGHRAM RC DDR5 Memory, the first DDR5 memory of Thermaltake's RAM collection, at the 2022 Thermaltake Expo January Virtual Exhibition.

Thermaltake's RAM product line covers a wide range of options, ranging from DDR4 2400 MHz to higher frequencies of up to 5600 MHz for our DDR5 modules, as Thermaltake continues to strive to meet its users' needs with the best products. This time, together with the latest TOUGHRAM RC DDR5 Memory, Thermaltake officially turns to a new chapter and officially enters the new generation of DDR5.

The leading global motherboard manufacturer, ASRock, reveals Z690 Taichi Razer Edition, a Razer Chroma RGB integrated motherboard paired with innovation and craftsmanship, poised to perfect Chroma RGB ecosystem on the latest 12th Gen Intel Core desktop processors, and illuminate the strong relationship between ASRock and Razer.

Razer Chroma RGB is the world's largest lighting ecosystem for gaming devices which supports over 500 devices, 150 natively integrated games and over 15 million users worldwide. The integration with ASROCK enables universal compatibility with thousands of addressable RGB (ARGB) components directly into the ecosystem.

congatec - a leading vendor of embedded and edge computing technology - introduces the 12th Generation Intel Core mobile and desktop processors (formerly code named Alder Lake) on 10 new COM-HPC and COM Express Computer-on-Modules. Featuring the latest high performance cores from Intel, the new modules in COM-HPC Size A and C as well as COM Express Type 6 form factors offer major performance gains and improvements for the world of embedded and edge computing systems. Most impressive is the fact that engineers can now leverage Intel's innovative performance hybrid architecture. Offering of up to 14 cores/20 threads on BGA and 16 cores/24 threads on desktop variants (LGA mounted), 12th Gen Intel Core processors provide a quantum leap [1] in multitasking and scalability levels. Next-gen IoT and edge applications benefit from up to 6 or 8 (BGA/LGA) optimized Performance-cores (P-cores) plus up to 8 low power Efficient-cores (E-cores) and DDR5 memory support to accelerate multithreaded applications and execute background tasks more efficiently.

Wonderful news can't come sooner at the beginning of the new year. MSI launched the latest mainstream H670, B660 and H610 Series motherboards that everyone has been looking forward to ever since Intel released the 12th Gen Core processors. After MSI received high praises for the new Z690 motherboards last year, it's the B660 Series motherboards' turn to come under the spotlight. Some benefits of the B660 Series motherboards include affordable prices and remarkable performance. What else do MSI B660 motherboards use to draw our attention?

As promised to all of our fans and users, MSI is dedicated to offering a huge selection of choices. For the latest platform, MSI launched MAG and PRO segments and most of them are available in both DDR4 and DDR5 versions. The overclocking memory frequency of MSI B660 DDR5 motherboards can achieve 6200 MHz as a result of MSI OC LAB's tuning and MSI Memory Boost. All MSI B660 Series motherboards support PCIe 4.0, which provides 64 GB/s of transfer bandwidth. Equipped with up to 12 DrMOS with Duet Rail Power System, MSI MAG B660 motherboards have 6 layers PCB with 2-oz copper to guarantee stable current delivered to the core processors.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards, and hardware solutions, today announced the B660 and H610 motherboards which deliver formidable and flexible platform to users. Featuring up to 16+1+1 phases DrMOS VRM design with each phase holding up to 60 amps and fully covered thermal design, GIGABYTE B660 and H610 lineup can perfectly support the latest 12th Gen Intel Core processors. The two memory configuration of DDR4 and DDR5 with exciting XMP functions delivers remarkable performance, as well as superior storage performance, expansions, and flexible network, GIGABYTE B660 and H610 lineup brings incredible performance beyond users' expectation.

Started from B560 chipsets, Intel brought into the memory overclocking feature to the latest B660 chipset with support of both DDR4 and DDR5 which earned user's favor on B-series. To enable stable power for CPU under high-speed operation and to enhance XMP overclocking on memory, GIGABYTE B660 AORUS and GAMING series motherboards adopt up to 16+1+1 power phases with 60 Amp each phase. AORUS lineup also equip full-covered heatsink and 5 W/mK thermal pad for advanced heat dissipation and improved stability on VRM area.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers (Hong Kong Stock Code: 1337), is kicking off 2022 with new Razer Blade gaming laptop models including the Razer Blade 14, Razer Blade 15, and Razer Blade 17. The world's fastest laptops for gamers and creators are equipped with the recently announced NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series Laptop GPUs, up to an RTX 3080 Ti, making the new Blades better than ever, now shipping with Windows 11. All new Razer Blade gaming laptops now also include groundbreaking DDR5 memory, providing blistering clock speeds up to 4800 MHz, an increase in frequency by up to 50% compared to the previous generation.

"The Razer Blade series continues to be the best gaming laptop by providing desktop-class performance on-the-go," says Travis Furst, Senior Director of Razer's Systems business unit. "Additionally, we've enabled creators to work anywhere with gorgeous displays, available NVIDIA Studio drivers, and up to 14-Core CPUs. Users will have the ability to choose any model or configuration that best fits their gaming or creating needs, while getting the latest and greatest in graphics, memory and processing technology."