Now that we have benchmarked this memory and performed a bit of overclocking, it is time to put everything into perspective. We will go over which platform this memory kit is best suited for, what Acer could improve upon to make a better product, and finish up on a positive note.

First off, let's cover system compatibility. For Intel, the current consumer DDR5 platform (and only as of publication) has three generations of CPUs. DDR5 debuted in 2021 with Intel's 12th Generation processors, which saw an upper limit of DDR5-7200 on an exceptional sample. Most users found themselves limited to 6400 MT/s. This is in part due to the motherboard, being a first-generation DDR5-compatible product. Next came a motherboard refresh (Z790) and 13th Generation processors, which pushed upwards of 8400 MT/s with a select few motherboards. Once again, the limitation became the motherboards as most 4-slot motherboard topped out at 7600 MT/s. This brings us to DDR5-6800, which is at a high enough speed that it is not recommended to use with 12th Generation processors. This also includes any Z690 or B660 Intel motherboards as well.

While Acer (BIWIN) isn't marketing the Predator Hermes or Vesta II towards AMD users, XMP profiles are supported on that platform. However, it should be pointed out that this memory is not recommended for a Ryzen 7000 CPU (AM5) due to a latency issue users may have (setup-dependent). To get a bit technical, AMD benefits greatly from low-latency memory. For 6800 MT/s to work, the CPU memory controller now must operate in a 2:1 ratio (UCLK:MCLK / 2) to the system memory if 6800 MT/s+ is to be bootable. This change in ratio introduces latency and negatively impacts game frame rates, which are sensitive to memory latency. For best results, a simple rule to follow is to combine the highest frequency possible and the lowest primary timings without changing the CPU memory controller to a 2:1 ratio. This rules out 6800 MT/s as an optimal choice for the Ryzen 7000 series.

With that compatibility stuff out of the way, it's time to talk about some of the selling points and how this might be a good product to put into your system. Circling back to the Intel compatibility. While latency has an overall importance to higher frame rates and better 1% lows in (some) games, it has been shown (in testing) that games can get a frame rate boost simply by increasing the memory frequency. This performance boost still revolves around not being GPU-bound, as once the game becomes limited by the graphics card for the next generated frame, enthusiast-tier timings and higher frequency memory starts to play an ever increasingly smaller role in the overall frame rate of said games. To sum everything up, those who pair this Predator Hermes DDR5-6800 memory kit with an Intel 13th or 14th Generation processor, and a beefy graphics card, will see the largest gains over cheaper and "slower" system memory.

On the subject of price, availability is non-existent for the EU and US markets. This makes comparing prices to other brands impossible at the moment. Hopefully, Acer keeps pricing competitive; otherwise, there are many other options. Not to mention that competition is fierce inside the DRAM market space. Besides the great unified RGB lighting found on these Acer Predator Hermes, there is an included 40 mm fan. This is a questionable inclusion that will surely increase the MSRP. Acer website states all SKUs for 6800 MT/s and above includes this fan (plus mounting bracket). I put the fan in the pros, even though it has a more neutral standing. That is because for those who are into the memory overclocking scene, they know all too well the necessity of a fan blowing air directly onto the memory. DDR5 is fast and, at times, quite temperature-sensitive when it comes to the varied secondary and tertiary timing values. Overall, I think the gesture to appease the memory overclockers is great, but the common user will not see a direct benefit of this included fan unless the case airflow is absolutely atrocious. It makes more sense to start including this peripheral with 7600 MT/s and above, as those are buyers are more likely to take advantage of it. This 40 mm fan just seems a bit misplaced for the 6800 MT/s product tier.

As we wrap up this review, let's do a quick recap. This Acer Predator Hermes DDR5-6800 is most beneficial to Intel users with higher than average budgets who not only like the aesthetics of the Predator Hermes memory, but also enjoy looking into the computer case from time to time. The unified RGB lighting is excellent, with this specific also memory kit being geared toward gamers and overclockers alike with those enthusiast tier primary timings. There is a lot to consider when buying a higher frequency memory kit and many brands to choose from. Even so, Acer has a decent offering here if DDR5-6800 is what you desire. Keep on eye out for it when it reaches your market and see if the price is right for you.