A Closer Look

Now that the memory is out of the packaging we can get a closer look. The website product pages describes these heatsinks as "sliver-winged" and the overall appearance as "eSports style". It does present itself as more geared towards gamers, but nothing looks winged-like.


On both sides is a piece of plastic with the Predator logo on it.


The words "Vesta RGB" is on the opposite side from the identification sticker.


Viewing these DIMMs from the side, the Acer Predator name is written in one corner. This text is also transparent, allowing the RGB lighting to pass through.


On one side of each DIMM module is the identification sticker. Acer makes the sticker easy to read with bold lettering. We'll walk through the somewhat confusing details. 16 GB 2R*8 is the module size. 2R means two ranks with a single rank of 8 GB on each side of the PCB for a total of 16 GB per DIMM. PC4 3600 is a combination of PC4-28800 and the XMP profile for DDR4-3600 memory. This line is followed by the Primary DRAM timings for the XMP profile.


Z-height measured for these DIMMs is 50 mm, rounding up with my calipers. This memory kit is therefore considered slightly oversized. Caution is once again advised for air-coolers in relation to the DIMM slots. Most air coolers have adjustable fan heights, or simply do not overhang the memory. On the off-chance of this being a problem, you have been given notice.


After taking the heatspreader off, we see a double-sided DIMM with eight 1 GB ICs per side for a total of 16 GB. The thermal tape is placed across the entire length. Operating at 1.45 V, good case airflow is advised due to the XMP voltage. Direct airflow is optional for these memory modules, though recommended none the less.


Getting a closer look at the ICs, these are Samsung B-Die (K4A8G085WB-BCPB). B-Die is known for its unmatched low latency DDR4 timings. Surprisingly, while Acer promotes Predator Vesta RGB memory as Samsung B-Die, a disclaimer text is included as well. Not all Predator Vesta RGB branded memory will use Samsung B-Die. The only way to guarantee this is to buy a kit with a CAS value of 14.

Thaiphoon Burner Readout

Thaiphoon reports the SPD correctly, listing Samsung ICs. Acer claims this is a 10-layer PCB, while the SPD says 8-layer PCB. This Acer Predator Vesta RGB kit uses an XMP profile of DDR4-3600 14-15-15-35 operating at 1.45 V. The kit also has a JEDEC SPD of 2133 MT/s, unfortunately low, if you cannot enable the XMP profile. It does allow for maximum compatibility across a number of platforms and OEM systems. However, I would have liked to see a second fallback XMP profile, such as DDR4-3200 CL14, for newer computers on the market.