After an up close inspection of the memory and running some benchmarks, it is time to time to consolidate everything to give a clear view of how this memory kit can help your system performance. Along with that we will go over things Acer could improve upon and try to end on a positive note.

First, lets walk through the potential benefits of using low-latency memory and what to expect using this memory kit. This will need to be broken up into two parts just make it a little easier. When it comes to discussing DDR4 and what is best for your computer, the answer depends entirely on what you are trying to accomplish, and at what price point. A recommendation for years has been to aim for higher frequencies with lower timings. This was a good general rule, but, has since changed with newer generations of CPUs from Intel and AMD. The memory subsystem now has more complexity and nuance, making memory reviews and general recommendations more complicated.

Echoing previous reviews, it has been widely suggested in casual tech conversations that faster memory—an increase in memory frequency—equates higher CPU performances. This stems from the idea that higher-frequency memory provides more data bandwidth for the CPU to utilize. On paper, there is no debate about whether higher-frequency memory provides more bandwidth—it does. Thus it's easy to think this is as a clear answer as to what is "best", end of story. However, CPU memory controllers from both Intel and AMD now offer an internal memory divider, aiding in higher frequency memory support. In short, because memory frequencies have dramatically increased in a short period of time, this has also created a problem where the memory controller integrated into the CPU cannot keep up. The universal solution devised was to break away from the standard 1:1 ratio used for every CPU before, so the memory controller can operate at half the frequency of the system memory. Overcoming this limitation also created unwanted latency penalties, as the result of using a 2:1 ratio.

Ignoring memory configurations, primary timings and if channels are single or dual-rank for a moment, AMD Ryzen benefits the most from keeping the memory controller in a 1:1 ratio, in line with the Infinity Fabric. AMD has a name for this optimal frequency point. This "sweet spot" is the best balance between cost and performance, currently at DDR4-3600. Because latency penalties from using a 2:1 ratio are detrimental to most games, having the CPU Infinity Fabric stay in 1:1 ratio with the memory controller can grant significant speed improvements and measurable differences in certain scenarios, for applications and games alike.

With Intel 11th and 12th Gen Core processors, the Infinity Fabric does not exist, but in its place, the memory controller (IMC) follows a similar practice as AMD Ryzen. Once the CPU IMC is forced to switch to a 2:1 Gear Ratio owing to its own internal clock limitations, a latency penalty is added that will offset many potential benefits of higher frequency memory. Acer Predator Vesta RGB perfectly aligns itself with both platforms and their typically achievable 1:1 limits, providing a memory kit for the consumer market with an XMP profile of DDR4-3600.

I am occasionally reminded that not everyone has the same level of technical prowess. It's not to say, those who struggle to understand technical terminology aren't capable of such things, rather it is simply not of interest to them. To sum up everything above, while I would like to say this memory kit falls under the hassle free plug-and-play category, it may not work on all systems once the XMP profile is enabled, due to the high density DIMMs. It is important to understand this is dual-rank memory, and to get it to run in the optimal configuration may require adjustments in the BIOS. This will entirely depend on the quality of both the motherboard and the CPU integrated memory controller. Those comfortable with computers, and who don't mind asking for help on forums such as TechPowerUp shouldn't be overly concerned with compatibility, as manual tuning will eventually lead to a stable configuration.

Acer using Samsung B-Die ICs in it's Predator Vesta RGB memory kits grants a lot of advantages. First, is the low-latency timings, an essential element of the highest performing memory kits. Second is the overclocking abilities. Overclocking doesn't always have to involve going up in frequency, it can also be a term used for optimizing the values beyond what is programmed by default into the memory profile. In this case, lowering the secondary and tertiary timings depending on the application, can be equally as important as simply increasing frequency. This is where Acer shines. Samsung B-Die is unmatched among DDR4 ICs in its potential for the lowest primary, secondary and tertiary timings.

Acer does a lot of things right here with the Predator Vesta series, targeting PC enthusiasts who want performance right out of the gate, but who can also make adjustments overclocking the memory, to achieve optimal results. The only questionable marketing I could find was that not all Acer Predator Vesta RGB memory kits will use Samsung-B Die ICs. To Acer's credit, on the product website specifications and the PDF you can download, it says "Please check carefully the product serial numbers if you want to choose the Samsung B-die kits". A common trait of B die kits are flat 14-14-14 timings, but its also possible to check model numbers online to guarantee B die kits.

Even with this discrepancy, It is easy to get caught up in the technical details and forget about the computer as a whole, and how this memory fits into the equation. Using higher-speed memory in conjunction with low-timings will contribute to raising the 1%/0.1% FPS lows, granting a better experience in games. However, this isn't a magical solution to increase your league rankings or make you a better gamer overnight. Understand that more performance can generally be gained from a better graphics card, higher clocked processors, or even lowering the graphical settings. Enthusiast-grade memory kits like these are for systems that already have been optimized elsewhere. Cheaper DDR4-3600 kits exist for those who rather have the overall benefits 3600 MT/s memory provide, but can make do without lower timings. Acer delivers on the promise of an enthusiast-grade product for those who desire the best. The RGB implementation is fantastic as well, making the kit a great choice if ARGB lighting is important to you. To wrap up this review, the Acer Predator Vesta RGB DDR4-3600 is not for everyone, but is certainly a welcome addition to the low-latency DDR4 market.