A Closer Look

The XPG Caster RGB modules in this review hold some similarities to the XPG Lancer line with an oversized light defusing bar incorporated into the heatspreader design. Like the other XPG DDR5 memory kits, this design is distinct to the Caster product line with long diagonal ridges across the heatspreader to maximize thermal dissipation.


The XPG logo has been placed on both sides of the DIMM.


On one side of each DIMM module is the identification sticker listing the SKU and configuration. It also includes the primary timings and XMP operating voltage.


Laying the DIMMs on the side, "XPG" is written in white lettering on one side.


The XPG Caster RGB DDR5-6400 CL40 kit weighs in at 51 grams on my scale. For Z-height, it is 43 mm rounding up with my calipers.


After taking the heatspreader off, we see that these are single-sided DIMMs with eight 2 GB ICs. This is as expected for a DDR5 32 GB kit since densities increased with DDR5. The thermal pad covers all the memory ICs. This particular kit does not have any coverage for the PMIC and surrounding components.


A closer look at the ICs shows that these are SK Hynix (H5CG48MEBDX014J). Currently, Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix are the three suppliers of DDR5 ICs. As the months have passed by, SK Hynix M-Die has emerged as the current leader for low-latency DDR5 kits. For the time being, M-Die is the IC you want if you plan to overclock.


With DDR5, one of the major changes is how the motherboard directly provides 5 V to the memory module's PMIC, which is then stepped down and split accordingly. No longer is the motherboard responsible for regulating the voltages seen with DDR4. The PMIC has part number "0D=9A Q49," which comes up as Richtek for the manufacturer.