Introduction

Continuing its dominance and breaking world records, DDR5 is at the forefront and has called upon those who want to be at the center of this point in history alongside Intel with the recent launch of the 12th Generation Intel Core processors. We are entering the end of the DDR4 reign and beginning of a new generation that is testing and pushing the absolute limits of what can be achieved today.

For the casual user, leaving behind DDR4 isn't always beneficial. TechPowerUp already has an article with an in-depth comparison of DDR4 and DDR5 performance with Intel's Alder Lake for those who want a bit more than what this review offers on its own in that regard. Make no mistake in my heavy handed enthusiasm for DDR5 as it does not come without a few setbacks. The first generation of DDR5 is already taking a hit as it suffers from a high entry price point and increased latency, negating any benefits it may bring to the table, thus ranking it a tier below available high-performance DDR4 memory kits in many applications.

This of course begs the question of why any consumer would currently choose DDR5 under these circumstances. This isn't a simple question with a single answer owing to the sheer number of applied applications utilizing memory in different ways. The current benefits of switching over are higher operating frequencies, lower voltage, higher density modules, and select games and applications seeing a performance uplift, albeit small. Future benefits will build upon the laid-out foundation, as was evidenced with DDR3 and DDR4. DDR4 started out as DDR4-2133 with 4 GB per module. As of today, that has increased to 16 GB at a blistering DDR4-4800 in dual-rank configurations.

The long-term benefits of the transition to DDR5 are clearly set out to follow the same trends as its predecessors. In this early stage of the product's life, only a few companies are currently providing DDR5 memory kits. ADATA is one of the largest manufacturers of flash memory and DRAM in the world, with a reach across the globe. Founded in 2001, ADATA has steadily grown into what it is today: a leader in the industry. ADATA has multiple product lines to fit different markets, with the XPG subdivision targeting PC enthusiasts and branded as such. The XPG Lancer line is being offered in both non-RGB and RBG SKUs, and the 32 GB (2x 16 GB) configuration rated for 5200 MT/s.


ADATA has stepped it up and brought us the XPG DDR5 line under the Lancer family of products. The XPG Lancer DDR5-5200 kit I have for review today offers many similarities to others with 38-38-38-76 timings at 1.25 V for its XMP profile. A quick note since DDR5 has the same pin count and dimensions as DDR4: It is is not compatible with DDR4 slots or vice versa. Those who try will be unable to install the DIMM due to the notch having been moved to avoid it from happening and damaging components. Now, with that out of the way, let's see how this XPG Lancer DDR5-5200 32 GB kit stacks up to the competition!

Specifications