A Closer Look

The XPG Lancer modules are black with a brushed aluminium finish. The heatspreader covers the entire PCB for full coverage.


Laying the DIMMs on the side, the XPG logo is centered across the top.


The XPG logo has also been placed in the bottom-left corner of each DIMM, in direct contrast to the black brushed aluminium.


On one side of each DIMM module is the identification sticker listing the SKU, rated XMP operating frequency, corresponding voltage of 1.25, and XMP timings.


The XPG Lancer weighs in at 70 grams on my scale, which is a bit on the heavier side. However, after taking it apart, it seems the plastic section on top is the major contributor of weight.

For Z-height, it is 44 mm rounding up with my calipers. These are unnecessarily tall, but a larger heatspreader brings with it the advantage of dissipating more excess heat. The ideal height for the broadest compatibility with air coolers is 40 mm or below. I also suggest checking with the manufacturer of the air cooler you intend to use. Often, all you need to do is raise the attached fan; other times, the actual heatsink fin-stack is in the way, preventing the installation of the memory DIMMs altogether.


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 the entire length; however, no coverage is present over the PMIC.


Getting a closer look at the ICs, XPG is using Micron (ISA45D8BNJ). Currently, Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix are the three suppliers of DDR5 ICs. Many companies are using the same IC packages until supply catches up with demand. The binning process is new, and it is still too early to say which is the best brand for overclocking, and acceptable long-term overvolting.


With DDR5, one of the major changes is how the motherboard 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 used has the part number APW8502C-AX50P. Nothing comes up with a quick search for the manufacture. That being said, it is too early to tell how important this will be for overclocking, or voltage tolerance outside of specifications. We can document it now and revisit it at a later date.