Now that we have benchmarked this memory and performed a bit of overclocking, there is a fair amount to go over. This memory configuration is new for DDR5 and as such there are considerations to be had when deciding which memory is best for your system and personal needs. We will start off this section with what Corsair could improve upon to make a better product, and try to wrap things up on a positive note.

There isn't much to complain about here in terms of build quality or things of that nature. Corsair non-RGB Vengeance memory does not get the same custom PCB treatment as the Dominator or Vengeance RGB versions, which may rub some people the wrong way. However, this is neither marketed as a record-breaking memory kit, nor is binned as such. Without any integrated RGB lighting, at moderate frequency goals, PCB designs can be simple and that is okay.

When it comes to compatibility, Corsair isn't directly to blame here, but without a motherboard that supports these new non-binary memory chips, a number of things can happen. For example, having the incorrect amount of memory showing up, system crashes, or the system simply failing to successfully boot. It would be beneficial to Corsair to include such information in the product pamphlet or on the web page instead of leaving it up to the customer to figure this out on their own.

During testing, performance of this memory kit in most applications showed a significant drop compared to its 2 GB IC counterparts. This can be explained by two different factors. The type of memory ICs and the sub-timings. DDR5 launched with 2 GB ICs, of which eight were used on a single side of the PCB. These are called "Ranks" and, in layman's terms, are what the CPU sees as a large chunk of memory (pool) that can be accessed. These 16 GB DIMMs are the most common size sold today, with 32 GB DIMMs adding another eight memory ICs to the back and becoming a second Rank of memory. The roadmap shows 4 GB and 8 GB in the works as DDR5 matures with mass adoption looming, but we are not there yet. Similar to DDR4 and DDR3 before it, the sizes initially offered are the same as the end of the last generation. Only to increase over time with new manufacturing techniques and die shrinkage. 3 GB memory ICs are a stop-gap until 4 GB chips make it to mass production.

What is non-binary memory, you might ask? Well, it is terminology used for memory that isn't using a multiplication of two in binary. Fundamentally nothing has changed on how DDR5 memory works, but the amount of memory expected by the system will be different, thus the motherboard needs to be aware of this possibility, hence the BIOS update prerequisite. With the increase in memory density, generally the latency will increase as well. Though not always linearly, the manufacturer who makes these memory chips also plays a role in the overall timings and voltage required for a certain frequency. These 3 GB Memory ICs are currently only available from SK Hynix and Micron, with Samsung ICs nowhere to be found. This memory kit from Corsair is using Micron ICs, which already are the weakest in terms of overclocking abilities or supporting the tightest possible timings. Now that they come with a increase in memory density, performance falls behind even further. In the Frametime Analysis section, two memory kits were pitted against each other. Both retail kits with the same primary timings. However, the "generic" memory had one advantage. It was using SK Hynix 2 GB ICs, which, without any manual adjustments, performed better due to lower sub-timings in the XMP profile. A bit of a misdirection, but this test system was setup to show that primary timings aren't conclusive when to comes to system memory performance.

Now with the technical jargon out of the way, we can now discuss what is good about this memory and who will benefit the most from it. First off, while this memory is marketed towards Intel users due to only having a single XMP profile, it will in fact work on any AMD motherboard that supports 24 GB DIMMs. This will most likely require updating the BIOS as well, regardless of what platform you are using. DDR5-5600 is also a fairly safe bet for both Intel and AMD users when it comes to compatibility in terms of being supported by the motherboard and also the processor itself. Officially, 5600 MT/s is considered a memory overclock, thus not actually supported by either AMD or Intel for any of the currently released CPUs. Consumers have long since ignored the official specifications set by the processor. DDR5-5600 just so happens to be on the lower end of an "overclock" and is considered safe from issues one may face with more enthusiast grade memory.

Without a crystal ball, it is impossible to know when 4 GB ICs will reach the consumer market. This brings us to the main reason to buy this memory. If 32 GB isn't enough, but 64 GB is too expensive, These 48 GB (2x 24 GB) will fill the gap. It also comes with the added benefit of being Single-Rank, which translates to higher compatibility as well. The 96 GB (2 x 48 GB) is similar to 64 GB (2x 32 GB) with regard to the total amount of memory ranks, thus decreasing overall compatibility compared to lower density DIMMs. Due to the poor performance in games, there is a cause for concern for hardcore gamers, and it is advised to avoid non-binary memory at this time. However, content creators and streamers may find more system memory a necessity. It ultimately comes down to the quantity of system memory needed and the cost of said amount. While the stop-gap between 3 GB and 4 GB ICs may be short-lived, Corsair isn't letting that stop them from offering both content creators and streamers what they need most. If you are in the market for 48 GB of memory, this Corsair Vengeance DDR5-5600 kit is excellent for what it is. Limited lifetime warranty, single-rank and no RGB. Exactly what is needed for those who are seeking that extra capacity. Nothing more, nothing less.