Crucial Pro DDR5-5600 CL46 64 GB Review 36

Crucial Pro DDR5-5600 CL46 64 GB Review

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Value and Conclusion

  • The 64 GB (2x 32 GB) Crucial Pro DDR5-5600 CL46 kit is available for around US$130-150.
  • Competitive pricing
  • Low profile (Z-Height)
  • Only operates at 1.1 V
  • High memory capacity
  • Two memory profiles (5600 / 5200)
  • JEDEC up to 5600 MT/s
  • Thermal pad on PMIC
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Loose primary timings
  • High latency
  • Subpar performance for gaming
Now that we have benchmarked this memory, it is time to put everything into perspective. We will go over which platform this memory kit is best suited for, what Crucial could improve upon to make a better product, and finish up on a positive note.

We will start with a quick explanation of why high-capacity memory is essential for some users. High-capacity kits like the Crucial Pro DDR5-5600 CL46 64 GB aren't just for office tasks; they support resource-intensive applications for users such as software developers running multiple virtual machines, experienced graphic designers, and video editors handling large projects. More system memory helps avoid crashes and enables smoother workflows. Gamers, too, benefit from extra memory, especially when multitasking as content creators. Running software like Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), using Discord, and keeping browser tabs open while streaming live on Twitch or YouTube are all more manageable with increased memory, making previously difficult workflows possible. Now that DDR5 has become more mainstream, 32 GB is no longer an enterprise exclusive as it was with DDR3. As memory production becomes more cost-effective through manufacturing advancements and shifts in supply and demand, the 'standard' for capacity rises, offering greater memory at similar price points.

While 64 GB of system memory may seem excessive to casual users, it has a solid place in the prosumer market. There are two types of consumers who go beyond standard memory needs. Firstly there are the PC enthusiasts who want the highest capacity or fastest memory available, regardless of cost; secondly are the prosumers. A 'prosumer' typically uses their computer intensively for more than recreational purposes. The development of non-binary memory modules raised maximum memory capacity from 128 GB to 196 GB with four modules.

Many may wonder why not simply use four DIMMs instead of two to maximize capacity while minimizing cost, but this approach has limitations. AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors are designed for dual-channel memory, ideally with two modules. While many motherboards do have four memory slots, fully populating them can lead to unpredictability. For example, AMD's Ryzen 7000 / 9000 series officially supports only DDR5-3600 when four modules are used. Although it's possible to exceed official specifications, the practical limits vary depending on memory rank and CPU integrated memory controller (IMC) quality. In short, using two modules is recommended for compatibility.

The Crucial Pro DDR5-5600 memory kit is designed for compatibility with both AMD and Intel platforms, supporting XMP and EXPO memory profiles. With 2 DIMMs, it falls within the officially supported speeds of 5200 MT/s and 5600 MT/s for both platforms and includes a JEDEC profile supporting up to 5600 MT/s. While both Intel and AMD platforms can achieve higher speeds, AMD has identified DDR5-6000 as the optimal balance for Ryzen 7000/9000 series processors, offering robust performance across user types. Although Intel platforms can support even higher frequencies, this often comes with trade-offs like increased power consumption, temperature constraints and higher costs. For Intel users, speeds above 7200 MT/s yield diminishing returns, whereas AMD users find the highest return between 6000-6200 MT/s.

Crucial takes a mostly conservative approach to primary timings, with the Pro series offering CL46 on the lower end and CL36 on the top-tier options. CL46 is among the highest found on a DDR5-5600 memory kit so far, which leads us to the overclocking discussion. Crucial employs various tiers of binning, and the 6400 MT/s CL36 kit uses a different Micron revision (Micron Rev D) than the "Pro" series. The "Pro" series can be equipped with Rev G, D or another revision entirely. This can happen because of the low frequency and looser XMP/EXPO profile timings, which means it does not need to meet the same DRAM IC "quality" as the Pro OC series. As with any purchase, it's best to choose memory that meets your desired specifications rather than relying on overclocking potential. Although the Crucial Pro series is often seen marketed as "overclocked" and performance-oriented, the true overclocking versions are in the Pro 'OC' series, which, though similar in appearance and naming, has a guarantee of higher quality ICs through binning so that it can achieve the targeted frequency and timings.

Whether on an Intel or AMD platform, the Crucial Pro DDR5-5600 64 GB kit includes both XMP and EXPO memory profiles for 5600 MT/s and 5200 MT/s, making it easy to stick with each platform's officially supported speeds. The inclusion of a JEDEC DDR5-5600 profile further broadens system compatibility, a key factor for high-density memory. For users looking to enter the 64 GB+ range without overspending, this kit offers a balanced option between lower-cost 4800 MT/s kits and the pricier 6400 MT/s options. While this Crucial Pro DDR5-5600 CL46 64 GB memory kit isn't designed for overclocking and isn't a gaming performance leader either, it is well-suited for cost-conscious users and light gamers who prioritize capacity and affordability.
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