Value and Conclusion
- The 32 GB (2x 16 GB) Lexar THOR DDR5-6000 CL32 kit is available for around $100.
- Single-Rank DIMMs for higher compatibility
- Decent overclocking abilities*
- Competitive pricing
- "Sweet Spot" for AMD Ryzen users
- Compatible with Intel Z690 / B670 / Z790 motherboards
- Compatible with AMD B650 / X670 motherboards
- Dual XMP / EXPO
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Missing a lower XMP/ EXPO profile (5600 MT)
- No Thermal pad on PMIC
- Brand Silkscreen on ICs
* User results may vary
Now that we have benchmarked this memory in its stock configuration and performed some overclocking, it is time to put everything into perspective. As we wrap up this review, we will go over which platform this memory kit is best suited for, what Lexar could improve upon to make the THOR memory a better product, and finish up on a positive note.
To start off, let's talk about compatibility because it is often one of the first asked questions in regard to system memory. For Intel these type of questions quite simple. DDR5-6000 has always been a fairly safe value, as it wasn't a major concern when DDR5 debuted in 2021 with Intel's 12th Generation processors. Since then speeds have dramatically increased to up to DDR5-8400, but the compatibility for those extreme speeds that isn't great. Combining 32 GB of DDR5-6000 with the current Intel platform shouldn't be a concern for the vast majority of users.
As for AMD support, it becomes overwhelmingly technical to determine what is the best match. It comes in two categories: those who want the highest performance without compromise and the casual plug and play type. A single rule to follow that will always yield best performance is to run the highest frequency possible and lowest primary timings without changing the CPU memory controller to 2:1 ratio. For those who didn't quite understand the technical jargon, the next best thing is to pair any Ryzen 7000 series processors with DDR5-6000. This will always get a recommendation first, unless you are someone who likes tinkering with motherboard BIOS settings. Simply put, DDR5-6000 isn't a guaranteed plug and play frequency, due to some lower-end motherboards being less than ideal for newcomers who aren't already familiar with AMD quirky features and long boot times. However, it is a lot less of problem now the AM5 platform has had a year to mature. It is still a "go to" speed for the general consumer.
This brings up one of the few minor complaints. Being a minor complaint means that it does not make or break this product, but I would like to see it included in future revisions. For those concerned about compatibility, as commented on previously, AMD can be quite picky with memory depending on DIMM size and XMP / EXPO bin. It should be noted that Lexar is not to be blamed here. Regardless of brand, as unfortunately as it is, really cheap motherboards exist that do not meet the requirements for DDR5-6000. To counter this, a secondary lower XMP / EXPO profile could provide a much-needed reassurance for those first-time buyers not sure about good compatibility. If the primary memory profile does not work for whatever reason, a fallback profile is a good temporary solution while waiting for technical support to respond. Having a secondary profile at a lower frequency, but above the JEDEC DDR5-4800 baselines, gives buyers a strong incentive to pick a brand that includes this. Lexar currently does not, which is a missed opportunity.
Next up is memory overclocking, which had mixed results. First, it should always be pointed out that unless it is marketed as a halo product or is designed with overclocking in mind, the overall results will not impact the product recommendation. For a memory kit just sold and only binned to DDR5-6000, it did quite well, reaching all the way to 8200 MT/s. However, the best return on the performance metrics was 7800 MT/s. The only major disappointment of this overclocking adventure was that this Lexar Thor memory kit does not have the SK Hynix branding on the ICs; instead, Lexar uses its own part number on the memory chips. This opens up the possibility that in the future, batches of any brand or IC revision can be used as long as they still meets the requirements for this particular DDR5-6000 bin and listed primary timings. Therefore, out of principle, I cannot suggest buying this memory kit if overclocking will be pursued. The risk is just too great that it could be a different manufacturer completely, as Samsung, Micron and SK Hynix all have memory options that operate at DDR5-6000.
Often, these memory reviews seem unfavorable to the brands, but in reality, the actual complaints are minor, and most of this is to point out potential issues some users may come across. The Lexar THOR DDR5-6000 32 GB memory kit reviewed here is actually a decent choice for a genuinely hassle-free experience. DDR5 and the platforms it supports have greatly matured and surpassed the growing pains. DDR5-6000 was once considered a PC enthusiast-tier product but has since been replaced with what is now considered "insanely fast." That, however, does not change the fact that this tier of memory is a great middle ground between those who absolutely must have every bit of extra performance in games and those who are just casual players. This non-RGB Lexar THOR DDR5-6000 memory kit fits right in with its competitive pricing, and it is worth considering for that next computer build.