A Closer Look

Once removed from the packaging we can get a closer look at the RAM. There is an unfortunate discrepancy between the product artwork on the Netac website and box. The Shadow II product is depicted with a gunmetal gray heatspreader. As seen in the photos these have a glossy black finish instead.


Netac has placed a logo in the center of each DIMM. A quick side note; this logo can be found on some Netac products, but not all of them.


On one side of each DIMM module is the identification sticker listing the SKU, rated operating frequency, corresponding voltage of 1.1 V and timings. Netac did a good job in identifying the modules if you no longer have the original packaging.


Laying the DIMMs on the side, you can see "Netac" written in white lettering in the center.


The Netac Shadow II DDR5-4800 kit weighs in at 36 grams on my scale. For Z-height, it is 44 mm rounding up with my calipers.


After taking the heatspreader apart, we can see how Netac assembled the Netac Shadow II DDR5-4800 kit. Nothing special here, expected for an entry level product.


Getting a closer look at both sides with the heatspreader off we can see that these are single-sided DIMMs with four 2 GB ICs. Since Micron datasheets are not available, the assumption here to why Netac did not just use eight individual 1 GB ICs instead, the technical explanation is because DDR5 IC production starts at a minimum of 2 GB. Since DDR5 is designed with dual 32-bit bus, only populating one half would cause serious bandwidth constraints. This is why we see that each side has two ICs instead of one side with four.

Because this memory is operating using JEDEC specifications of 4800 MT/s at 1.1 V. Neither a heatspreader or thermal pads are necessary due to the efficiency of the module. At this frequency, heatspreaders are just a formality and a bit of marketing magic. It goes like this; If company X has heatspreader, so must company Y, in this case, Netac. It doesn't hurt to include them of course, it just isn't necessary at this voltage.


A closer look at the ICs shows that these are Micron (IZA45-D9BNK-VY54). Currently, Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix are the three suppliers of DDR5 ICs. Micron DDR5 is currently the lowest ranked in terms of overclocking abilities and binned frequencies. This first generation of Micron DDR5 memory often is found in entry level kits and tops out at around 5600 MT/s, but is typically binned lower.


With DDR5, one of the major changes is how the motherboard directly 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 on this memory has part number "5100-Y07K1A" which shows up at "GMT". A quick google search and Global Mixed-Mode Technology comes up.