Introduction

Founded in 2001, ADATA is one of the largest manufacturers of flash memory and DRAM in the world and has steadily grown into what it is today: a leader in the industry. From enterprise to consumers, ADATA has multiple product lines to fit different markets, with the XPG subdivision targeting PC enthusiasts.

XPG offers multiple branded DDR5 products, with the current three main consumer system memory lines being Caster, Lancer, and Hunter. XPG Hunter fulfills basic user needs, while Lancer series memory aims to target a wide market offering both non-RGB and RGB SKUs, pre-binned and sold in various configurations from 5200 MT/s to 8000 MT/s. Lastly is the XPG Caster performance and enthusiast oriented system memory series.


In this review, we will be taking a closer look at the XPG Lancer Blade RGB DDR5-6000 32 GB (2x 16 GB) memory kit, marketed towards those who need low-profile memory while still keeping some of the mainline Lancer features intact. Even with the low profile design, this memory is equipped with decent "gamer-focused" primary timings with dual 6000 MT/s EXPO / profiles optimized for both Intel and AMD systems. Now, with the introduction out of the way, let us now see how this memory kit stacks up against the competition, beginning with a look at the specifications.

Specifications

Packaging

Taking a quick look at the packaging, we can see XPG keeps things simple. The memory comes in a blister pack, which is secured by a label that wraps around it. While it isn't presented in a fancy box, the typical information a customer needs is available without internet access. The front clearly states the size configuration, speed (6000 MT/s), XMP / EXPO, and has an RGB support badge as well. One of the big selling points of the Lancer Blade series is the low-profile aspect, which is also indicated as low-profile on the packaging as well.

Flip the packaging around and on the back, as is expected, you can find the Barcode with a part number, primary timings and applied voltage for its 6000 MT/s profile. Opening this blister pack was quite easy. Simply cut the label on both sides, and it will pop open.

A Closer Look

XPG has a number of different series, some of which overlap in name. The Lancer product line is one of those, there is a Lancer and also a Lancer Blade series. The latter is marketed mainly as a low-profile alternative. The Lancer Blade RGB has 3 mm less in the DIMM height compared to the Lancer (non-blade), which could interfere with certain air coolers due to height restrictions. The XPG Lancer Blade RGB comes in both White and Black variations, which gives customers more flexibility for themed computer builds.


Similar to the rest of XPG's lineup, Each memory module has the XPG branding on both sides of each memory DIMM, though the placement is different for each version.


On one side of each DIMM module is an identification sticker listing the product number, rated XMP / EXPO operating frequency, voltage, and primary timings. The only thing that is a bit confusing is the frequency on the sticker. It seems to be a combination of 6000 MT/s, CL30 and Black in a string of text.


Laying the DIMMs on the side, you can see "XPG" written in black on one corner. The entire plastic strip in the middle will be illuminated when the system is powered on and lighting can be controlled with supported motherboard software.


XPG Lancer Blade RGB DDR5-6000 kit weighs in at 40 grams on the scale. For Z-height, it comes in at 40 mm rounding up. Non-RGB version will be 33.8 mm in Z-Height.


With the heatspreaders removed, we see that these are single-sided DIMMs with eight 2 GB ICs. This is as expected for 16 GB DDR5 DIMMs. This particular kit does not have a thermal pad covering the PMIC and surrounding components.


A closer look at the ICs shows that these are SK Hynix (H5CG48AGBD-X018). Which can be abbreviated to SK Hynix 2 GB A-Die. Currently, Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix are the three suppliers of DDR5 ICs. When it comes to higher frequency memory, SK Hynix is currently unmatched and without a direct competitor in the high frequency market. Up until the release of 3 GB ICs, the previous world record title was held by SK Hynix A-Die (2 GB) and is still considered a good choice for high frequency overclocks paired with lower primary timings.



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, as with DDR4. The PMIC has the part number "OP=9E 34B." Software reports this as Richtek being the manufacturer. Internet investigation provides no additional information.