- CUDIMM is a new RAM technology with a Clock Driver on the DIMM itself, improving stability and increasing memory speeds.
- Currently, only Intel’s Arrow Lake CPUs support CUDIMM kits and even then they are pretty overpriced, making the upgrade less viable.
- So far, only Colorful’s iGame Shadow 9600MHz RAM kit has been overclocked to 10000MHz, and the kit hasn’t been launched yet.
- CUDIMM is only useful for productive tasks requiring faster and greater memory. It’s not recommended for casual gamers.
Besides the CPU and GPU, RAM kits see the most technological developments in PCs. The last time RAM kits got an overhaul was with DDR5 memory. Ever since, we’ve seen faster and faster kits on the market, recently even touching 10,000MHz. However, DDR5 is now seeing a cap due to certain difficulties, which is why a new type of RAM has been introduced. CUDIMM or Clocked Unbuffered Dual In-Line Memory Module RAM helps break the limitations of traditional DDR5 UDIMM RAM kits. But, should you consider buying a CUDIMM RAM kit for your next PC build?
What Is CUDIMM Exactly?
Before we jump into whether a CUDIMM kit is worth the purchase today, I should explain what CUDIMM is. Short for Clocked Unbuffered Dual In-Line Memory Module, CUDIMM is a newer version of the already-popular UDIMM but with a Clock Driver (CKD) on the DIMM itself. Doing so, the clock signals are regenerated by the ICs which drive the chips. Because of this, the DIMMs don’t have to use the clock from the CPU and can use the locally generated clock.
How does this help the RAM kit? Well, thanks to the reduced load on the chip, the RAM’s stability increases at higher speeds, allowing the kits to potentially cross 10,000MHz. This also entails that the connector on the kit doesn’t need to be changed, resulting in an easier transition for both producers and customers.
Pricing And Availability Are A Major Concern
The biggest issue with CUDIMM kits, currently, is the pricing and availability. This is still a relatively new technology and it’ll take some time before it’s usable in the mainstream PC market. For example, only the Ryzen 9000 series CPUs from AMD support CUDIMM kits. That too, is in bypass mode, where they work as traditional UDIMM kits, so there’s practically no reason to pay more for the kit.
Now, while Intel’s Arrow Lake CPUs have proper support for this technology, the pricing is still a major concern. For example, the G.Skill Trident Z5 CK RGB Series 48GB DDR5 8200MHz RAM kit costs ~$260 while the traditional G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB Series 48GB 7200MHz kit is priced at ~$180 on Amazon. You’d say that the 1000MHz difference makes up for the price tag, but are you getting the performance out of it?
Well, according to our RAM listicles where we benchmarked multiple kits at different speeds, the Intel CPUs loved 8000MHz, and going above that didn’t improve the performance too much.
Hitting 10000MHz Isn’t Easy
Currently, the only RAM kit that has hit 10000MHz is a soon-to-be-launched Colorful 9600MHz CL44 CUDIMM kit according to an official thread by the Colorful team on Bilibili. The Colorful team managed to overclock the kit to 10000MHz with 24GB modules in dual slots, it’s much easier to sit at the XMP specified 9600MHz.
By default, this RAM kit has XMP specifications of 9600MHz at CL44 and 1.5V and 9200MHz at CL46 and 1.45V. So, it seems hitting 10000MHz is a much more difficult task that casual gamers might not be able to reach.
It’s Not Beneficial For Gamers Right Now
While CUDIMM RAM has a lot of potential, the technology isn’t beneficial for gamers right now. In a sense, you can compare it with PCIe Gen 4 and PCIe Gen 5 where the performance uplift is only minimal. Even with the latest Intel Ultra Core CPUs, you won’t find much of a performance boost by using a CUDIMM kit. Hence, I don’t think you should consider buying a CUDIMM RAM kit for your next PC build.
On the other hand, this technology is impressive in many ways and has potentially unlocked the doors for faster DDR5 RAM, and may have even cleared a pathway for DDR6. While it may not be needed right now, I’m intrigued to see how this technology will grow and change RAM requirements soon.
Even so, I can see server PCs and systems utilizing AI to benefit greatly from CUDIMM RAM kits as they require faster memory. The technology simply isn’t worth it for gamers, but if you’re looking towards the productivity side, you may find greater use for it.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Abdemanaf is a skilled creative writer who has been honing his craft since 2011. While initially working in different fields, he found a passion for technology and has been exploring the tech world since early 2015. Over the years, he has developed an in-depth knowledge of the latest tech trends and product offerings by various companies.
Abdemanaf’s writing reflects his analytical mindset and ability to think critically. He has a knack for breaking down complex technical information into easily digestible pieces, making his articles engaging and accessible to readers from all backgrounds. In February 2022, he joined Tech4Gamers as a blog and product comparison writer, where he has been able to hone his skills further.
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