Review

The Crucial Pro RAM 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 5600MT/s CL46 is a compelling offering in the DDR5 market, drawing attention for its affordability and moderate overclocking potential. Manufactured by Crucial, a brand under Micron Technology Inc., this kit aims to serve both gamers and content creators seeking performance at a budget-friendly price.

Technical Specifications

Equipped with two 16GB DIMMs, the Crucial Pro RAM operates at a tested speed of 5600MT/s and a CAS latency of 46-45-45 at 1.1V. While its latency may appear high compared to DDR4 benchmarks, it aligns with the entry-level positioning of the product in the DDR5 ecosystem. This kit is compatible with both AMD and Intel platforms, supporting XMP 3 Profile 1 and EXPO profile 1 for flexible overclocking opportunities.

Design and Build

Visually, the RAM features a simplistic black PCB, devoid of heatsinks and RGB lighting, making it a perfect fit for those who prioritize performance over aesthetic flair. The lack of heatsink does not seem to impede its performance thanks to efficient thermal dissipation at the default 1.1V voltage. The use of Micron's D8DDZ ICs signifies reliable build quality, although expectations for frequency ceiling should be tempered.

Performance Insights

When evaluated in standard configurations, the Crucial Pro RAM provides adequate performance for a budget DDR5 kit. Its true potential, however, shines in overclocking scenarios. With a slight voltage bump to 1.2V, users can comfortably push it to 6000MT/s, resulting in approximately a 7% increase in read/write speeds and reduced latency (ExtremeHW).

Further tweaking to 6200MT/s at 1.435V unleashed even more headroom, delivering nearly 100GB/s read speeds and a latency drop of 17% (ExtremeHW). This demonstrates that while factory settings might not exploit the DIMMs' full potential, they certainly leave room for enthusiast-level overclockers.

Market Consideration

The pricing of the Crucial Pro RAM at approximately $86.99 makes it highly attractive against its competitors, both in the DDR5 and DDR4 landscapes. As DDR5 continues to edge closer to pricing parity with DDR4, this kit exemplifies the forward-looking value that DDR5 can provide. Although the out-of-box performance could be more robust, the ease with which performance boosts can be achieved via overclocking mitigates any potential disappointment (NAG).

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Crucial Pro RAM 32GB DDR5 5600MT/s is a strong contender for budget-conscious builders seeking a gateway into the DDR5 realm. Its affordable price, coupled with overclocking potential and Micron's renowned reliability, makes it a worthy investment. While not the highest performer out of the box, minor customization unleashes capabilities that can rival more expensive counterparts, ensuring longevity and versatile use for any upcoming PC builds.