Corsair’s WS Series XMP/EXPO DDR5 RDIMMs: A Game-Changer in Workstation Memory Market

Corsair has recently launched a new line of registered memory modules with ECC, specifically designed to cater to AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper 7000 and Intel’s Xeon W-2400/3400-series processors. The Corsair WS DDR5 RDIMMs, equipped with AMD EXPO and Intel XMP 3.0 profiles, will be available in kits with capacities of up to 256 GB and speeds reaching up to 6400 MT/s.

The WS DDR5 RDIMMs from Corsair offer a variety of options, including 16 GB modules operating at 6400 MT/s with CL32 Latency, as well as 32 GB modules functioning at 5600 MT/s with CL40 latency. Currently, Corsair provides a quad-channel 64 GB kit (4×16GB, up to 6400 MT/s), a quad-channel 128 GB kit (4×32GB, 5600 MT/s), an eight-channel 128 GB kit (8×16GB, 5600 MT/s), and an eight-channel 256 GB kit (8×32GB, 5600 MT/s). It remains to be seen if Corsair will expand this lineup in the future.

These WS DDR5 RDIMMs from Corsair are specifically designed for compatibility with AMD’s TRX50 and WRX90 platforms, as well as Intel’s W790 platform. This means they can be seamlessly integrated with AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7000 and 7000WX-series CPUs, as well as Intel’s Xeon W-2400/3400-series CPUs. Notably, the modules come equipped with both AMD EXPO and Intel XMP 3.0 profiles, allowing for easy configuration of settings beyond the standard JEDEC specifications. Additionally, the thin heat spreaders on these modules are made of pyrolytic graphite sheet (PGS), which offers superior thermal conductivity compared to copper and aluminum of the same thickness. Unfortunately, Corsair has not disclosed the specific RCD and memory chips used in these registered memory modules.

Interestingly, unlike some of its competitors, Corsair did not release its enthusiast-grade RDIMMs when AMD and Intel initially launched their Ryzen Threadripper and Xeon W-series platforms for extreme workstations. While the reason behind this decision remains unclear, it seems that Corsair wanted to gain experience working with modules featuring registered clock drivers (RCDs) and familiarize themselves with AMD’s and Intel’s platforms for extreme workstations.

The delay in releasing these modules appears to have paid off for Corsair, as their WS DDR5 RDIMMs stand out from the competition by offering both AMD EXPO and Intel XMP 3.0 profiles. This dual compatibility is particularly advantageous for system integrators, simplifying their inventory management by allowing them to utilize Corsair WS DDR5 RDIMMs in both AMD Ryzen Threadripper and Intel Xeon W-series builds.

Considering that Corsair’s WS DDR5 RDIMMs are specifically targeted at workstations and have undergone rigorous testing to ensure reliable performance beyond JEDEC specifications, they come at a higher price point. The most affordable option is the 64 GB DDR5-5600 CL40 kit priced at $450, while the fastest 64 GB DDR5-6400 CL32 kit costs $460. At the top end, the 256 GB DDR5-5600 CL40 kit is priced at $1,290.

(Source)

Background Information

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About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

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About Corsair: Corsair, founded in 1994, is a manufacturer of high-performance gaming and enthusiast PC components and peripherals. The company specializes in producing top-tier gaming keyboards, mice, headsets, as well as computer cases, power supplies, and memory modules. Corsair has earned a strong reputation in the industry for its commitment to quality and innovation, catering to gamers and PC enthusiasts worldwide.

  

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About Intel: Intel Corporation, a global technology leader, is for its semiconductor innovations that power computing and communication devices worldwide. As a pioneer in microprocessor technology, Intel has left an indelible mark on the evolution of computing with its processors that drive everything from PCs to data centers and beyond. With a history of advancements, Intel's relentless pursuit of innovation continues to shape the digital landscape, offering solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve new levels of productivity and connectivity.

  

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About JEDEC: JEDEC is the global leader in the development of standards for the microelectronics industry. It was founded in 1958 as the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council to develop standards for the microelectronics industry. The organization's headquarters is located in Arlington, Virginia, United States. JEDEC sets standards for a wide range of technologies, including semiconductors, memory devices, integrated circuits, and more. Its standards are widely adopted and utilized throughout the industry to ensure compatibility and interoperability among various electronic devices and components.

  

Technology Explained

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DDR5: DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5) is the next generation of memory technology for the computer industry. It is a modern day improvement on earlier DDR technologies, with faster speeds, greater bandwidth and higher capacities. DDR5 enables higher resolution, seamless gaming experiences and faster data transfer rates, making it an ideal choice for high-performance computing and 4K gaming. With its greater RAM compatibility, DDR5 provides faster buffering times and raised clock speeds, giving users an improved overall work system. DDR5 is also optimized for multi-tasking, allowing users to multitask without experiencing a significant drop in performance, increasing the productivity of digital tasks. As an ever-evolving technology, DDR5 is paving the way for the computer industry into a new and powerful era.

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Latency: Technology latency is the time it takes for a computer system to respond to a request. It is an important factor in the performance of computer systems, as it affects the speed and efficiency of data processing. In the computer industry, latency is a major factor in the performance of computer networks, storage systems, and other computer systems. Low latency is essential for applications that require fast response times, such as online gaming, streaming media, and real-time data processing. High latency can cause delays in data processing, resulting in slow response times and poor performance. To reduce latency, computer systems use various techniques such as caching, load balancing, and parallel processing. By reducing latency, computer systems can provide faster response times and improved performance.

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Xeon: The Intel Xeon processor is a powerful and reliable processor used in many computer systems. It is a multi-core processor that is designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. It is used in servers, workstations, and high-end desktop computers. It is also used in many embedded systems, such as routers and switches. The Xeon processor is known for its high performance and scalability, making it a popular choice for many computer applications. It is also used in many cloud computing applications, as it is capable of handling large amounts of data and providing high levels of performance. The Xeon processor is also used in many scientific and engineering applications, as it is capable of handling complex calculations and simulations.