Intel’s Arrow Lake retains standard memory speeds; faster performance requires premium CUDIMM modules
You'll need to spend a bit more to get that extra performance
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Intel’s Arrow Lake processors will support standard memory speeds with standard memory modules. If users want to achieve faster memory speeds, CUDIMM modules will be required.
According to the chip spec sheets for the Intel Core Ultra 200 series, the next-gen processors will support standard memory speeds of DDR5-6400 MT/s out of the box, requiring no overclocking. However, hardware leaker @harukaze5710 has indicated that the chips will achieve faster performance with more expensive CUDIMM modules.
CUDIMM is Intel’s term for the next-gen memory sticks, which are reported to offer impressive memory speeds. Several companies, including Crucial, Teamgroup, and Asgard, have launched their own CUDIMM memory sticks capable of reaching speeds of up to DDR5-9600. What sets CUDIMM apart is its onboard clock drivers, which enhance memory stability at higher frequencies. This feature allows users to achieve high-speed RAM performance without worrying about CPU compatibility.
ASRock also adopted the idea of faster overclocking memory with their recently designed Z890 Taichi OCF motherboard, which is built to support memory speeds like never before – 10,133 MT/s. However, these speeds will not be achievable with standard CUDIMM memory sticks and will require expensive ones – as those are only specified up to DDR5-6400, while standard DIMMs are rated for DDR5-5600.
Arrow Lake’s DDR5-6400 CUDIMM memory support should do the trick for most
In terms of reliability, Arrow Lake’s support for DDR5-6400 CUDIMM memory seems quite practical for many users. There’s no need to worry about unnecessary BIOS changes or system instability; you can simply enjoy faster memory speeds straight out of the box. Obviously, CUDIMM memory sticks will still cost a bit more than standard DIMM sticks, but with just a few extra dollars, you can experience enhanced performance without any XMP complications or BIOS tweaks, using your RAM at the speeds advertised on the box. Intel recently announced its Arrow Lake processors with just a few weeks left before the next-gen chips hit the shelves on October 24th and we get to see how well these premium CUDIMM models perform with the next-gen chips.
