Now that we have benchmarked this memory, it is time to put everything into perspective. We will go over which platform this memory kit is best suited for, what G.SKILL could improve upon to make a better product, and finish up on a positive note.
First off, let's cover system compatibility. Since DDR5's debut in 2021, we have seen four generations of Intel processors and two from AMD. 6000 MT/s (DDR5-6000) memory has been a reliable choice for Intel and AMD systems, as compatibility issues were minimal even when DDR5 debuted with Intel's 12th Generation processors in 2021. As for AMD, determining the best match for memory configurations on Ryzen 9 7000 and 9000 series CPUs hasn't changed, as both generations share the same CPU memory controller (IMC).
The G.SKILL Trident Z5 NEO series is designed primarily for AMD users but also functions effectively on Intel-based computers. This memory kit offers a single overclock profile, which is AMD's EXPO (Extended Profiles for Overclocking), an open standard created to rival Intel's XMP (Extreme Memory Profile), established as the industry standard since 2007. On Intel systems that do not support EXPO, the Trident Z5 NEO defaults to DDR5-4800 JEDEC specifications. G.SKILL ensures consumers are aware of the memory kit's intended use for AMD systems. Of course, users still have the option to manually adjust memory timings for optimal performance on both AMD and Intel platforms.
Even though the AMD platform is the primary target for this G.SKILL Trident Z5 NEO memory kit, we did in fact run a number of benchmarks on two Intel CPUs to give a better representation of which platform will benefit the most from ultra low latency memory. Intel users utilizing 12th, 13th or 14th Generation processors will find higher bandwidth often outperforms lower frequency memory with equally good latency. With the architectural redesign of the next-generation Intel Ultra 200 series, lower latency has become a priority—similar to AMD's approach. However, as a direct result of its architectural shift from a monolithic to a tile-based die design, memory latency is much higher regardless of the XMP / EXPO profile used. Users can make manual adjustments to the CPU Ring Cache and Die-to-Die (D2D) ratio which will yield a noticeable performance increase, but that is also outside the scope of most user's willingness to overclock the CPU.
DDR5-6000 is AMD "Sweet spot" for the Ryzen 7000 / 9000 series for a good reason. This is the golden zone for these CPUs, for simple plug and play compatibility and price to performance output. Using memory beyond 6400 MT/s has its own set of potential compatibility issues, from lacking motherboard support, to increased latency when changing the CPU memory controller to a 2:1 ratio (UCLK:MCLK / 2). Early on in the Zen 4 production, there was a point where each AGESA versions changed memory compatibility or CPU overclock stability. Meaning early adopters found the newest version released by AMD wasn't always the best choice. For casual users, sticking with the latest BIOS provided by the motherboard vendor is always recommended. Vendors often include bug fixes and improvements that enhance hardware support.
Since AMD switched from a monolithic die configuration to the CCD (Core Complex Die) that is used in all Ryzen CPUs, DRAM memory latency has been a big part of the generating the highest frame-rates in games. AMD 3D V-Cache removes the system memory latency as a performance factor in games due to the immense size of the L3 CPU Cache. We can see this in the benchmarks comparing DDR5-4800 CL40 to DDR5-6000 CL26, the frame-rates are very close. While memory vendors may not like this recommendation. Owners of an AMD X3D CPU should focus on buying memory for capacity and personal preference in style and design first instead of enthusiast tier memory.
With that, it is time to wrap up this review. DDR5-6000 overall still stands out as a solid choice for AMD Ryzen 7000 / 9000 series owners. It offers a good mix of ease-of-use and value for money, making it an ideal option for those seeking straightforward plug-and-play functionality along with strong price-to-performance ratios. The additional help from an ultra low latency 6000 MT/s CL26 EXPO profile makes this memory kit one of the easiest to recommend.