G.Skill Unwraps Flare X 32 GB and 128 GB DDR4 Kits for AMD Threadripper: Up to 3600 MT/s
by Anton Shilov on August 11, 2017 11:30 AM EST
G.Skill has announced its lineup of DDR4 memory kits compatible with AMD’s new Ryzen Threadripper CPUs. The Flare X quad-channel kits are offered in 32 GB and 128 GB configurations and feature 2933 – 3600 MT/s data transfer rates. The company plans to make the new kits available in the coming weeks.
As reported multiple times, AMD’s processors based on the Zen microarchitecture have a number of peculiarities with their memory controllers that prevent high-end memory modules designed for other platforms to run at their labeled data transfer rates. AMD is working with makers of motherboards to improve compatibility of Ryzen platforms with advanced DIMMs via BIOS updates, but in the meantime makers of DRAM modules release special versions of their products tested to be compatible with Ryzen. Since the Ryzen Threadripper CPUs are based on exact same dies as the regular Ryzen processors and have the same memory controllers, they have the same DRAM compatibility habits as their brethren with lower core counts. That said, in the coming days and weeks leading suppliers of DIMMs will be announcing kits compatible with the AMD X399 platform.
Being one of the most popular makers of advanced memory modules, G.Skill is among the first to formally introduce its Flare X kits designed for AMD Ryzen Threadripper CPUs. G.Skill’s family of X399-compatible DRAM consists of four quad-channel kits: three 32 GB (4´8 GB) kits available at 3200 MT/s, 3466 MT/s and 3600 MT/s data transfer rates as well as one 128 GB (8´16 GB) kit that can run at 2933 MT/s. As for voltages, all kits and modules require 1.35 V, which is standard for enthusiast-class memory. As usual, the higher clocked kits also come with higher latencies, with timings starting at CL14 for DDR4-2933/3200 modules and reaching CL16 by DDR4-3466/3600 speeds. All the modules are based on Samsung’s 8 Gb B-die ICs produced using the company’s 20 nm process technology.
| G.Skill's Flare X Memory Kits for AMD's X399 (Threadripper) Platform | ||||||
| Speed | CL Timing | Voltage | Kit Configuration | Family | ||
| DDR4-3600 | CL16 16-16-38 | 1.35 V | 4×8 GB (32GB) | Flare X | ||
| DDR4-3466 | ||||||
| DDR4-3200 | CL14 14-14-34 | |||||
| DDR4-2933 | 8×16 GB (128GB) | |||||
At present, G.Skill’s Flare X family of Threadripper-compatible DDR4 kits does not look like a broad one. For example, it lacks any 64 GB options (it should still be possible to use two identical 32 GB kits), modders are going to miss RGB lighting, whereas those planning to use Threadripper for work are going to miss ECC support on the high-capacity kit. It is logical to expect G.Skill to introduce more Ryzen Threadripper-compatible DRAM options over time, but for now owners of AMD’s new HEDT platform will have to choose something from the available options.
G.Skill traditionally does not touch upon pricing of its memory modules because DRAM prices always fluctuate. As for availability timeframes, expect G.Skill’s Flare X memory modules for AMD’s X399 ‘Threadripper’ platform to arrive in two or three weeks, in late August, or early September.
Related Reading:
- The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X and 1920X Review: CPUs on Steroids
- Unannounced AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920 CPU in Motherboard Support Lists
- Patriot Publishes List of AMD Ryzen Compatible DIMMs: Up to DDR4-3400, 64 GB
- AMD Announces Ryzen AGESA 1.0.0.6 Update: Enables Memory Clocks Up To DDR4-4000
- The AMD Zen and Ryzen 7 Review: A Deep Dive on 1800X, 1700X and 1700
Source: G.Skill
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ananthrow - Sunday, August 20, 2017 - link
I would love to buy faster ECC ram for my Threadripper system.tamalero - Friday, August 11, 2017 - link
Agree, I'm getting sick of these RGB crap everywhere.I can't wait to see a decent workstation mobo, memory, etc.. without these annoying distracting LEDS.
I always turned off when they are included in videocards.
philehidiot - Sunday, August 13, 2017 - link
Another one here sick of the colour crap. I'm not so fussed if I can turn it off but I despise having to install unnecessary software to control the bloody LEDs.... that's more bloatware I just don't need or want.AMD really need to sort this memory issue out as a priority - bearing in mind their advantage is bang for buck in many regards, this is negated when people already have a load of DDR4 RAM and may have to buy another lot.
Lolimaster - Monday, August 14, 2017 - link
Not like the CPU will run 50% slower, at most you get 5-10% extra at best case coming from DDR4 2133. If you got those kind of memory you knew the slowest DDR4 will always hold up performance when DDR3 at the same speeds will always perform better.DanNeely - Friday, August 11, 2017 - link
No official price yet, but those of similar 128GB kits on Newegg suggest it'll cost ($1100-1500) about as much as a 1950X and mobo combined even if they don't charge a first out the gate markup.tamalero - Friday, August 11, 2017 - link
Amazon has them on preorder of around 500 USD for the 64GB one, so I agree with you on the 1,000 USD price tag.nul0b - Saturday, August 12, 2017 - link
Can you post a link to this supposed pre-order. The kit only shows 32GB and 128GB capacity...HomeworldFound - Saturday, August 12, 2017 - link
The only 64GB FlareX kit I see on Amazon are the 2400 model. I guess he was mistaken.BrokenCrayons - Friday, August 11, 2017 - link
I recall seeing RAM compatiblity problems with other new processors both in recent times and in the past. Figuring out the right memory to buy these days is a lot easier than it was before. Ugh, I remember EDO and tin-lead with 2K refresh was a problem when buying 72-pin SIMMs and then there was older 30-pin RAM and those stupid ISA slot RAM cards. At one point I had an 8088 with double stacked memory chips though that was long after the 8088 was an obsolete dinosaur. Who could afford to pile up the memory like that when those computers were new? Things are a bit better now and at least the resources are available on the Internet if you need to know what sorts of memory you ought to purchase for your system if you're going through the trouble of finding RAM for a build or an upgrade. Relying of iffy or vague printed manuals from vendors was sometimes a real nightmare.Makaveli - Friday, August 11, 2017 - link
If I decide to do a 1900x build I will be looking at this 32GB CL14 kit from Gskill.