Crucial Pro Series 6400MT/s Overclocking Memory Review

When the Crucial Ballistix brand was killed off before the DDR5 launch I was concerned that Crucial would be exiting the performance memory market completely.  This fear was reaffirmed after seeing the lackluster performance of the new DDR5 modules and it seemed like there was no way that Crucial would come back from there.

The new Crucial DDR5 Pro Memory: Overclocking Edition modules are an attempt to bring some enthusiast style to the Crucial lineup using a rather simple heatspreader design combined with a reworked memory module with higher clocks and lower timings.  These unassuming modules offer some amazing out of box performance when compared to similar products on the market.

Currently you can acquire the Pro OC Edition memory as individual modules in both 16GB and 24GB densities or as dual channel kits with maximum capacities up to 64GB and 96GB respectively.  This new addition to the lineup adds another speed grade allowing users to choose between 6000 and 6400Mhz (MT/s) and colors of either Black or White.

In terms of performance the DDR5-6400Mhz modules live up to their “Overclocking” roots but only so far as enabling an XMP/EXPO profile that is above the accepted JEDEC standards.  Pushing these modules beyond the 6400Mhz limit is not all difficult however voltage limitations will severely hinder any performance gains you will get.  With that being said I was able to boot the test system at 6800Mhz with completely stable operation across the entire benchmarking suite.

While I tend to focus on performance in my reviews there are only a few instances where overall memory speed makes a difference in modern DDR5 computer systems.  As many of our benchmarks show there is a nice performance improvement when moving to higher speed memory and you should strive to get the fastest modules you can afford.  Sure, you can buy faster modules but, when you buy Crucial you also buy into their long track record of reliability and system compatibility. 

Legendary Crucial Compatibility
Great Performance
Expanded Frequency Options
Dual XMP/EXPO Memory Profiles
Simple Heatspreader Design
Available in Black and White

Simple heatspreader design
Limited Overclocking Headroom