G.SKILL Trident Z5 CK DDR5 CUDIMM Memory Kit Review

Introduction

The introduction of CUDIMM memory for DDR5 finds a way around the limitation on some memory controllers that limits their ability to go past a certain point. This has opened up a much larger upper range for RAM speeds for Intel 800-series chipset. While the value of ultra fast RAM is largely dependent on the application and how they utilize system memory, most users ultimately base it on anecdotal experience. That said, we’ve only ever had another kit to review but with G.SKILL as our primary choice for our performance testing, we’ve got a pair of their latest CUDIMM kits.

The G.SKILL Trident Z5 CK and Trident Z5 CK RGB are a new line of DDR5 memory products from G.SKILL featuring internal clock timers compatible with Intel Z890 and other capable Intel 800 series motherboards that allow more stable operation at higher clock speeds. While standard DIMMs struggle at DDR5-8000 or higher, a new CKD or internal clock driver preserves memory stability at higher speeds.

G.SKILL is offering kits of 2x24GB for both the TridentZ CK and the TridentZ CK RGB with speeds from DDR5-8200 up to DDR5-9600. In this review, we’ll check out the G.SKILL TridentZ CK DDR5-8200 kit, the base model and see how it performs. Read on!

Features & Specification

• Trident Z5 CK Series, designed for Intel Z890 Series Chipset with Intel Core Ultra Processors (Series 2)
• Brand: G.Skill, Series: Trident Z5 CK, Model: F5-8200C4052G24GX2-TZ5CK
• 48GB kit containing 2 x 24GB modules, DDR5-8200, 288-Pin, CAS Latency CL40 (40-52-52-131) at 1.40V (Intel XMP)
• ECC: No, Dual Channel Kit, Recommended Use: High Performance or Gaming Memory
• XMP profile support to reach up to the rated overclock speed, or run at default JEDEC profile speed. Memory kits will boot at the SPD speed at default BIOS settings with compatible hardware.
• For memory kits with Intel XMP, enable XMP profile in BIOS to reach the rated potential XMP overclock speed of the memory kit, subject to the use of compatible hardware.
• Reaching the rated XMP overclock speed and system stability will depend on the compatibility and capability of the motherboard and CPU used.

Official product page – G.SKILL TridentZ CK CUDIMM / TridentZ CK RGB CUDIMM

Its important to note that the TridentZ CK are only currently supported on Intel Core Ultra series desktop systems and compatible motherboards. Its highly advised to check the updated QVL of compatible motherboards from G.SKILL’s website for the latest info on compatibility.

Closer Look

G.SKILL always gives their higher-end kits a more premium feel than their clamshell-packed kits. Shipped in an all-black box with a label and vacuum-sealed in plastic.  Most of the details are put on stickers along with a note label that this is intended for Z890 only but will work on CUDIMM compatible Intel 800-series motherboards.

Opening up the box shows us a microfiber cloth, a documentation leaflet, a G.SKILL brand badge and the TridentZ CK memory sticks themselves.

I actually only figured out these were non-RGB sticks when I opened them up completely forgetting these exists. And I realized how much I missed the majestic brilliance of non-RGB sticks as its been a while since I’ve had premium kits that are non-RGB, its nice to see G.SKILL is putting some respect to the purists’ choice.

And G.SKILL really did a great job on the finish of the TridentZ CK. Featuring a polished heatspreader with a glossy surface, its quite reflective despite the black coloring. There’s no other color option right now and this is as classic as they get. It still features the same TridentZ5-style heatspreader with not much physical change.

The kits are very glossy and is a fingerprint magnet.

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Performance Results

Test Setup

Memory Bandwidth

CPU Benchmark Performance

Gaming Performance

Thoughts and Conclusion

I’ll be echoing what I wrote in my previous CUDIMM kit review as it still rings true: By itself, CUDIMMs are hard to separate from standard memory kits that we have. Right now they don’t exist as anything special but rather an alternative if you really want larger support for faster kits.

As much as AMD would hate to hear it, Intel still has the advantage in terms of memory support as well as in speeds and Arrow Lake, despite its shortcomings, seems poised to push memory clock speeds. And with Arrow Lake being referenced as a viable option for certain professional applications, then faster memory can certainly benefit a portion of users that want to stretch their system further without pushing their CPUs.

While its limited situation favors Arrow Lake with CUDIMMs, right now its a very niche solution and gaming isn’t really the factor that will push you to get CUDIMMs as well. What memory brands like G.SKILL would like to do is push faster speed kits out without choking your system or causing instability. Take our last review for example where a DDR5-8000 kit just outright refused to work on boards that aren’t 2-slots only. With CUDIMMs, we’re seeing speeds upwards of DDR5-9600 on the market, and applications that rely heavily on memory can certainly benefit from a stable DDR5 kit with faster clock speeds.

G.SKILL is currently the top brand when it comes to performance RAM and is largely uncontested in the market despite what overclocking records indicate. That said, G.SKILL’s own CUDIMM sticks are the highest rated in the world at DDR5-9600 on offer only challenged by V-COLOR. That said, these kits aren’t guaranteed to work out of box.

In our case, we’re limited to pushing our DDR5-8200 to DDR5-8800 at the same out-of-box timings. Pushing DDR5-9000 was possible but the timing drop was a bit too steep and needed further fine-tuning. As much as I enjoy the process, I wasn’t going to risk pushing voltage as well as tightening also needed a voltage bump which quickly scaled too high for my liking for the best stable results.

On stock though, these are stylish and performance kits and if you’re doing heavy OC, perhaps you’d get better mileage on dual-DIMM slot boards but for daily use with a slight bump of OC, these kits are stable out of box. Other than performance, they’re an excellent embellishment for non-RGB builds for setups built for professional uses or those themed for around an ASUS ProArt or any blackout builds.

That said, these kits do come at a premium and there’s really not much that’s going to prod you to get them nor anything I can say to really give you a definite answer. For now, it is best to stick with these kits if you have applications that are heavily sensitive to RAM speeds. But your mileage will vary. If you’re already on a DDR5-7600, you’ll probably not feel anything but DDR5-4800 like, is a notable jump.

That said, the premium looks and guaranteed speeds are certainly a highlight and if you can afford the asking price for a pair or 2 pairs of G.SKILL Trident Z5 CK CUDIMMs or even the Trident Z5 RGB CK, then they’ll perform as expected and look awesome doing it.

G.SKILL backs the Trident Z5 CK with a limited lifetime warranty and is available now. Check with your favorite dealers for pricing and availability.

G.SKILL Trident Z5 CK DDR5 CUDIMM Memory Kit Review

Final Thoughts

There's not a lot of reason to get CUDIMMs right now but if you know your application needs, then the only way to jump past DDR5-8000 stably is getting CUDIMM kits and G.SKILL's Trident Z5 CK CUDIMM kits go up to the fastest speeds around and they're base kits are just as dependable.

Pros

Up to DDR5-9600 frequency available

Stylish heatspreader finish

Cons

Limited benefits so far

Limited availability

8.5

Rating