Intel Core Ultra 200 processors are rumoured to support up to 10,000MT/s CUDIMM DDR5 RAM. This put them way ahead of AMD’s competition, even when factoring in the latest AM5 BIOS optimisations.
According to a rumour on Weibo, Intel’s Arrow Lake S GEAR 2 mode can support from 8,000 to 10,000MT/s DDR5 RAM. This will push the desktop Core Ultra 200 lineup to new heights, leaving the competition several GT/s behind. Though AMD has updated its AM5 AGESA firmware to handle up to 8,000MT/s DDR5, in reality, the majority of Ryzen CPUs’ memory controllers struggle to surpass the 7,000MT/s mark. Heck, sometimes my Ryzen 5 7600X can’t even boot at AMD’s advertised 6,000MT/s.
While impressive, there is a catch or two. First, this speed range is seemingly only possible using the newest CUDIMM DDR5 kits. CUDIMM (Clocked Unbuffered Dual In-line Memory Module) is the latest variant of the UDIMM RAM format, designed to improve signal integrity by including a clock driver on the module itself. This way, the module can generate its own clock signal, improving stability and subsequently allowing higher frequency support. CUDIMMs retain compatibility with existing motherboards, which allows for a smooth user transition. You can expect the first CUDIMM DDR5 kits to launch this year, with early models already announcing 9,200MT/s and 9,600MT/s.
Second, the CPU will run on GEAR 2, meaning that the memory controller is operating at half the RAM speed. This has the side effect of increasing the RAM latency, which can reduce performance in sensitive applications and games. Thankfully, this reduction isn’t problematic for most users, plus the increase in memory bandwidth greatly outweighs the downsides.
Since this level of performance relies on the new CUDIMM memory, AMD may also be able to achieve similar frequencies using it. Regardless, at such speeds, Ryzen chips as well have to revert to their GEAR 2 equivalent.
Though nothing is official yet, this claim seems plausible as ASRock has already announced supporting up to DDR5-9200 OC RAM with its upcoming Z890 motherboard. We can’t wait to see the 10,000MT/s barrier crossed.
