TechRadar Verdict
The Crucial Pro Overclocking DDR5 RAM kit offers fantastic compatibility, great performance, cool style, and a fantastic price, though RGB fans will be disappointed.
Pros
- +
Great performance
- +
Accessible price
- +
Cool, non-RGB style
- +
Both XMP and EXPO compatible
Cons
- -
Tops out at 6000MT/s
- -
Price factors in Crucial discount pricing
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Crucial Pro Overclocking DDR5: Two-minute review
The Crucial Pro Overclocking DDR5 RAM kit is now going to be my default RAM kit on the test bench, it's really that good.
It's not so much about the style, which is in itself pretty fantastic with its oragami-inspired design and attractive white heatspreader.
It's also not really about the price, especially since the current retail price for a 32GB (2x16GB) of $104.99 in the US (about £90/AU$150) is technically a discount from its list price of $164.99 (about £135/AU$240), which would make this kit a lot less appealing when compared to something like the TeamGroup T-Force Delta RGB DDR5 I reviewed in March if the Crucial Pro Overclocking ever went back up to its MSRP.
While those factors—design and price—are definitely relevant, it wouldn't mean anything if its performance wasn't up to par with the competition, and fortunately, the Crucial Pro Overclocking DDR5 can more than hold its own against its rivals.
As you can see above, there are areas where the Crucial Pro OC kit doesn't quite get to the levels of some other competing DDR5 kits like the TeamGroup T-Force Delta RGB or PNY XLR8 Gaming Mako, both of which also clock in at 6,000MT/s when running in overclocking mode, but unlike those kits, the Crucial Pro can do both XMP and EXPO, so its compatibility is fantastic.
This is especially true if you work on a lot of different systems and sometimes find yourself toggling between AMD and Intel frequently enough that you have a hard time keeping track of which RAM you're using (though that might just be a me-problem).
Currently, you can only get the Crucial Pro Overclocking in a 32GB kit (16GBx2) at 6,000MT/s, but honestly, you really don't need much more than that. Besides, the stock 5,600MT/s that you get out of the package is better than most competing kits, so if you want better stability you have the option of just plugging your RAM in and turning on your PC for great performance.
There are things that some might be missing, like the RGB aesthetic or even more control over overclocking voltages and speeds than the presets you get with the Crucial Pro Overclocking kit, but for the amount of money you're paying for what you're getting, this is currently the RAM kit to beat in this range.
Crucial Pro Overclocking DDR5: Price & availability
- How much does it cost? $104.99 (about £90 / AU$150)
- When is it available? Available now
- Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia
You can get the 32GB (16GBx2) Crucial Pro Overclocking DDR5 kit for $104.99 (about £90 / AU$150), though its does show a list price of $164.99 on Crucial's storefront where it has marked the price on this kit down considerably.
As it stands, this RAM kit is very competitive price-wise. If that ever changes, however, that will be a much bigger issue, as its performance to price ratio at its list price is genuinely terrible. You shouldn't spend more than $110/£90/AU$155 on this kit, as you can get a much better value elsewhere once you're in the $150/£120/AU$210 range.
Crucial Pro Overclocking DDR5: Specs
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Crucial Pro Overclocking DDR5 (as tested) |
|---|---|
| Price | $104.99 (about £90 / AU$150) |
| Model number | CP2K16G60C36U5W |
| Type | DDR5 |
| Speed | 6000 |
| Module size | 16GB |
| Timing | 30-36-36-76 |
Should you buy the Crucial Pro Overclocking DDR5?
| Value | At its current price, this is possibly the best value going, but that is subject to change. | 4 / 5 |
| Design | If you're looking for a non-RGB RAM kit, this is easily the prettiest out there you can buy off the shelf. | 4.5 / 5 |
| Performance | This RAM can hold its own very well against its competitors in terms of performance. | 4 / 5 |
| Average rating | While not perfect, this RAM is definitely on the best DDR5 RAM shortlist. | 4.17 / 5 |
Buy the Crucial Pro Overclocking DDR5 kit if...
Don't buy it if...
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First reviewed July 2024
