With the premiere of the Intel Arrow Lake series processors, we also received a faster memory type called CUDIMM or CKD. The key difference is a built-in clock driver that helps stabilize high frequencies. Even though we are a few months after the premiere, many RAM manufacturers still feed us only with press releases, while it’s hard to find any of their CUDIMM memory series in stores. G.Skill is one of the first brands to introduce its new Trident Z5 CK series with the latest Intel processors, so it was only a matter of time before we could test it. This review will look closer at the G.Skill Trident Z5 CK rated at 8800MT/s.
Let’s begin with the specifications and features of the new G.Skill memory kit.
Specifications and Features
Trident Z5 CK series is the latest flagship overclock performance DDR5 CU-DIMM memory from G.SKILL, featuring a built-in clock driver (CKD) for signal stability and a sleek heatspreader in glossy piano black finish. Made with hand-selected memory IC, the Trident Z5 CK series is the ideal performance memory choice for overclockers and enthusiasts.
CU-DIMM is a new variant of DDR5 memory for desktop computer platforms, featuring a built-in clock driver (CKD) on the memory module. The CKD chip strengthens the clock signal from the memory controller to the memory chips on the memory module, resulting in a clearer signal and improves overall stability during high-frequency operation.
Extreme Memory Performance with Intel Platform
G.SKILL is dedicated to develop performance overclocked memory kits. Developed and optimized on Intel platforms with CU-DIMM memory support, Trident Z5 CK RGB taps into the speed potential of DDR5 to bring a whole new level of performance to worldwide overclockers and PC enthusiasts.
Elegant and Classy
Continuing the design legacy of the Trident Z5 family, the Trident Z5 CK series features aluminum alloy heatspreaders with a sleek and streamlined aesthetic design. Electroplated and polished in a high-quality piano black mirrored finish, the Trident Z5 CK series combines beauty and performance for a dream PC system build.
Engineered for Exceptional DDR5 Experience
Each and every Trident Z5 CK memory kit is tested under G.SKILL’s rigorous validation process to ensure outstanding quality.
XMP 3.0 Support
Just set and go. Programmed with the latest Intel XMP 3.0 profiles, the only thing between you and overclocked performance is a simple BIOS setting.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
All G.SKILL memory products come with a limited lifetime warranty and the G.SKILL technical team is always ready to provide consumers with complete technical support via online forum, telephone, and email.
The tested Trident Z5 CK memory kit contains two 24GB modules rated at 8800MT/s and typical timings, looking at the competition, of CL42-55-55-140. The XMP profile is programmed to use a voltage of 1.45V, higher than some previously tested 8800MT/s memory kits but still acceptable. The significant difference is that once we enable the XMP profile, our motherboards set Gear 2 mode, while on other kits, it was always Gear 4 by default. It makes a huge difference if we don’t want to use manual settings, but enable XMP and enjoy full stability.
As some readers expect, the memory kit uses Hynix M-die IC, the only one that can handle such settings in 24GB modules. Two 24GB modules are single-rank, the only option at such a high frequency.
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK DDR5-8800 Specifications
Memory Type
DDR5
Capacity
48GB (24GBx2)
Multi-Channel Kit
Dual Channel Kit
Tested Speed (XMP/EXPO)
8800 MT/tested
Tested Latency (XMP/EXPO)
42-55-55-140
Tested Voltage (XMP/EXPO)
1.45V
Registered/Unbuffered
Unbuffered
SPD Speed (Default)
6400MT/s
SPD Voltage (Default)
1.10V
Fan Included
No
Warranty
Limited Lifetime
Features
Intel XMP 3.0 (Extreme Memory Profile) Ready
The tested G.Skill Trident Z5 CK memory kit is designed for Intel chipsets and has a single XMP profile programmed. On the package, we can see information that it works only with the Intel Z890 chipset. However, the package was designed at the end of last year, while lower Intel chipsets were released a few weeks ago. I can confirm that 8800MT/s won’t work on all B860 motherboards, but it works on some top ASRock models that we tested. Buying 8800MT/s RAM for Z890 motherboards and 8400MT/s or lower for B860 is still safe.
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – XMP
Above is a list of timings at which the Trident Z5 CK runs on our ASRock Z890 Taichi OCF motherboard.
Packaging and Product Photos
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 48GB DDR5-8800 – Package
Packaging
The G.Skill Trident Z5 Royal DDR5 memory kit arrived in retail packaging. In a small, flat box, we will find two memory modules, an information card, a G.Skill logo sticker, and a small cloth to clean the heatsinks from fingerprints. The fabric has a TridentZ Royal sign. It doesn’t match the tested memory series, but we could even mistake it for a Royal series if not the top bar.
The package looks great, and it suggests we find something high-end inside. It’s, in fact, an elite series that costs a premium. Considering the CUDIMM series RAM is designed for enthusiasts and demanding gamers, it’s not for everyone. Those who want fast RAM but not necessarily the top speed can decide on one of many UDIMM kits at up to 8400MT/s.
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 48GB DDR5-8800 – Package
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 48GB DDR5-8800 – Package
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 48GB DDR5-8800 – Package
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 48GB DDR5-8800 – Package
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 48GB DDR5-8800 – Package
The installation is straightforward, and most users won’t have problems. Those unsure how to install memory modules on the motherboard should look at the user manual available on the G.Skill website or the motherboard’s website.
Product Photos
The new G.Skill series reminds the previously released DDR5 kits. The significant difference makes high-gloss painting, nearly a mirror finish, but in this case it’s black. It looks even better in reality than in photos. Memory modules are packed with protective foils, so there are no fingerprints or dust.
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The top bar doesn’t include RGB illumination, but separate memory kits have this feature. Not all users are into RGB, so G.Skill provides an option. The top bar is black, like heatsinks, so as you can see in the photos, it’s hard to say it’s a different part of the heatsink.
The memory kit was manufactured at the end of January 2025, as we can see on the label. It was shipped to us just after manufacturing. Our review is slightly delayed, but preparing everything for it takes time.
Although there is no RGB illumination, it still looks exceptional. It’s a perfect kit for a blackout build, which has become more popular recently.
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Let’s move to the performance tests and our results.
The XMP profile passed the AIDA64 System Stability Test without problems. Multiple other tests, including tests at overclocked settings, confirmed the high quality of the memory modules tested.
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – Stability Test
Comparison Tests
Tests were performed on popular synthetic benchmarks and benchmarks included in popular games. The list consists of tests that react well to memory performance. Older popular benchmarks and tests based on pure CPU performance were skipped as we wouldn’t see any difference.
For readers’ convenience, I added the overclocking result for comparison so you can see if it’s worth the overclocking. Our maximum setting that passed all tests is 10000MT/s. Still, it wasn’t tested for full stability in extended stability tests, so you have to take it as a comparison to the memory kits that will be available in the future and also as a possible maximum frequency for the current generation of memory kits.
Benchmarks list includes:
AIDA64 Cache & Memory Benchmark
Blender 4.30 CPU
Cinebench 2024
PCMark 10 – applications benchmark
3DMark: Time Spy, Steel Nomad, and Port Royal
Cyberpunk 2077 – 1080p, ultra details, no RT
Cyberpunk 2077 – 1440p, ultra RT preset
Far Cry 6 – 1440p, high details, default benchmark
Assassin’s Creed Mirage – 1440p, high details, default benchmark
AIDA64 Cache & Memory Benchmark
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – AIDA64
AIDA64 offers the most popular synthetic memory benchmark. The results are easy to read, and they scale well with memory frequency.
Synthetic bandwidth tests look much better on the overclocked RAM, reaching an amazing 141k GB/s memory copy! Memory copy, together with memory latency, is the most important result in this benchmark. Since I mentioned latency, it’s not listed here, but we can expect about 82ns at the XMP profile, so 8800MT/s, and about 85ns at the overclocked settings, so 10000MT/s, but Gear 4. This is how much memory controller ratios affect the access time.
PCMark10 Applications
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – PCMark 10 Applications
PCMark 10 uses popular applications to perform tests close to daily tasks.
This benchmark suggests what we will see in most other benchmarks in our review. The 8800-9000MT/s Gear 2 is almost as fast and usually slightly faster than 10000MT/s Gear 4. It can surprise some readers, but even though the 8800MT/s is not the fastest RAM, combined with proper BIOS settings, it gives optimal results.
3DMark – Time Spy
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – 3DMark Time Spy
In the Time Spy, we can see what I mentioned – even though the XMP profile doesn’t seem the fastest option on the market, it’s the best one for gaming. The G.Skill Trident Z5 CK is also slightly faster than Kingston Renegade at 8800MT/s.
The Time Spy benchmark shows performance gains with faster memory kits, but they’re not spectacular, as even lower-speed RAM is pretty fast nowadays.
3DMark – Port Royal
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – 3DMark Port Royal
In the Port Royal benchmark, which uses Ray Tracing, we can see that keeping Gear 2 and even lower frequencies is better than pushing the memory frequency to the limits. The XMP profile gives us optimal performance in this test.
3DMark – Steel Nomad
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – 3DMark Steel Nomad
Steel Nomad is the latest addition to 3DMark benchmarks and is designed for high-end gaming PCs. It’s the only 3DMark test which shows better results at an overclocked setting. We can translate it as 1 FPS more in the 3D test.
Cyberpunk 2077
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is not the latest game, but it is time it became very popular and still received updates that improve graphics quality. The tests were made on the version with the 2.2 update—above at 1080p without Ray Tracing but still Ultra preset, and below at 1440p with Ray Tracing Ultra preset.
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – Cyberpunk 2077
Both Cyberpunk 2077 settings suggest the same scaling with RAM types, even though it affects lower resolutions more. The G.Skill CK gives us optimal results at the XMP profile, while pushing the settings further won’t make any significant difference. We will see the best results at a 9000MT/s Gear 2 and tight timings.
Far Cry 6
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – Far Cry 6
Far Cry 6 tells the same story, with the G.Skill CK’s XMP profile at the top of the list. Although there is no big difference, it confirms that pushing the new RAM to the limits isn’t the best idea.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Assassin’s Creed: Mirage barely gains performance because of faster RAM. This is a surprise, as the game itself is not much different from earlier Assassin’s Creed releases, and back then, we could see a 6-8 FPS difference between lower and higher frequencies.
The performance of the G.Skill Trident Z5 CK memory kit beats all other DDR5 memory kits tested so far. The XMP profile is far from the maximum possible settings, but because of the platform limitation, it gives us optimal performance. An additional advantage of the 8800MT/s memory is that every Z890 motherboard from a leading manufacturer (ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, or MSI) will support it. If we pick higher kits, then it’s not always guaranteed.
Overclocking is always available for users who expect more performance than the manufacturer’s profiles. Even though a higher frequency doesn’t give us higher performance, let’s look at our results.
Overclocking
Temperatures and Voltages
The memory kit has the XMP profile set at 1.45V, which isn’t low, but perfectly fine for extended work. The G.Skill CK memory has surprisingly low temperatures – even 5°C lower than some competitive memory kits. Setting it as high as 1.60V with some airflow still doesn’t cause stability issues, but I don’t recommend it in tight PC cases. During the overclocking session, we went up to 1.7V, which was still passing all tests without issues, but it’s way too much for a daily setup.
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – Temperatures
I’m not recommending anything above 1.50V for daily overclocking, including games, as the performance gain at tighter timings or higher frequency won’t be apparent. At the same time, memory may generate random errors, or we may require direct cooling or multiple push-pull fans in the PC to force good airflow.
DDR5-10000 CL44-58-58-44 ~1.7V
The G.Skill CK is the first DDR5 memory kit that could reach 10000MT/s and keep stability during all our tests. Once I find more time, I will try stabilizing it at lower voltages and share the results on our forums. I’m happy with the results as they show the potential in lower CUDIMM kits (even though it’s 8800MT/s, it’s still far from the announced top models), giving hope for something even better soon.
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 8800MT/s – Overclocking @ 10K MT/s
Even though it’s possible to pass 9600MT/s without issues, the current generation of memory controllers will stop us at about 9000MT/s Gear 2. This is the best setting so far for gaming. Considering memory controllers and available motherboards, the tested 8800MT/s memory kit seems to be a sweet spot for everything we do on the Intel Arrow Lake, delivering high performance and stability.
If you are into overclocking, feel free to share your results on our forums.
G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 48GB DDR5-8800
Conclusion
G.Skill keeps the top quality for years, so no wonder it’s one of the most popular RAM brands, especially for gaming computers. It’s also the top pick for overclockers, and also our Trident Z5 CK DDR5-8800 memory kit confirms it has an amazing overclocking potential. Even if we don’t want to adjust anything manually, the XMP profile provides optimal performance for daily work or gaming.
The memory kit passed multiple tests and was fully stable on three motherboards. On the top ASRock motherboards, we could achieve, so far, the highest frequencies, slightly passing a magical 10000MT/s, which is more than expected.
The tested memory kit costs $339.99 in the Newegg online store, which is quite expensive but comparable to competitive brands. At the same time, there are no cheap CUDIMM memory kits, so we must pay a premium if we want the best performance. As mentioned earlier in this article, top memory kits are not for everyone, but those who wish to have the fastest computers will surely appreciate the new G.Skill Trident Z5 CK memory series.
The G.Skill Trident Z5 CK 48GB DDR5-8800 memory kit is definitely worth our recommendation. It’s fast and stable, has an optimal XMP profile for a wide range of motherboards, and looks exceptionally good. Every overclocker, gamer or computer enthusiast will be delighted with the Trident Z5 CK memory series.
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You’ve seen this strong RAM from G.Skill in use before, in our reviews of Intel’s i7 3770K and ASUS’ Maximus V GENE. Now we’ll look at the sticks themselves and find out just what they’re capable of.
Back in September of last year, G.Skill provided a Ripjaws4 DDR4-3000 MHz memory kit to compliment our Haswell-E launch day coverage. This time around, G.Skill sent along a Ripjaws4 DDR4-2666 MHz 16 GB kit for us to have a look at. This particular kit carries a part# F4-2666C15Q-16GRR and is priced substantially less than their DDR4-3000 MHz and above offerings. DDR4 memory is by nature a very expensive proposition, so we’re excited to see if G.Skill can provide a cost efficient DDR4 memory kit that still provides the performance we’ve come to expect from their memory products.
Team Group recently released its answer to the ever-growing problem of XMP memory compatibility on AMD X570 series motherboards. Deriving it’s name in part from the Greek alphabet, the new T-Force Dark Zα, or Z-Alpha is poised to make a big splash in the AMD memory market. Team Group’s marketing assures that this memory has been tailor-made for the current generation AMD platform. We are going to put that claim to the test, as well as see what this memory has to offer in terms of overclocking headroom. Come join us as we explore this memory and see what it has to offer.
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