Team Group T-Force Xtreem ARGB 48GB DDR5-8000 Memory Kit Review

After a few months, we are back with the latest and the fastest Team Group memory kit from the Xtreem series. This time, it’s also equipped with RGB illumination and a different heatsink. Overclockers and enthusiasts know the Xtreem memory series well, as it’s always associated with exceptional performance and high overclocking results. The non-RGB version already confirmed great overclocking potential and high performance. However, current users are highly divided into those who like simple and professional design and those who can’t live without RGB lighting effects. The ARGB version is clearly for the second group of users, and we will present it in this article.

As usual, our review includes overclocking results and comparing high-performance memory kits from other brands. As in our previous reviews, the tests will be performed on ASUS Z790 APEX, so we can be sure that the test platform won’t limit Xtreem’s potential. Let’s start with specifications and features so we know more details about the tested memory kit.

Specifications and Features

Key Features

Team Group T-Force Xtreem ARGB video – source Team Group / YouTube

Specifications

The tested memory kit contains two memory modules, 24GB each, for a total of 48 GB. If we use multiple applications and web browser tabs nowadays, the 48GB capacity is just right. Prices are not much higher than those of 32GB kits. It’s always good to browse online stores for the best deals.

Current memory kits that use 24GB modules overclock as high as those with 16GB modules, which is another reason why non-binary memory kits are becoming popular. All motherboards with the latest chipsets should support non-binary memory, as BIOS updates were released long months ago.

Like the non-RGB version, the Xtreem ARGB uses the new Hynix M-die IC. Most new motherboards also like these kits more than lower capacities. BIOS teams spend more time tweaking the BIOS for 24GB and 48GB modules nowadays. For some time, it feels easier to overclock 24GB M-die than 16GB Hynix A-die modules.

Many motherboards based on Intel Z790 and AMD B650E/X670E support 8000MT/s. The upcoming processors are expected to support even higher frequencies, but this depends heavily on the available motherboards. It’s not guaranteed on every motherboard, so before we purchase one of those high-speed kits, we better check the compatibility list available on every motherboard product page.

Specifications and features were taken from Team Group’s product website. More details are available under the link.

The tested memory kit is rated at 8000MT/s and has quite tight timings of CL38-49-49-84. The voltage is reasonable, at 1.40V, so we shouldn’t have problems with overheating.
The XMP profile is precisely the same as the non-RGB Xtreem version. Our motherboard sets the exact primary and secondary timings for both memory kits.

Below is a screenshot from ASRock Timing Configuration showing most of the timings.

The Xtreem ARGB also doesn’t have the fastest main XMP profile. The differences are insignificant, but competitive memory series with slightly lower timings exist. All the tests were performed on the ASUS Maximus Z790 APEX motherboard with BIOS 2300, the latest version available at the time.

Packaging and Product Photos

The memory kit arrived in a retail package, the same as other, higher Team Group memory series. The main difference is the graphics on the front side, which, in this case, shows us a single module with an RGB light bar.

We will find two memory modules and a sticker with the T-Force logo inside the package. We don’t need much for the installation, and motherboards always have manuals. I assume anyone buying this type of memory already knows how to install it.

T-Force Xtreem ARGB 48GB DDR5-8000 – Package 1

T-Force Xtreem ARGB 48GB DDR5-8000 – Package 2

T-Force Xtreem ARGB 48GB DDR5-8000 – Package 3

T-Force Xtreem ARGB 48GB DDR5-8000 – Package 4

The memory kit arrived in perfect condition, as seen in the attached photos. The memory is well-protected by a blister-type box and the cardboard box from the exterior. Additionally, modules have a protective foil for the lighting bars (as seen in the photo above).

The ARGB version shares the same type of aluminum heatsinks as the regular version, but on top are lighting bars covered with semi-transparent plastic. On the heatsinks, we can see a “Narvik Black” sign describing the color. In this way, the user feels the uniqueness of the product, even in the heatsink color.
The ARGB version has been updated to include everything that could be missing for some users in the regular Xtreem DDR5 memory series. As I mentioned, some users may like it, some not, and now they have a choice.

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The back of the heatsinks shows serial and product numbers. As you can see from the test rig photos, this side is not visible on a regular motherboard.
Since the Hynix IC used is top-quality, and the PMIC is cooled, we had no problems even with higher temperatures. I recommend using additional airflow, but we had no issues with stability, even up to 76°C. While gaming, we won’t see more than about 65°C. DDR5 is designed for even higher temperatures, so it’s not a problem.

RGB Illumination

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The RGB illumination can be adjusted using motherboard software. All leading motherboard brands support the tested Xtreem ARGB memory. We had no problems with ASUS, MSI, or Gigabyte motherboards, but brands like ASRock or Biostar are also supported.
ASUS Armoury Crate offers various options, including most possible static and dynamic modes. Either mode we choose looks fantastic. The colors are lively and deep but not too bright. We may only have a problem with white, as it’s more like gray, but it still looks good.

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The memory kit passed more extended stability tests at XMP settings on the ASUS Z790 APEX motherboard. There were no problems during various tests. I highly recommend the ASUS Maximus Z790 Apex or the refreshed Encore version for further overclocking.

Even though the reviewed memory kit is designed for Intel motherboards, additional tests at XMP #1 8000MT/s passed on the AMD platform with the ASUS B650E-I Gaming motherboard. Overclocking on AMD motherboards will be limited to 8000MT/s with regular Ryzen processors and may exceed that with the latest 8000 series APU. In the upcoming weeks, we will see new AMD Ryzen processors that promise even better results.

Performance 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.

Benchmarks list includes:

• AIDA64 Cache & Memory Benchmark
• Blender 4.0.0
• Cinebench 2024
• PCMark 10 – Applications Benchmark
• 3DMark: Time Spy, Time Spy Extreme, and Fire Strike Extreme
• Superposition Benchmark – 8K Optimized
• Final Fantasy XV Benchmark – 4K High Details
• Shadow of the Tomb Raider – 1080p, high details, default benchmark
• Far Cry 6 – 1440p, high details, default benchmark
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 1440p, high details, default benchmark

AIDA64 Cache & Memory Benchmark

AIDA64 Memory and Cache Benchmark is probably the most popular software for measuring RAM bandwidth and latency. It’s only a synthetic benchmark, but it suggests a lot regarding expected performance. The performance at the XMP#1 profile is about as high as that of the G.Skill 7600 CL34 memory kit. It shows nearly the same bandwidth as the previously tested Xtreem memory kit.

Blender 4.0.0

Blender is a pure rendering benchmark that reacts well to memory speed. The Xtreem ARGB is slightly slower than 8200MT/s kits but faster than 7600MT/s kits – precisely when we expected it to be.

Cinebench 2024

Cinebench 2024 is another rendering benchmark that shows similar performance to Blender. The multi-threaded test gives us a better view of the performance differences, and also, here, the Xtreem is exactly between 7600MT/s and 8200MT/s memory kits.

PCMark10 Applications

PCMark 10 tests have been changed from a general score to an Applications benchmark score, showing better the difference between memory kits. Excel and Edge tests react much better to RAM speed than other tests. The Xtreem is one more time not far from 8200MT/s kits, and it feels well-balanced for home and office applications.

3DMark – Time Spy

3DMark series benchmarks show better results at higher memory frequencies. These results are more critical for competitive overclockers than gamers, but they prove that faster RAM helps in 3D tests and gaming. The Xtreem is again not far from 8200MT/s kits. The overclocked settings are significantly better, but again, out of competitive benchmarking, it doesn’t matter much.

3DMark – Time Spy Extreme

In the Time Spy Extreme benchmark, the performance gain from RAM itself is invisible. We can still tell which memory kit is the fastest, and the list looks the same as in other tests. However, differences are insignificant; the highest step is DDR5-5600 to DDR5-6000. In this test, even overclocking won’t help us much.

3DMark – Fire Strike Extreme

Fire Strike Extreme acts nearly the same way as Time Spy Extreme. The performance gains at higher memory settings are almost the same as in the Time Spy Extreme benchmark, so they are barely visible.

Unigine Superposition

The Superposition benchmark is similar to the more demanding 3DMark tests. All the DDR5-7600 or higher settings are within range. At high display resolutions, we barely see the performance difference. Most games still can’t use improved RAM performance, but more often, we can see titles that use more RAM and manage it better for higher FPS.

Final Fantasy XV Benchmark

Final Fantasy XV is an older benchmark that reacts similarly to most other 3D benchmarks. We can see the difference between standard RAM and high-overclocked options.

Shadow Of The Tomb Raider

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is already quite an old game, but it received many updates, making it popular for longer. It’s perfect for showing the performance gain at lower display resolutions like 1080p. The Xtreem gives us about 25FPS higher results than on a standard RAM, around 6000MT/s. On the other hand, we are already above 300FPS, so there won’t be a significant difference. The results are again similar to those of the previously tested Xtreem kit.

Far Cry 6

In more demanding games or games with higher display resolution, the performance gain from fast RAM is less visible but still notable. In the Far Cry 6 benchmark, we could see a 16FPS gain going from the slowest RAM compared to the Xtreem memory at 8000MT/s. An additional 3 FPS was possible with further overclocking.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla suggests that the RAM performance is optimal at lower settings, so 6000/6400MT/s. Anything higher only slightly affects total FPS.

Overclocking

Temperatures and Voltages

Xtreem DDR5 is a well-designed RAM that introduces optimized heatsink and PMIC cooling. Although it works well without additional cooling, I recommend good airflow in the PC case, as it may affect the RAM’s stability and overclocking potential.

We usually try to keep voltages up to 1.55V during the overclocking tests so the temperatures can still be tamed by air cooling. Higher-quality modules maintain stability at higher frequencies, up to about 75°C, some even higher. We haven’t seen errors on our review sample at up to 76°C (1.50-1.55V), which confirms a high-quality design. Even though the top of the Xtreem ARGB has a plastic cover, our results are even slightly better (1-2°C) than those of the Xtreem without RGB illumination and a fully aluminum heatsink. It can be caused by the ambient temperature or something else. Either way, it confirms that regardless of the version, we can count on not much different results.

I’m not recommending anything above 1.45V for daily overclocking, including games, as the performance gain at tighter timings or higher frequency won’t be apparent. Too high temperatures or voltages may cause random errors, even though memory may pass popular stability tests.

DDR5-8600 CL38-51-51-86 1.56V

On our test platform, the Xtreem ARGB overclocks the same as the regular version so that we can reach DDR5-8600. The memory controller causes the limits, even though our processor is above average.
Below is the screenshot with the mentioned settings. It does not include additional fine-tuning, so if we spend more time, we can easily pass 135GB/s bandwidth and close to 50ns latency. These settings are not entirely stable, but they have passed all our tests, and some are pretty demanding.

Some settings, like the voltage or memory channels, are wrong in the ASRock Timing Configurator window. The actual VDD/VDDQ voltage set in BIOS is 1.56V. VDDQ can be lower, but it doesn’t make a big difference in our tests. I only wanted to add that, as some of our readers will notice it in the screenshot below.

Lower timings are possible at higher voltages, but the performance gain is barely visible, even in synthetic tests, so it’s not worth pushing it for anything but competitive benchmarking. For gamers, the XMP profile is still optimal and provides high performance.

We have to remember that the highest memory frequencies, even at XMP settings, are not always guaranteed as the stability is highly affected by memory controllers and motherboards. Most higher ASUS or Gigabyte motherboards should handle 8000MT/s+, while only selected ASRock and MSI motherboards support such high-speed RAM. Current manufacturers’ QVLs are not far from reality, so if we see that the motherboard is rated at DDR5-7800 (most MSI), then we are lucky if it works without issues at DDR5-8000.

Considering the above, we can be sure that the top DDR5 series, like the Xtreem ARGB, won’t be a limiting factor in overclocking. I’m sure anyone who picks this memory series will be delighted with the results.

If you are into overclocking, feel free to share your results on our forums.

Conclusion

The Xtreem ARGB is a well-designed memory kit that combines high performance with an eye-catching design. Even though it has precisely the same specifications as the non-RGB version, it feels like an improved series.

Since the XMP profiles are the same as those in the previously reviewed Xtreem memory kit, it’s not faster than many competitive 8000MT/s memory kits we have been testing in the past year. However, the performance is still high, and we had no problems with compatibility with our motherboards. I still recommend higher overclocking series motherboards, as then we are sure there won’t be problems.
Additional tests, behavior at higher temperatures, and overclocking potential with the result of 8600MT/s suggest that the Xtreem is built with top-quality components and has the optimal design. It’s what Team Group promises in the product’s specifications and features.

The Xtreem ARGB 48GB 8000MT/s memory kit costs around $260 in Amazon and Newegg online stores. It’s already quite reasonable for what we get and about $40 cheaper than a few months ago for the non-RGB kit. It will be hard to find anything better at a lower price.

The Xtreem ARGB easily becomes one of my favorite memory series. It combines everything that counts for overclockers and computer enthusiasts who also enjoy RGB illumination. Team Group T-Force Xtreem ARGB 8000MT/s memory kit receives Overclocker’s Approved Stamp!

Click the stamp for an explanation of what this means.

Bartosz Waluk – Woomack

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