TEAMGROUP T-FORCE XTREEM CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 CUDIMM Memory Kit Review

We rarely see improvements in the memory department other than the new generation of DDR memory that almost only brings higher bandwidth, so introducing a built-in clock driver is undoubtedly exciting for computer enthusiasts and overclockers. Even though the new type of memory has been with us for a couple of weeks, TEAMGROUP is the first to deliver us a review sample. It’s not a regular series, but the XTREEM CKD is designed for the most demanding users. The tested memory kit has a perfect capacity for gamers – 48GB, and optimal frequency, which should work on all popular motherboards. There is also a bonus, but I won’t tell you everything in the introduction.

Let’s begin with the specifications and features of the new XTREEM memory kit.

Specifications and Features

TEAMGROUP continues to lead the industry in pushing boundaries by crafting the T-FORCE XTREEM CKD DDR5, which breaks beyond JEDEC frequency specifications. Utilizing CKD components and Intel XMP profiles on the Intel Z890 motherboard, users can effortlessly overclock to DDR5 speeds beyond 9000 MHz with a single click. Unlike JEDEC-compliant memory modules, the T-FORCE XTREEM CKD DDR5 leverages CKD components to enhance and buffer high-frequency signals from the CPU, ensuring more stable signal transmission to the memory modules. This enables DDR5 to push overclocking performance to even higher frequencies, surpassing traditional U-DIMM overclocking limitations. The optimal CKD component and memory circuit pairing solution is selected through extensive testing at T-FORCE LAB. TEAMGROUP also uses its patented IC verification technology and innovative circuit design to ensure chip quality while improving memory module circuit layouts rigorously. These advancements reduce power consumption and heat to deliver unmatched memory performance.

 

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400

 

Key Features

  • Advanced CKD technology enhances stability of data transmission
    Through the CKD chip, the overall performance and stability could be leveled up, to break new level of overclocking performance of traditional U-DIMMs, securing the smooth system operation under high loading.

  • One-click Overclocking is certificated by motherboard manufactures
    T-FORCE XTREEM CKD DDR5 cooperates with ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, and MSI. The frequency is limited to 2 dimm. The motherboard can be overclocked to DDR5-9600 MHz, allowing players to start from a higher starting point on the ultimate memory overclocking motherboard. Become a record challenger!

  • Sturdy 2mm heat sink for perfect heat dissipation improvement
    T-FORCE XTREEM CKD DDR5 adopts 2mm aluminum alloy heat spreader to increase its quality and heat capacity. The product also has thermal gap pad with high thermal conductivity to strengthen PMIC heat dissipation effects, coupled with anti-acid, alkaline, rust and inconducive anodic treatment on the surface to deliver perfect heat dissipation performance overall.

  • Premium 10-layer anti-interference board
    The product adopts 10 layers of optimized professional anti-interference PCBs to increase its performance and stability, offering players an overclocking memory module with extremely fast speed and high stability.

  • Honorable T-FORCE Logo exceeds overclocking limits
    With T-FORCE LAB’s superb R&D capability, the brand-new T-FORCE XTREEM CKD DDR5 exceeds the frequency limit of DDR5 memory. The product has T-FORCE logo symbolizing our utmost pride, showcasing its exceptional existence, it is definitely the best choice in the world of overclocking products.

  • High-quality IC with patented technique
    Uses our proprietary IC grading testing validation technique—GRADING METHOD FOR MEMORY (Invention patent number in Taiwan: I751093; Invention patent number in USA: US11488679B1) ,successfully developed CKD DDR5 high frequency and stability memory modules.

  • Power management chip for stable and effective power usage
    Power management chip minimizes noise interference, stabilizes power and distributes power to each electronic component effectively, supplying power to the system with stability and fastness.

  • On-Die ECC for a more stable system
    Supported with On-die ECC providing error correction and detection, the mechanism stabilizes the system while pursing performance.

  • Lifetime warranty
    Comprehensive lifetime warranty is offered where exchanges free-of-charge for non-man-made damage are available under a simple and streamlined service.

The key features above come from TEAMGROUP, and you can find them on the product website.

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD; source: TEAMGROUP

Specifications

The tested XTREEM CKD memory kit contains two 24GB modules rated at 8400MT/s and timings of CL42-54-54-84. The timings are not the highest for the 8400MT/s, but they suggest we use them for further overclocking. Moreover, the memory kit has a hidden profile, which is not listed in the general specifications. TEAMGROUP added it for all those who wish to try higher frequencies and have a good enough motherboard and a CPU with a strong memory controller. The additional memory profile is rated at 9333MT/s CL42-52-52 1.40V. However, we noticed it’s not stable. For the given frequency, we need CL42-54-54 1.45V. It was probably some mistake while programming the profile, as our review sample is an early version.

As some readers expect, the memory kit uses Hynix M-die IC, the only one that can handle such settings in 24GB modules. The memory is single-rank and designed to work in 1 DIMM per channel configuration. No chipset can handle more than two modules at such a high speed. The same description can be found on every RAM released by popular manufacturers.

 

T-FORCE XTREEM CKD DDR5-8400 Specifications
Memory TypeDDR5
Capacity48GB (24GBx2)
Multi-Channel KitDual Channel Kit
Tested Speed (XMP/EXPO)XMP 8400 MT/s
Tested Latency (XMP/EXPO)CL42-54-54-84
Tested Voltage (XMP/EXPO)1.40V
Registered/UnbufferedUnbuffered
SPD Speed (Default)6400MT/s
SPD Voltage (Default)1.10V
Dimensions
48.8(H) x 134.5(L) x 8.2(W) mm
Fan IncludedNo
WarrantyLimited Lifetime
FeaturesIntel XMP 3.0 (Extreme Memory Profile) Ready

 

The tested TEAMGROUP XTREEM CKD memory kit is designed for Intel 800 series chipsets, so for the best results, we also need the latest Core Ultra processors. The CUDIMM memory works on other chipsets and AMD motherboards, but the clock driver won’t work, so if it’s not the latest Intel generation, then we can count on the same results as with top UDIMM modules.

As I mentioned, the memory kit has two XMP profiles. Below, you can see how ASRock Timing Configurator sees the guaranteed 8400MT/s profile.

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - XMP #1
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – XMP #1

Packaging and Product Photos

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400

Packaging

The XTREEM CKD DDR5 memory kit arrived in retail packaging. In a small, flat box, we will find only two memory modules and a T-FORCE sticker, but we don’t need anything else for the installation, as it’s straightforward. Those unsure how to install memory modules should look at the user manual on the motherboard’s website, as it also tells which memory slots to use.

The package itself is well-described and suggests that inside is something special.

 

Product Photos

We reviewed the XTREEM DDR5 series, and the CKD version looks no different. The black heatsinks look great. There is no RGB illumination, but maybe it is even better, as I feel there is too much RGB everywhere. Gamers often want wholly black or white builds, and the blackout mod seems to be quite popular nowadays. I’m sure the XTREEM ARGB will be released soon, so those who can’t live without RGB illumination will get a perfect option for their PC.

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As I mentioned, our review sample is an early version but looks the same as the retail one. The shape of the heatsinks suggests a larger heat exchange surface, which may improve overclocking and help with stability. On the other hand, 1.45V is enough for up to 9600MT/s, and we don’t need any exceptional cooling for this voltage. A good airflow in the PC case is still highly recommended.

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Let’s move to the performance tests and our results.

 

Test Results

Test Setup
ProcessorIntel Core Ultra 7 265K (Retail)
MotherboardASRock Z890 Taichi OCF
Graphics CardColorful RTX4080 Advanced OC 16GB
OS StorageADATA Legend 970 PRO 2TB M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSD
Power SupplyFSP 1350W 80+ Platinum
Used Memory KitsG.Skill Trident Z5 Royal RGB 64GB DDR5-6400 CL32 1.40V
Kingston FURY Renegade RGB 96GB DDR5-6400 CL32 1.40V
Kingston FURY Renegade RGB LE 48GB DDR5-8000 CL36 1.45V
Kingston FURY Renegade 48GB DDR5-8800 CL42 1.40V
Predator HERA RGB 48GB DDR5-8000 CL36 1.45V
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 CL42 1.40V
Operating SystemWindows 11 Pro x64 with the latest updates

Stability at Rated Speed

The XMP #1 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.

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - AIDA64 Stability Test - XMP #1
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – AIDA64 Stability Test – XMP #1

Since TEAMGROUP added the 9333MT/s profile, but it was causing issues, we have adjusted the primary timings and voltages. The settings below pass stability tests and were also used in our performance comparison. I hope it may help some of our readers stabilize this or other memory kits.

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - AIDA64 Stability Test
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – AIDA64 Stability Test – OC@9333

Below is the list of settings at 9333MT/s. Even though the timings are not the tightest, this is how the ASRock Z890 OCF sets our memory kit at automatic settings for sub-timings. Compared to the XMP-9333 profile, we only changed tRCD, tRCDW, and tRP from 52 to 54 and raised the VDD/VDDQ voltages from 1.40V to 1.45V. It’s easy enough for anyone to set it on any Z890 motherboard.

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - Timings at 9333MT/s
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – Timings at 9333MT/s

 

Comparison Tests

Tests were performed on popular synthetic benchmarks and benchmarks included in popular games. The list mainly 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.

Since the test platform has been refreshed, some tests that didn’t show significant differences between various memory kits were also replaced by newer benchmarks. We still can’t see differences in some of the used tests, but the overclocking community often mentions them.

For readers’ convenience, I added the overclocking results for comparison so you can see if it’s worth the overclocking.

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 

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400

 

AIDA64 Cache & Memory Benchmark

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - AIDA64 Memory Benchmark
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – AIDA64 Memory Benchmark

AIDA64 offers the most popular synthetic memory benchmark. The results are easy to read; as we can see, it scales great with memory frequency.

The CUDIMM brings us back to the memory controller ratios and, related to them, performance issues. On Intel motherboards, we can find them under Gear modes. As we can see on the synthetic bandwidth comparison, the highest frequency doesn’t mean the highest bandwidth or performance in general. The best bandwidth can be achieved on 8800-9200MT/s and Gear 2 mode. These settings are available for the best memory controllers and motherboards. We couldn’t reach 9200MT/s on the tested setup, which is hard to stabilize even with the best components. However, we could set a stable 9000MT/s, which gives us great results and easily beats 9333MT/s Gear 4 or even higher settings like 9600MT/s (not listed in the comparison).

The difference in the AIDA64 latency benchmark between Gear 2 and Gear 4 is between 10ns and even 15ns. This difference greatly affects performance in some tests and games.

 

PCMark 10

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - PCMark 10 Applications
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – 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 Xtreem CKD 8400MT/s kit performs well in this test and achieves results that are not much lower than those of the highest overclocked settings.

 

3DMark – Time Spy

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - 3DMark Time Spy
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – 3DMark Time Spy

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

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - 3DMark Port Royal
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – 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

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - 3DMark Steel Nomad
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – 3DMark Steel Nomad

Steel Nomad is the latest addition to 3DMark benchmarks and is designed for high-end gaming PCs. Our results put all memory kits in the same places as most modern games. The Xtreem again performs well, while the overclocked setting at Gear 2 mode gives us the best results.

 

Cyberpunk 2077

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - Cyberpunk 2077 1080p
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – Cyberpunk 2077 1080p

 

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.

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - Cyberpunk 2077 1440p
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – Cyberpunk 2077 1440p

Both Cyberpunk 2077 settings suggest the same scaling with RAM types, even though it affects lower resolutions more. The Xtreem CKD gives us optimal results at the XMP profile, while pushing the settings some more may give us a couple more FPS, but mostly at 1080p.

 

Far Cry 6

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - FarCry 6 1440p
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – FarCry 6 1440p

Far Cry 6 shows us that even 8000 at Gear 2 is better than the 9333 at Gear 4. Ultimately, once again, we can count on optimal results from the Xtreem memory at the XMP profile.

 

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - Assassin's Creed Mirage 1440p
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – Assassin’s Creed Mirage 1440p

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 Xtreem CKD memory kit’s performance is exceptional at the XMP profile, which is still far from the maximum possible settings. We can achieve better results at the overclocked settings, but not every user can reach them as they require a strong memory controller and a high-end motherboard. For demanding gamers, the XMP profile at 8400MT/s offers optimal performance and complete stability, which is the most important. Overclockers are free to push the Xtreem CKD much higher.

 

Overclocking

Temperatures and Voltages

The memory kit’s XMP profile is set at 1.40V, which isn’t low but perfectly fine for extended work. It shouldn’t show any stability issues up to 80°C, so there is plenty of headroom for overclocking, especially when we can still use active cooling. At 1.5V, sensors showed about 7°C more, which is still a good result.

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - Temperatures
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – Temperatures

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. At the same time, depending on various settings (like tight timings), memory may generate random errors, or we may require direct cooling or multiple push-pull fans in the PC to force good airflow.

DDR5-9000 CL42-54-54-54 1.45V Gear 2

On our test platform, we could reach 9600MT/s. However, as mentioned, anything above 9000MT/s forces us to set Gear 4 mode to maintain stability and decrease overall performance. In this case, we decided to go for the highest settings at Gear 2 mode, which for the used CPU was 9000MT/s.

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 - 9000MT/s Gear 2
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 – 9000MT/s Gear 2

This seems the best overall setting for extended work and gaming. Most popular motherboards will be limited to about 8800MT/s, which is still exceptional. TEAMGROUP is preparing an 8800MT/s Xtreem CKD kit with a “hidden” 9466MT/s profile to try, which we hope to present to you, too.

Our results confirm the Xtreem CKD memory series’ high performance and high overclocking potential. I’m sure that overclockers and computer enthusiasts will be satisfied with this memory series.

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

TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400
TEAMGROUP Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400

Conclusion

TEAMGROUP released one more memory series, which should meet the expectations of gamers and computer enthusiasts. Extreme overclockers will also see it as an interesting option, as there are still only a few CUDIMM memory kits in stores; nothing is better, and most competitive kits are overpriced. Since I mentioned the price, the Xtreem CKD 8400MT/s costs $289.99 in the Newegg online store. It’s less than some of the 8000-8400MT/s UDIMM cost, so even though it’s not cheap, it feels pretty reasonable for all the memory kit offers.

We had no problems with the memory kit and its declared specifications. There were some problems with the additional 9333MT/s profile, but as TEAMGROUP says, this profile is not guaranteed on every setup. The main XMP profile provided high performance and full stability during all the tests. We could also overclock the RAM pretty high, while the limits showed the current Intel platform.

The Xtreem design hasn’t changed since the UDIMM DDR5, but maybe it’s even better as it looks fantastic, even though it doesn’t have RGB illumination.

The Xtreem CKD 48GB DDR5-8400 is another TEAMGROUP memory kit worth our recommendation. It performs exceptionally well, is stable, offers wide compatibility, looks good, and is reasonably priced – a perfect combination for an enthusiast-grade product!

 

Click the stamp for an explanation of what this means.

Bartosz Waluk – Woomack

 

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XtreemCKD_8400_pht1fp.jpg

We rarely see improvements in the memory department other than the new generation of DDR memory that almost only brings higher bandwidth, so introducing a built-in clock driver is undoubtedly exciting for computer enthusiasts and overclockers. Even though the new type of memory has been with us for a couple of weeks, TEAMGROUP is the first to deliver us a review sample. It's not a regular series, but the XTREEM CKD is designed for the most demanding users. The tested memory kit has a perfect capacity for gamers - 48GB, and optimal frequency, which should work on all popular motherboards. There is also a bonus, but I won't tell you everything in the introduction.

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