Some gaming laptops are surprisingly stingy with stock memory capacities. 16GB or 32GB is sufficient for most games, but titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 recommend 64GB of RAM for ideal performance. While upgrading internal laptop components like CPUs and GPUs isn’t possible, adding memory is much easier. PNY just announced new DDR5 SODIMM kits that run at 5600 Mhz with a CAS latency of 46. 2x32GB and 2x16GB configurations should land at retailers by mid-January.
PNY Performance DDR5 Memory Specs and Other Features
- Frequency: 5600MHz (PC5-44800)
- Capacities: 64GB Kit (2x32GB), 32GB Kit (2x16GB)
- Voltage: 1.1V
- CAS Latency: 46
- Backwards compatibility: 5600MHz, 5200MHz, 4800MHz
PNY is targeting gamers and content creators with its Performance DDR5 memory. Gamers who play esports titles like Counter-Strike 2 will likely not benefit from more than 16GB of memory. These titles thrive even on older PCs to appeal to as wide an audience as possible. However, city builders, including Cities: Skylines 2, can eat up memory as a metropolis grows. Video producers with multiple windows and apps open may also find their laptops struggling.
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The best laptops for gaming and work are compatible with DDR5 memory, significantly improving on DDR4 standards. DDR5 memory runs at higher speeds and has more bandwidth for faster communication with CPUs. Even though the latest RAM sticks support high clock speeds, they are also more power-efficient. PNY’s new kits offer all these benefits while offering a straightforward and reasonably priced upgrade path.
Taking advantage of DDR5’s low power consumption, PNY’s latest SODIMM kits run at just 1.1 volts. On-die ECC support further improves efficiency, with the chip solely responsible for error checks. Instead of relying on motherboards, the memory’s PMIC (Power Management IC) self-regulates voltage conversions.
As many components become smaller, they offer more performance in compact form factors. DDR5 RAM utilizes higher-density modules, minimizing the number of slots needed for upgrades. Still, you will want to check your laptop’s specs to confirm if it supports additional memory. Manufacturers will likely be adding PNY’s new memory to compatibility lists shortly. Buyers don’t only install RAM to boost a laptop’s performance. If tests reveal lockups are being caused by faulty memory, PNY’s solution quickly rectifies these issues.
PNY is pricing the 32GB (2x16GB) Performance DDR5 memory kit at $82.99. The 64GB (2x32GB) option is set at $149.99 for the most serious upgrades. With a modest CAS Latency of 46, there is plenty of competition among laptop DDR5 memory at these prices. Even so, look for periodic discounts with PNY NVMe SSDs and memory. PNY also offers a limited lifetime warranty on its RAM to safeguard buyers from defective modules.
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