Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 Review

Lexar is known for its memory cards but it also makes desktop memory kits, like the Lexar ARES RGB DDR5-6000 kit we’re reviewing here. This highly-clocked RAM has Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO compatibility and RGB heatsinks.

Lexar is known for its memory cards but it also makes desktop memory kits, like its ARES RGB DDR5-6000 kit we’re reviewing here. This highly-clocked RAM has Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO compatibility and RGB heatsinks.

Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 Specifications

Lexar’s ARES RGB DDR5 high-performance desktop memory comes in 5,200MHz, 5,600MHz, and 6,000MHz frequencies. In addition to being higher-clocked than Lexar’s normal DDR5 RAM, the ARES line also features RGB-lit aluminum heatsinks for aggressive looks. Lexar backs the memory with a lifetime warranty.

This ARES memory is one of several new kits we’ve seen that supports both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO memory settings; Crucial’s second-generation DDR5 memory also supports both.

The Lexar ARES DDR5 desktop memory has the following technical specifications:

Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 Design

Lexar gets points for making the ARES RGB DDR5 look modern and aggressive. The aluminum heat spreaders are finished in a classy dark gray and are topped with multi-zone RGB lights.

The heat spreaders also serve a functional purpose, of course, of keeping the memory cool under an extended load.

Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 Performance

We use our self-built StorageReview desktop to test DDR5 memory. It has the following specifications:

• Intel Core i9-12900K CPU (slightly undervolted)
• Asus ROG Strix Z690-E Gaming WiFi motherboard
• Microsoft Windows 11
• Seagate FireCuda 530 2TB SSD

Our Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 test kit is 32GB (2x 16GB) running at 6,000MHz. We are testing it at the kit’s XMP II profile settings, with CL34-38-38-64 timings. This kit goes for $149 on Amazon. That’s on the high side, as Corsair’s Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000 was going for $115 on sale.

For performance comparison, we’re using 32GB kits (2x 16GB) of Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000 and Crucial DDR5-5600 (second generation).

• Crucial DDR5-5600: CL46-45-45-67
• Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000: CL36-36-36-65

SiSoftware Sandra 2021

We start with the popular SiSoftware Sandra 2021 suite. Higher numbers are better in all subtests. The Lexar ARES kit didn’t quite match the Corsiar kit in any area, so the Corsair’s overall memory score is higher.

7-Zip Compression Benchmark

The excellent 7-Zip file archive tool has a handy built-in compression benchmark. We ran 10 passes using a 128MB dictionary size and all 24 CPU threads of our Core i9-12900K; higher numbers are better.

The Lexar kit gets much closer to the Corsair kit in these tests, showing itself to be an almost even match. This should be expected since the kits run at the same frequency, and the timings aren’t drastically different.

Conclusion

Lexar’s ARES RGB DDR5 performed predictably well in our testing. Its availability in high frequencies up to 6,000MHz enhance its appeal, as do its RGB-infused aluminum heatsinks.

We also like that it supports both Intel XMP and AMD EXPO profiles, though this might explain why it’s priced a little higher than the competition. Nonetheless, it gives you the flexibility to switch platforms. Lexar ARES RGB DDR5 gets our general recommendation.

Lexar ARES kit at Amazon

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