ZADAK unveils one of the largest DDR4 modules ever made for consumers

While some DDR4 modules have been tall in the past thanks to large heatspreaders and RGB, this module may be the largest yet. (Source: ZADAK)

Manufacturer of SSDs and RAM kits ZADAK has unveiled its new 32 GB DDR4 RAM module with a height far greater than that of typical RAM sticks. Mainstream PCs with 4 DIMM slots could support 128 GBs of RAM using these modules.

Matthew Connatser, Published 09/30/2018

Calling its new RAM kit the "SHIELD DC AURA 2 RGB DDR 4 3200," ZADAK has introduced DRR4 memory with 32 GB capacity on one stick. If the name of the product is anything to go by, it is rated for 3200 MHz frequency and a CAS latency (or CL) of 14. This puts the SHIELD DC AURA 2 in the league of G.SKILL's Flare X and Trident Z RAM kits.

How ZADAK managed to put 32 GB onto one module and the reason for why they're much larger than normal sized RAM sticks is thanks to a technique where the company simply doubled the amount of chips used on typical RAM, for a total of 16 chips on each side. Each chip is as large as one GB, and with 32 chips that's 32 GB. However, these modules have been designed for the Z390 Maximus XI motherboard by ASUS using a standard not approved by JEDEC, so compatibility with other platforms might not be feasible.

Of course, the larger size of the individual sticks means certain parts might not be compatible with these modules, such as some air or liquid coolers for the CPU and especially smaller sized cases. These modules probably won't be fitting in a mini ITX PC. They will, however, serve power users very well, and perhaps even gamers since the 3200 MHz frequency and its RGB lighting will be useful for gaming performance and aesthetics.

ZADAK has not yet indicated a release date or price for these sticks, but one could probably expect an MSRP double that of similar RAM kits using 16 GB modules at the same frequency and CL.