TheRetroArcade
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Posts: 2,117
Joined: Feb 2026
Joined: Feb 2026
Hey, dummy.
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I've used dummy RAM kits before. Usually, a pair of DIMMs that contain no memory chips is simply acting as a shell to match other functioning DIMMs in the remaining slots, often with RGB lighting to match. They're hella satisfying, I must admit, but, ultimately, needless. That's what I thought this V-color announcement was all about: new dummy sticks. But it's actually something stranger.
V-color has announced 1+1 value packs: a DDR5 DIMM alongside a matching dummy DIMM. Yes, it's a single-channel memory kit, but it appears as though it's dual-channel.
These kits are available in 16 GB or 24 GB capacities (1x 16 GB/1x 24 GB) under the Manta XSky and XFinity branding.
The memory crisis is really doing a number on things, huh? With memory chips going for a huge premium and hard to come by, manufacturers are looking to slim down offerings to keep prices lower. Currently, a dual-channel DDR5-6000 32 GB kit is upwards of $350 today; a 48 GB kit is over $500.
So, I get the need for cheaper options, and why manufacturers are doing things previously thought a bit silly to give gamers some options.
V-color is offering says the new kits are "designed for gamers who want a more accessible way into DDR5." It also notes that "this gives real DDR5 performance today while keeping the clean dual DIMM RGB look that many builders want in their systems."
V-color says: "This allows builders to start with one module now, lower their upfront cost, and upgrade later with a second memory module when needed."
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
Most consumer-grade processors offer two memory channels. These are split between the four DIMM slots on most motherboards, though some only come with two. A single stick of DDR5 will only occupy a single channel, which can reduce the overall performance by some margin, depending on how memory-intensive the task at hand is. So, you want two DIMMs to maximise performance. This being pretty expensive to do nowadays.
Buying a single stick to save cash, then upgrading down the line, is an option. Though this can sometimes lead to instability with XMP/EXPO, due to slight variances in even otherwise identical DIMMs, it often works just fine in my own experience. But, ya know, anecdotal evidence with a small dataset—pinch of salt and all that.
The alter...Read more: Full article on www.pcgamer.com
What do you think about this?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
You are now subscribed
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Every Friday
GamesRadar+
Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.
Every Thursday
GTA 6 O'clock
Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.
Every Friday
Knowledge
From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.
Every Thursday
The Setup
Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.
Every Wednesday
Switch 2 Spotlight
Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.
Every Saturday
The Watchlist
Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.
Once a month
SFX
Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!
I've used dummy RAM kits before. Usually, a pair of DIMMs that contain no memory chips is simply acting as a shell to match other functioning DIMMs in the remaining slots, often with RGB lighting to match. They're hella satisfying, I must admit, but, ultimately, needless. That's what I thought this V-color announcement was all about: new dummy sticks. But it's actually something stranger.
V-color has announced 1+1 value packs: a DDR5 DIMM alongside a matching dummy DIMM. Yes, it's a single-channel memory kit, but it appears as though it's dual-channel.
These kits are available in 16 GB or 24 GB capacities (1x 16 GB/1x 24 GB) under the Manta XSky and XFinity branding.
The memory crisis is really doing a number on things, huh? With memory chips going for a huge premium and hard to come by, manufacturers are looking to slim down offerings to keep prices lower. Currently, a dual-channel DDR5-6000 32 GB kit is upwards of $350 today; a 48 GB kit is over $500.
So, I get the need for cheaper options, and why manufacturers are doing things previously thought a bit silly to give gamers some options.
V-color is offering says the new kits are "designed for gamers who want a more accessible way into DDR5." It also notes that "this gives real DDR5 performance today while keeping the clean dual DIMM RGB look that many builders want in their systems."
V-color says: "This allows builders to start with one module now, lower their upfront cost, and upgrade later with a second memory module when needed."
Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team.
Most consumer-grade processors offer two memory channels. These are split between the four DIMM slots on most motherboards, though some only come with two. A single stick of DDR5 will only occupy a single channel, which can reduce the overall performance by some margin, depending on how memory-intensive the task at hand is. So, you want two DIMMs to maximise performance. This being pretty expensive to do nowadays.
Buying a single stick to save cash, then upgrading down the line, is an option. Though this can sometimes lead to instability with XMP/EXPO, due to slight variances in even otherwise identical DIMMs, it often works just fine in my own experience. But, ya know, anecdotal evidence with a small dataset—pinch of salt and all that.
The alter...Read more: Full article on www.pcgamer.com
What do you think about this?