The PNY XLR8 Gaming MAKO™ DDR5 was released in the year 2022, as a response to the growing demand for top-of-the-line DDR5 RAMs from tech enthusiasts. This demand only increased with the announcement of the Ryzen 7000 series, which confirmed its support for DDR5 RAMs and even introduced its own EXPO (AMD Extended Profiles for Overclocking). As such, PNY’s release of the MAKO™ DDR5 was eagerly awaited by many in the gaming and tech communities.
In this review, we will be taking a closer look at the 16gb 6000Mhz RGB version of the PNY XLR8 Gaming MAKO™ DDR5, which comes in a dual-rank DIMM configuration. This configuration is expected to provide even greater performance, especially for power users who demand the best from their gaming rigs.
Specifications
| Memory Type | DDR5 Unbuffered DIMM |
| Channel Type | Dual Channel (1 pc) Quad Channel (2 pcs) |
| Form Factor | DIMM (Desktop) |
| Capacity | 16GB, 32GB (2x16GB) |
| Frequency Speed | 6000MHz (PC5-48000) |
| CAS Latency | CL40 |
| Voltage | 1.4 V |
| Buffered/ Registered | UnBuffered |
| Overclocking Support | Intel XMP & AMD EXPO |
| Speed Compatibility | 4800MHz-6000MHz |
| Module Dimension | 133.4 x 34.8 mm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Physical Design
” It is very strong and the fastest known species of shark, reaching moving speeds of 31 mph (50 kph) with bursts up to 46 mph! – Smithsonian Institute “
Just like the EPIC-X series, the MAKO™ DDR5 series is a proud member of the XLR8 Gaming sub-brand, reflecting PNY’s commitment to gamers. Inspired by the Mako shark, the naming convention of the MAKO™ DDR5 series is a nod to the shark’s fierce and agile nature, and this is reflected in the design of the RAMs as well.
The heat spreader of the MAKO™ DDR5 series is a stunning black aluminum body that is both sleek and robust. The signature red XLR8 arrow is the main highlight of the design, standing out boldly against the black background. Adding to the overall aesthetics are the 8 silver stripes on the heat spreader that are textured with tiny serrated ridges going in perpendicular to the stripes. While the efficiency of this design cannot be confirmed, the additional surface area created by the serrated ridges is expected to contribute to better heat dissipation and thus enhance the overall performance of the RAMs.
The XLR8 Gaming MAKO™ DDR5 series also comes in two variations – the non-RGB variant and the RGB variant for fans of the northern lights. The RGB strip on the top is a standout feature, both in terms of aesthetics and practicality. The design of the RGB strip itself is simple and low-profile, without any unnecessary elements that may get in the way of chunky air coolers or low-sitting tubes in liquid cooling builds. The RGB LED on the strip is diffused smoothly, ensuring that there are no annoying hotspots that may detract from the overall design of a custom-built PC.
EXPO and XMP Profiles
To my surprise, the PNY XLR8 Gaming MAKO™ DDR5 are both XMP and EXPO ready. In fact, it is one of the very few RAMs on the market that is EXPO ready, making it a top choice for AMD based gamers and enthusiasts.
Out of the box, the MAKO DDR5 runs at a speed of 5800Mhz at CL40 1.2v. However, for those who demand even greater performance, the EXPO and XMP profiles are available and can push the RAM to run at a speed of 6000 Mhz at CL40 1.3v. While the latency stays the same, the increase in speed makes a difference in serious gaming and other demanding applications.
To demonstrate the difference between the stock and EXPO profiles, gaming benchmarks were conducted in both profiles.
Stability Performance Benchmark
In my opinion, stability takes precedence over speed when it comes to choosing RAM for a build. As a PC user who typically keeps a system for around 5 years before donating it, I require RAM that is reliable enough to support increasingly demanding software updates over a period of time.
Test Setup
| CPU | AMD Ryzen™ 7 7700X |
| Motherboard | ASRock X670E Taichi Carrara |
| Storage | Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus NVMe |
| GPU | RTX 3080 |
| Cooler | Deepcool AK620 |
| PSU | Hydro PTM PRO 850W |
Prime95
To verify the stability and reliability of the PNY XLR8 Gaming MAKO™ DDR5, we conducted a series of rigorous tests using various benchmarking tools. These tests were designed to push the RAM to its limits and ensure that it could handle even the most demanding tasks without crashing or experiencing any other issues.
The first test we conducted was using Prime95, which is widely considered to be one of the best tools for torture testing CPUs and RAMs. We ran the MAKO DDR5 through an hour-long basic Blend test, which is designed to push RAMs to the limit and has a high chance of causing instability or failure on unstable RAMs. Despite the intense stress placed on the RAM, the MAKO DDR5 performed flawlessly and survived the entire hour of the test without crashing.
MemTest64
Continuing our thorough testing of the PNY XLR8 Gaming MAKO™ DDR5, we utilized MemTest64 to further test the stability of the RAM over a longer period of time. MemTest64 is a modern RAM stressing tool with a simpler interface, designed specifically to test CPUs and RAMs for errors and stability issues.
To ensure that the MAKO DDR5 was truly capable of handling even the most demanding tasks, we subjected it to an 8-hour long stress test using MemTest64. Throughout the entire test, the RAM performed admirably, cruising through each stage without encountering any issues or errors.
Vovsoft RAM Benchmark
Finally, during the Vovsoft RAM Benchmark test, the MAKO DDR5 demonstrated outstanding stability under various usage scenarios. The Vovsoft RAM Benchmark tool simulates various scenarios in which the RAM may be used and measures its performance and stability in reading and writing customized chunks of memory block. A faulty RAM would show a drop in performance, but the MAKO DDR5 performed exceptionally well, providing top-notch performance and demonstrating its reliability and stability.
What I Liked About The PNY XLR8 Gaming MAKO™ DDR5
- Simple flat design at the top for better height clearance
- Impeccable stability
- Has both EXPO and XMP profiles
What I Wished Was Better
- I wished it has better CAS Latency
What I Wish To See In Future Versions
- White & Silver heatsink variants will be great options to have
Verdict
After rigorous testing, it is evident that the PNY XLR8 Gaming MAKO™ DDR5 is an exceptional RAM that delivers impressive performance, stability, and reliability. The MAKO DDR5 is an excellent choice for gamers, creative professionals, and power users who demand high-quality performance from their hardware. Its innovative design and practical features make it stand out in the gaming technology industry.
While the PNY XLR8 Gaming MAKO™ DDR5 is an exceptional RAM, one potential area for improvement is the fixed CL40 latency across all profiles. Switching to the EXPO profile did result in improved gaming FPS, a reduction in latency could have yielded an even more significant improvement.
In addition to its exceptional performance, the XLR8 Gaming MAKO™ DDR5 boasts a simple yet stunning aesthetic and physical design. The sleek, black design with a unique diamond-cut edge that adds a touch of elegance to any gaming or workstation setup. Its low-profile design also ensures that it fits easily into most systems, making it an ideal choice for most builds.
Overall, the PNY XLR8 Gaming MAKO™ DDR5 is a high-performing and visually impressive RAM that provides exceptional stability and reliability. Its impressive performance and unique design make it an excellent choice for gamers and tech enthusiasts.
Final Score – 8/10
Product Page : https://www.pny.com.tw/en/products/memory-upgrades/
Official Store : https://shopee.com.my/pnyofficialstore
Warranty Claims can be made at Fusion Tech Supply Sdn Bhd as long as the PNY product carries the sticker below : 
