ADATA has started shipments of its new memory modules that feature hybrid air and liquid-based cooling systems along with RGB lighting. The new XPG Spectrix D80 DDR4 RGB modules use ADATA’s Jellyfish concept the company revealed earlier this year at CES, but in a less aggressive way than presented originally. ADATA’s concept submerged the memory chips in a non-conductive liquid, but the XPG Spectrix D80 liquid-cools only a part of the PCB. 

ADATA plans to offer XPG Spectrix D80 DDR4 RGB DIMMs rated for DDR4-2666 to DDR4-3600 initially, targeting both AMD Ryzen and Intel Core platforms. The value-add of these modules is the cooling system, which according to ADATA, along with 'an advanced PCB', promise to enable a rather high overclocking potential.

Just like other high-end memory modules, ADATA’s XPG Spectrix D80 DIMMs rely on hand-picked memory chips as well as 10-layer PCBs featuring thermally conductive materials. Based on an image published by the manufacturer, the modules currently use DRAMs from SK Hynix. It is highly likely that ADATA takes a page from Corsair Dominator’s book and uses a special copper layer to transfer heat from DRAM ICs to the top of the PCB, but at this point the manufacturer does not confirm this officially.

The key feature of the XPG Spectrix D80 modules is their cooling system that features aluminum heat spreaders attached to the memory chips as well as a top bar with a non-conductive liquid attached to the top of the PCB. The liquid in the top bar behaves the same way as heat (vapor) chambers and heat pipes: it changes state to gas (or at least changes its viscosity) when heated and turns back to liquid when cooled down. This phase change absorbs a lot of thermal energy and takes the heat away from its source: in this case the PCB conducting heat from memory chips.

As an added bonus, when combined with RGB LEDs, the liquid in the top bars distorts the lighting effect, creating a more unique presentation - something that might please enthusiasts and modders. Speaking of the RGB lighting, it is necessary to note that the new modules ship with ADATA’s app that can synchronize their lighting with that of motherboards from ASUS, ASRock, GIGABYTE, and MSI. Meanwhile, since ADATA’s Jellyfish seems to be a work in progress, it is possible that eventually we will see different implementations of this concept.

Moving on to actual specifications of the products. As noted, the initial XPG Spectrix D80 DDR4 RGB memory modules will use 8 Gb DRAM ICs from SK Hynix rated for DDR4-2666 to DDR4-3600 at 1.20-1.35 Volts, but subsequently higher-performing SKUs could use other memory chips from different vendors. ADATA plans to offer XPG Spectrix D80 memory in dual-channel and quad-channel kits based on 8 GB or 16 GB modules, targeting various grades of enthusiast class systems. All the new DIMMs will support Intel’s XMP 2.0 SPD profiles.

ADATA’s initial XPG Spectrix D80 DDR4 RGB products will be available in the coming weeks. A 16 GB dual-channel DDR4-2666 kit will cost $199.99, whereas a more advanced 32 GB quad-channel DDR4-3000 kit will retail for $419.99.

ADATA's XPG Spectrix D80 DDR4 RGB Memory Kits
Speed Sub-Timings Voltage Kit
Config.
Kit
Capacity
Price
DDR4-2666 CL16 16-16-? 1.2 V 2×8 GB 16 GB $199.99
4×8 GB 32 GB $399.99
DDR4-3000 ? ? 2×8 GB 16 GB $209.99
4×8 GB 32 GB $419.99

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Source: ADATA

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  • PhrogChief - Thursday, May 3, 2018 - link

    While I'm sure you're joking, please know I'm not totally against windows, lights, etc... My main rig (x99) is in a fractal arc midi re case and yeah, it's got a window. I even have white 140mm fans and (GASP!) an RGB light bar hidden in the upper portions of the case.. but I usually run it white if I want to show off my internals. Design wise, I love my crucial ballistix extreme ddr4... Nice black machined aluminum heat spreaders, with a nice white outline logotype on it... Plus I Rock a Thermalright 140mm bw cooler, that also has nice, understated design ques. In the end, it's the amount of garish and frankly ugly designs being put out that I'm tired of.
  • PhrogChief - Thursday, May 3, 2018 - link

    *Arc Midi R2!!! Dammit.... Freaking autocorrect...
  • PeachNCream - Thursday, May 3, 2018 - link

    When you buy higher end parts, it's almost a necessity to make sure you get a windowless case or do something like cover the side with heavy contact paper to cover the disco inferno happening on the inside.
  • Beaver M. - Wednesday, May 2, 2018 - link

    This RGB disease is as bad as Smart TVs.
  • Valantar - Wednesday, May 2, 2018 - link

    So, from the illustrations, the liquid makes zero contact with any heat-generating component, even if there might be some PCB part that's supposed to lead heat to it. Then again, that's a pretty good thing, seeing how the liquid has no heat sink or other way of dissipating any heat energy it would absorb, making this a very one-way phase change situation (unless you were to power cycle your system regularly, that is). The liquid is housed in what looks like an acrylic cylinder. Last I checked, aceylic was a pretty decent insulator.

    All in all, it's a good thing RAM doesn't generate any meaningful heat considering that this barely qualifies for the term 'cooling solution'.
  • HollyDOL - Thursday, May 3, 2018 - link

    Another RGB? Oh god, what do you punish us for?
  • philehidiot - Thursday, May 3, 2018 - link

    XPG = "Xtreme profiteering gall"?
  • FullmetalTitan - Thursday, May 3, 2018 - link

    The rage wank over RGB components will never end. If you don't like RGB products stop reading the reviews for them?

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