Crucial 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB) DDR3L-1600 SODIMM vs Crucial Pro DDR5-6000 32GB Kit (2x16GB) CL36

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against memory kits at a similar price

The Crucial Pro DDR5-6000 32GB Kit (2x16GB) CL36 scores 6.4/10 overall, ahead of the Crucial 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB) DDR3L-1600 SODIMM at 4.4/10.

The Crucial Pro DDR5-6000 32GB Kit (2x16GB) CL36 leads on speed and latency, compatibility, capacity options, reliability and warranty and fit.

Crucial 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB) DDR3L-1600 SODIMM

4.4/10verdict: skip

This kit is for people maintaining an older laptop, mini PC or small server that takes DDR3L SO-DIMMs. It gives 16GB across two 8GB modules at 1600 MT/s and CL11. Check your exact machine and current stock first, because the kit is listed as discontinued or unavailable at two retailers.

Check price at Amazon UK

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Crucial Pro DDR5-6000 32GB Kit (2x16GB) CL36

6.4/10verdict: good, not the best

This is a 32GB DDR5-6000 kit for desktop builders on recent Intel or AMD platforms who want XMP or EXPO speed without lighting. It suits people who value a low-profile module and a limited lifetime warranty over tight timings. Buyers chasing overclocking headroom or lower latency should look at what else is on offer.

Typically about £384.68 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK

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Scores, criterion by criterion

Criterion	Weight	Crucial 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB) DDR3L-1600 SODIMM	Crucial Pro DDR5-6000 32GB Kit (2x16GB) CL36
Speed and latency	30%	3/10	5/10
Compatibility	30%	5/10	7/10
Capacity options	15%	3/10	5/10
Reliability and warranty	15%	6/10	8/10
Fit	10%	6/10	8/10
Overall		4.4/10	6.4/10

Specifications

Spec	Crucial 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB) DDR3L-1600 SODIMM	Crucial Pro DDR5-6000 32GB Kit (2x16GB) CL36
Type and form factor	DDR3L 204-pin SO-DIMM, unbuffered	DDR5 UDIMM, 288-pin, desktop
Capacity	16GB (2 x 8GB)	32GB total (2 x 16GB modules)
Speed	1600 MT/s, PC3-12800	DDR5-6000 (6000 MT/s) at XMP/EXPO; 5600 MT/s at default JEDEC setting
Latency (CL)	CL11	CL36
Voltage	1.35V	1.35V at XMP/EXPO
XMP / EXPO profile	not listed	Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO
ECC	Non-ECC	Non-ECC (on-die ECC only)
Module height	not listed	34.9mm

Strengths and weaknesses

Crucial 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB) DDR3L-1600 SODIMM

+ DDR3L-1600 CL11 at a low 1.35V
+ Crucial lists a Limited Lifetime warranty
+ No heat spreader on the modules
− Listed as discontinued or unavailable at two retailers
− Warranty length differs between Crucial and Quiet PC
− Non-ECC, with only a 16GB kit size listed

Skip it if:

Anyone building a new system, as the kit is discontinued or unavailable at two retailers.
Buyers who need ECC memory for a server.
Anyone who needs more than 16GB, since only the 2 x 8GB kit is listed.

Read the full Crucial 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB) DDR3L-1600 SODIMM review ›

Crucial Pro DDR5-6000 32GB Kit (2x16GB) CL36

+ Supports both Intel XMP 3.0 and AMD EXPO
+ Low 34.9mm height with no RGB
+ Limited lifetime warranty
− CL36 timings are loose for 6000 MT/s
− Drops to 5600 MT/s without XMP/EXPO
− Little overclocking headroom reported

Skip it if:

Buyers who want tight timings or overclocking headroom
Anyone on AMD 7000 or 8000 who can't confirm support with the system maker
Server or workstation builders who need ECC memory

Read the full Crucial Pro DDR5-6000 32GB Kit (2x16GB) CL36 review ›

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