Chinese memory and SSD manufacturer Asgard has announced via the company's Weixin account the introduction of two high-capacity memory kits. While these kits may not rank among the best RAM, they are notably among the most costly available. The 256GB (4 x 64GB) version sells for up to 20% more than a GeForce RTX 5090, one of the best graphics cards on the market.
Staying true to its Norse mythology-themed products, Asgard has launched the Valkyrie II Racing Car Limited Edition 256GB memory kit. The four 64GB DDR5 memory modules, which feature a 10-layer PCB with 4GB SK hynix M-die integrated circuits, operate at DDR5-6000 with C32-45-45-90 timings. Asgard has optimized the memory kit for AMD platforms, so it comes with AMD EXPO support, but Intel XMP 3.0 remains uncertain.
256GB and 192GB Memory Kit Pricing
Memory Kit | Pricing | Capacity | Data Rate | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
G.Skill Flare X5 | 256GB (4x 64GB) | DDR5-6000 | 32-44-44-96 | |
G.Skill Flare X5 | 256GB (4x 64GB) | DDR5-6000 | 36-44-44-96 | |
Asgard Valkyrie II Racing Car Limited Edition | 256GB (4x 64GB) | DDR5-6000 | 32-45-45-90 | |
Asgard Thor Black Gold Limited Edition | 192GB (4x 48GB) | DDR5-6000 | 28-36-36-72 | |
Corsair Vengeance | 192GB (4x 48GB) | DDR5-5200 | 38-38-38-94 |
Few vendors are willing to invest in releasing high-capacity memory kits due to the associated costs. With the current shortage driven by the AI boom, manufacturers are less inclined to do so, despite the substantial financial benefits that could be gained from soaring prices. Currently, only limited 192GB or 256GB memory kits are available on the retail market, and the few that are available already impose significant markups.
Despite the exorbitant price tags, Asgard's latest memory kits emerge as some of the most affordable options currently available on the retail market. The Valkyrie II Racing Car Limited Edition 256GB memory retails for $2,403.81, 14% lower than the Flare X5 256GB memory kit, which features nearly identical specifications.
Meanwhile, the Thor Black Gold Limited Edition 192GB memory kit is also more affordable and faster than the Corsair Vengeance 192GB memory kit. The former boasts a 15% higher data rate at a 45% lower price point.
The primary downside with Asgard is that it is predominantly a Chinese brand; consequently, it is nearly impossible to locate its products outside the Chinese market. Procuring and shipping memory modules from China entails paying tariffs, even if you manage to find Asgard products on eBay, Newegg, or Amazon through a third-party seller. Nevertheless, the latest memory kits from Asgard remain highly competitive on price, even in the current market landscape. It's a shame Asgard isn't a more global brand.
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