Tom's Hardware Verdict
The ToughRAM RGB DDR4-4600 C19 isn't for the average Joe, however, the memory kit will likely find its place in overclockers' or hardcore enthusiasts' systems.
Pros
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Good performance
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Cheapest DDR4-4600 2x8GB kit
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Pleasing to the eye
Cons
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XMP requires 1.5V
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May require manual tweaking
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Small overclocking headroom
Why you can trust Tom's Hardware
Thermaltake, like many other computer hardware companies, has many facets and deals in multiple types of products. As a memory vendor, Thermaltake actually has a wide selection of offerings that include mainstream memory, RGB or gaming memory, and even liquid-cooled memory. The ToughRAM RGB series, in particular, is where you'll find Thermaltake's highest performers. The brand's latest accomplishment is a dual-channel ToughRAM RGB memory kit that comes in a capacity of 16GB (2x8GB) and an impressive data rate of DDR4-4600.
The ToughRAM RGB memory modules feature a rectangular design with two triangular notches on the top. The brushed aluminum finish on the heat spreader and the two metal strips help give the memory a bit of class. PC builders will be happy to know that Thermaltake offers the ToughRAM RGB memory kits in both black and white colors, so it shouldn't be hard to find one that fits your builds' theme.
With a height of 48.25mm (1.9 inches), the ToughRAM RGB isn't obnoxiously tall, but we recommend you check that there is sufficient clearance space under your CPU cooler nonetheless. The memory module comes with an RGB light bar with 10 addressable LEDs that you can tweak to your heart's content. Thermaltake provides the TT RGB Plus software to control the ToughRAM RGB's illumination. If you prefer third-party software, the memory modules are compatible with Razer Chroma, Asus Aura Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome Sync.
The ToughRAM RGB memory kit is comprised of two 8GB single-rank memory modules. Thermaltake manufactures the memory modules on a black, 10-layer PCB, utilizing Hynix H5AN8G8NDJR-XNC (D-die) integrated circuits (ICs).
Unlike other memory kits, the ToughRAM RGB posts at DDR4-3200 with default timings of 22-22-22-52. There is only one XMP profile onboard that configures the memory to DDR4-4600 and the timings to 19-26-26-45. The memory modules sip 1.5V, which is more voltage than other DDR4-4600 offerings, like G.Skill's Trident Z kits that only require 1.45V. For more on timings and frequency considerations, see our PC Memory 101 feature, as well as our How to Shop for RAM story.
Comparison Hardware
Memory Kit | Part Number | Capacity | Data Rate | Primary Timings | Voltage | Warranty |
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Thermaltake ToughRAM RGB | R009D408GX2-4600C19A | 2 x 8GB | DDR4-4600 (XMP) | 19-26-26-45 (2T) | 1.50 | Lifetime |
Patriot Viper 4 Blackout | PVB416G440C8K | 2 x 8GB | DDR4-4400 (XMP) | 18-26-26-46 (2T) | 1.45 | Lifetime |
Klevv Cras XR | KD48GU880-40B190Z | 2 x 8GB | DDR4-4000 (XMP) | 19-25-25-45 (2T) | 1.40 | Lifetime |
TeamGroup T-Force Xtreem ARGB | TF10D416G3600HC14CDC01 | 2 x 8GB | DDR4-3600 (XMP) | 14-15-15-35 (2T) | 1.45 | Lifetime |
Our Intel test system consists of an Intel Core i9-10900K and Asus ROG Maximus XII Apex on the 0901 firmware. On the opposite end, the AMD testbed leverages an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and ASRock B550 Taichi with the 1.30 firmware. The MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Gaming Trio handles the graphical duties on both platforms.
Intel Performance
The ToughRAM RGB kit performed better than expected on the Intel platform. The memory kit was only second in CPU and gaming performance to Patriot's Viper 4 Blackout DDR4-4400 C18 memory kit.
AMD Performance
The memory kit will only reach its full potential on a Ryzen processor that can run an Infinity Fabric clock (FCLK) up to 2,300 MHz. Some of the more spectacular Ryzen 5000 (Vermeer) samples and Ryzen 4000 (Renoir) APUs could probably achieve this feat. On our Ryzen 5 3600, however, the 1:2 ratio really held back the memory kit in our RAM benchmarks.
Overclocking and Latency Tuning
High-frequency kits, such as this ToughRAM RGB, typically don't have a lot of headroom for overclocking. Even with a 1.56V DRAM voltage, we could only get the memory kit to DDR4-4666, a mere 66 MHz increase over the XMP specification. We also had to loosen the timings to 20-26-26-45 to achieve stability.
Lowest Stable Timings
Memory Kit | DDR4-3600 (1.46V) | DDR4-4000 (1.45V) | DDR4-4200 (1.45V) | DDR4-4400 (1.45V) | DDR4-4500 (1.50V) | DDR4-4600 (1.55V) | DDR4-4666 (1.56V) |
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Thermaltake ToughRAM RGB DDR4-4600 C19 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 18-24-24-44 (2T) | 20-26-26-45 (2T) |
Patriot Viper 4 Blackout DDR4-4400 C18 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 17-25-25-45 (2T) | 21-26-26-46 (2T) | N/A | N/A |
Klevv Cras XR DDR4-4000 C19 | N/A | 18-22-22-42 (2T) | N/A | 19-25-25-45 (2T) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
TeamGroup T-Force Xtreem ARGB DDR4-3600 C14 | 13-14-14-35 (2T) | N/A | 19-19-19-39 (2T) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
With Hynix D-die ICs, it's hard to get the timings really tight. By upping the DRAM voltage from 1.5V to 1.55V, the memory modules can run with a CAS Latency of 18 at DDR4-4600. However, the tRCD, tRP, and tRAS timings wouldn't budge below 24-24-44.
Bottom Line
Thermaltake's ToughRAM RGB DDR4-4600 C19 memory kit isn't aimed at your typical computer user. Given its high frequency, plug-and-play operation is likely out of the question unless you have an outstanding processor with a pretty strong integrated memory controller (IMC). If not, the odds are that some manual finetuning will be required to get this memory stable on both Intel and AMD platforms. If you're the set-it-and-forget-it type, you should look for more modest frequencies, such as a DDR4-3800 or DDR-3600 kit with really tight timings.
Therefore, the ToughRAM RGB appeals more to the hardcore enthusiasts or consumers who deal with workloads that favor high memory bandwidth. There's not much demand for really fast memory kits – the number of DDR4-4600 offerings on the market is around two handfuls, of which half of them aren't even in stock. With a retail price of $199.99, the ToughRAM RGB DDR4-4600 C19 is presently the cheapest DDR4-4600 memory in a 16GB (2x8GB) configuration, making it extra attractive for consumers that want a kit of this caliber.
Zhiye Liu is a news editor and memory reviewer at Tom’s Hardware. Although he loves everything that’s hardware, he has a soft spot for CPUs, GPUs, and RAM.
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Koen1982 Did you even read the datasheet of the H5AN8G8 before testing these devices and doing things like "By upping the DRAM voltage from 1.5V to 1.55V" ?Reply
Absolute Maximum DC Ratings : VDD Voltage on VDD pin relative to Vss : -0.3 ~ 1.5 V
-> 1. Stresses greater than those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device.
So every test after these settings might be affected and should be redone with new memory. Even setting it to 1.5V might be above these limits since there is some tolerance on the regulators.
You shouldn't recommend this to your reader as settings for 4600 & 4666 because it can damage their memory.