God of low latency and RGB?! – Acer Predator Apollo 3600 CL14 2x 8 GB & 2x 16 GB Kits Review

1 - Apollo SKUs overview 2 - Packaging and Design 3 - PCB Comparison and Heatsink Performance 4 - RGB Lighting and SPD Exports 5 - Test Systems und Maximum Overclocks 6 - Benchmarks: AIDA64 and Geekbench 3 7 - Gaming: Cyberpunk 2077 and Conclusion

As usual, Cyberpunk 2077, this time in version 1.22, serves as an indicator for gaming performance. Although according to the patch notes performance improvements should be expected since the previous version 1.12, this could not be reproduced down to the tolerance of under 1 FPS on average in our benchmark. So the performance data should be comparable to that of previous game versions and older tests.

As usual, we use a 60-second drive-and-run parkour around Kabuki Market as a benchmark, which exemplifies differences between RAM and CPU configurations when gaming. The graphics card is an Nvidia RTX 3090 Founders Edition with maximum performance and temperature limits. The performance data is collected with the tool Nvidia Frameview, based on the open-source software PresentMon.

As usual, the differences between the configurations in the UHD are vanishingly small due to the GPU bottle neck. The AMD Ryzen 5950X is clearly faster than the Intel 11700K, but within the same platform, the differences in RAM are just barely measurable.

It’s a similar story with the frame time variations, with the only discernible and truly resilient patterns again being CPU-related. 

In 1440p, the transfer rates in RAM are now really noticeable for the first time, in that both overclocked settings on the Intel platform can beat the 5950X with single-rank XMP RAM. Different numbers of ranks have a comparatively small impact on the ranking, probably because Samsung B-Die already operates very efficiently with its relatively tight timings from the factory and the gain of several ranks is largely compensated for by this.

In the frame time variants, the order in QHD is identical to UHD and gone is the supposed advantage of the 11700K. Within a platform, the differences are mostly in the area of measurement and run-to-run tolerances. 

In 1080p, where RAM and CPU are most challenged, the fastest Intel configurations move up more spots. Again, multiple ranks have almost no advantage, if not a small disadvantage due to their higher effective access latency.

Even in FullHD, the order of the frame time variants remains almost identical to the larger resolutions, but the gaps between the platforms are now almost completely closed. 

Conclusion

As is often the case, the first generation of a product isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. Especially when you consider how competitive the RAM market is and that Acer Predator’s claim is to play in the top league right away, you can and almost have to overlook one or the other little negative thing. Slight weaknesses in the heatsink design, manufacturing tolerances, and some marketing inaccuracies are probably the biggest criticisms that should be mentioned.

For a potential version 2 of the Apollo modules, I would also like to see an integrated temperature sensor to make overclocking easier for everyday use. Also, a more maintenance-friendly design for the heatsink would be a welcome change. In terms of design and performance, Acer Predator is already doing a lot right with the Apollo modules. The design of the Heatsink stands out from the crowd and can score additional points with its impressive lighting. Compatibility and performance of the kits is as you would expect from a high-end product in the market and plenty of overclocking potential is included in the binning of the kits from today’s test as well.

As a result, the kits can hold their own on current AMD and Intel desktop platforms, and with a little tuning, can achieve DDR4 high scores in all benchmarks. Now, of course, you have to weigh the performance against a price to put it in perspective. As the kits are currently not available on the European market, there are so far only recommended retail prices in USD – 239.99 for the 16 GB kit with SKU number BL.9BWWR.253 and 459.99 for the 32 GB kit BL.9BWWR.280. This puts the newcomers at the upper end of the market, which is known to be quite fluid anyway. Considering the bold concept and the development effort, the prices are quite reasonable though. 

Together with the Talos modules, which we recently also had in review, Acer Predator has managed a brilliant entry into the RAM market, which deserves respect. If BIWIN builds on this successively in the future, Acer Predator can be expected to become a permanent fixture in the high-end DDR4 market as well. But already today, you definitely can’t go wrong as a potential buyer of an Acer Predator Apollo kit, especially if you value impressive design, uncompromising performance and plenty of overclocking potential. Enthusiasts looking for high-end B-Die can thus buy with peace of mind when it comes to the Acer Predator Apollo kits.