PNY XLR8 Gaming Epic-X RGB 16GB 3600 MHz Memory Kit Review

Final Thoughts

When it comes to an RGB DDR4 kit in 2021 the PNY XLR8 Gaming Epic-X RGB does check most of the boxes. They have matched the black PCB with a nice black heatspreader that is very attractive. When it comes to the RGB lighting there are five RGB LEDs on each module and they look great shining through the diffuser. The diffusion is quite good and the XLR8 logo on the top of the diffuser lets everyone know you are rocking XLR8 memory. PNY is offering this memory in speeds from 3200 MHz to 4000 MHz in both 16GB and 32GB capacities.

At 3600 MHz this kit has great performance, but you really aren’t going to be able to push this memory much further than that. This is the first memory kit in a very long time that would not simply take the next frequency offered in the BIOS. Most of the time we can easily get 200-400 MHz more out of a kit without even touching the timings or voltage. Hell we even upped the voltage to 1.45V to get 100 MHz out of this kit and it wouldn’t work. You can loosen the timings to get a little bit more out of the kit, but this is likely a kit you just use at its XMP profile.

PNY does not offer any type of software for the memory either, so you can either have it display the default “wave” RGB effect or use your motherboard’s RGB software to control the RGB lighting. Typically memory software has more advanced RGB effects than what you’ll find in your motherboard’s RGB software.

Right now you can pick up the exact kit we reviewed today for $104.99 at our favorite online retailer, which is in-line with other RGB kits at the same speed. Overall ThinkComputers gives the PNY XLR8 Gaming Epic-X RGB 16GB 3600 MHz Memory Kit an 8 out of 10 score.

rating8 10

Pros:
– Sleek black-on-black design
– Nice RGB diffusion
– Great overall performance
– Compatible with all major motherboard RGB software

Cons:
– Not a whole lot of overclocking headroom
– PNY does not have their own RGB software

About Author