Introduction
Today we’re taking a look at Acer’s Predator Hermes DDR5 6800MHz 32GB (2×16) memory kit (HERMES-32GB-6800-1R8-V4) to see how it performs on our Rocket Lake test bend and whether it’ll help level up your gaming rig.
As we covered in our introduction to BIWIN, Acer Predator memory and SSDs are produced under license by BIWIN and use the Acer Predator branding. BIWIN was established several decades ago and prides itself on being one of the few manufacturers to do its own IC packaging and testing, enabling them to purchase raw wafers and cut them to their specifications.
On our test bench, today is at the bottom of the Acer Predator Hermes range of memory, clocking in at 6800MHz. It is also being produced in increments of 400MHz all the way up to 8000MHz. It sports timings of CL32-45-45-108 at 1.4V using an XMP profile.
Note that this review was originally benchmarked and written in the fall of 2023 but not published until now, as we were awaiting pricing and availability information that would weigh into our conclusion. As we have not received this information yet and only see sparse availability in random storefronts in Asia, we’ll adjust our conclusion accordingly but not let it get in the way of showcasing the capabilities of the memory.
Acer Predator Hermes 32GB (2×16) 6800MHz Memory
The Acer Predator Hermes 32GB (2×16) 6800MHz Memory comes in a sturdy cardboard box that feature pictures of the memory on a black background with lettering denoting the Predator brand and the Hermes DDR5 RGB product. A sticker indicates the 32GB (2×16) capacity and the 6800MHz speed.
Flipping over to the back, we find a large disclaimer about the information contained herein is subject to change without notice (Ed: I thought RAM lost its memory after getting unplugged?) and a list of features regarding its support, ECC memory, RGB functionality, and other things. Even though the disclaimer states that the box is not a warranty, it references an express warranty statement which happens to say that the memory carries a lifetime warranty.
The most interesting thing about this memory kit is that it is the heaviest two-stick box that we’ve encountered. We initially chalked it up to heavy packaging but came to find out it was the memory itself that was heavy. If it was any heavier, then it’d probably need to borrow a VGA anti-sag kit to keep it in place.
Inside the packaging, we found two 16GB modules labeled with the part number BL.9BWWR.399. The modules are clad in a heavy white heat spreader that includes the Predator name, a decorative honeycomb, and the number five. On the backside, we found a sticker indicating the part number, serial number, and various certifications.
Along the top ridge of the memory is a translucent layer that shrouds the RGB LEDs that serve to light it up once it is plugged into your rig. We also found a 40mm fan and a mounting bracket designed to mount on one of the motherboard screw posts to provide a draft to the memory as it is doing its thing.
The kits sport Hynix memory modules that have base timings of PC5-44800 (5600MHz) at 50-45-45-90 using 1.1V. Their tested (and marketed) frequency is PC5-54400 (6800MHz) at timings of 32-45-45-108 at 1.4V. They are equipped with a thermal sensor and on-die ECC.
From a sizing perspective, the Acer Predator Hermes 32GB (2×16) 6800MHz Memory measures 2 inches in height, which makes it one of the tallest sticks of DDR that we’ve seen. If you’re going with a large tower air cooler that doesn’t respect memory headroom, these modules will give you a bit more clearance than other larger modules.