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Manufacturer: Corsair Last updated: 2026-09-14
Corsair CMK16GX5M2Y6000Z36 Review
Corsair's CMK16GX5M2Y6000Z36 is a 16GB (2x8GB) DDR5-6000 desktop memory kit rated CL36, for a true latency of 12ns.
Speed and Latency
The number that matters is true latency, not CL alone. Here it is 36 / (6000 / 2) x 1000 = 12ns. 68% of the desktop DDR5 kits we list are as tight or tighter, so this is on the looser side of its class.
Platform Fit
This is for DDR5 desktops: AMD AM5 on 600 or 800 series chipsets, and Intel 600, 700 or 800 series boards with DDR5 slots. It physically will not go into a DDR4 board. 6000MT/s is the sweet spot on AM5, where the memory controller runs 1:1 with the memory for the lowest latency. Profiles: EXPO.
Capacity and Configuration
Two 8GB modules fill two slots in dual channel, which is the configuration boards run fastest with. Plan capacity now: adding a second kit for four DDR5 sticks usually forces the memory down well below its rated speed. 16GB covers everyday use and lighter gaming, but recent games and browsers can fill it.
Build and Cooling
Corsair lists no module height. If you run a large tower cooler, check its RAM clearance first. Corsair does not disclose which memory chips are used, which matters mainly if you plan to tune timings by hand.
Speed Score
Speed Score: 7.3/10. The score blends transfer rate and true latency and only ranks DDR5 kits against each other.
Our verdict
Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.
Best for
- AM5 builds that want the 6000MT/s 1:1 sweet spot
Not for
- Latency-focused builds: 68% of desktop DDR5 kits are as tight or tighter
- Manual timing tuning: memory chips are not disclosed
- Adding a second kit later for four sticks
Specifications
What these specs meanHow fast this kit is among DDR5 kits, rated from its speed and latency.
Identity
| Peak Bandwidth | 96.0 GB/s |
|---|---|
| Brand | Corsair |
| Part Number | CMK16GX5M2Y6000Z36 |
Memory
| DDR Generation | DDR5 |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 16 GB |
| Speed | 6000 MT/s |
| CAS Latency | 36 |
| Module Count | 2 |
Module and platform
| RAM Segment | Desktop DDR5 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Desktop DIMM |
| Platform Optimisation | AM5 |
Capacity
| Capacity Per Module | 8 GB |
|---|
Speed and timings
| True Latency | 12.0 ns |
|---|
Overclocking profile
| XMP Support | No |
|---|---|
| EXPO Support | Yes |
Silicon
| Memory IC | Undisclosed |
|---|
FAQs
Is the Corsair CMK16GX5M2Y6000Z36 compatible with my motherboard?
It fits DDR5 desktop boards (AMD AM5, Intel 600, 700 and 800 series with DDR5 slots). It does not fit DDR4 boards.
Is CL36 at 6000MT/s good?
It works out to 12ns true latency. That is tighter than 32% of the desktop DDR5 kits we list.
Can I add a second kit later for four sticks?
It is not recommended. Four DDR5 sticks usually run well below their rated speed. Buy the total capacity you need as one two-stick kit.
Is 6000MT/s good for AMD Ryzen 7000 and 9000?
Yes. 6000MT/s lets the memory controller run 1:1 with the memory on AM5, the best balance of speed and latency.
Compare and read more
- ADATA AX5U5200C3816G-B 16GB DDR5-5200 CL38 Bare/Tray Module vs Corsair CMK16GX5M2Y6000Z36 (16GB 2x8GB Kit/DDR5 6000MT/s/CL36)
- ADATA AD4U3200716G22-BADZ (16GB DDR4-3200 Non-ECC UDIMM/CL22/1.2V/288-Pin) vs Corsair CMK16GX5M2Y6000Z36 (16GB 2x8GB Kit/DDR5 6000MT/s/CL36)
- Best DDR5 RAM for Ryzen 9000 and Core Ultra 200S
- CUDIMM vs Regular DDR5 for AM5: Do You Need It Yet?
