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Memory: G.Skill RipjawsZ F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZHD (4 GB x 4)

Tom's Hardware's 2011 Gift Guide: Part 1, For System Builders
By

$249.99
www.gskill.com

So you’ve rolled into a new X79 Express-based platform with four memory channels and need at least 16 GB of RAM. Hey, who doesn’t? G.Skill gives you a high-performance option that, in a pinch, could probably be used to saw the branches off a Christmas tree for composting. We make no claims about the dissipation efficacy of the Ripjaws Z-series (try pronouncing that—go ahead) heat spreader, but it definitely looks cool without being gaudy.

These 4 GB DDR3 modules feature 9-11-9-28-2N timings and run at a default of 1.65 volts. A command rate of 1T runs fine at stock levels, but you’ll want to drop down to 2T for heavy overclocking. If you’re trying to tuck under a large CPU air cooler, keep an eye on these module’s 1.58” (40 mm) height. Like a good memory vendor should, G.Skill warranties the Ripjaws Z for life.

The -HD version of this kit ($179.99) is for standard performance levels. The -ZHD set shown here is specifically designed to push beyond 2133 MT/s. One perhaps predictable caveat is that these modules ought to be run in XMP mode for maximum benefit, which is no problem—if your platform supports XMP. G.Skill currently shows the Asus Rampage IV Extreme and P9X79 Deluxe as being the only two qualified motherboards for this kit. No doubt, the modules will work fine on other platforms, but exercise caution and check your return policies accordingly (we had trouble at first on Intel's DX79SI board, which has since been solved with a firmware update).

There are higher-end alternatives, to be sure. You can drop over $600 on some 2400 MT/s CL9 quad-channel kits. But early reports are already showing these Ripjaws Z overclocking above 2300 MT/s. Given that, we’d be inclined to put some of these sticks in your stocking and pocket the savings for the next holiday season. Besides, we already showed in Intel Core i7-3960X Review: Sandy Bridge-E And X79 Express that memory scaling on this enthusiast-oriented platform is of limited utility in most applications.

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Top Comments
  • 36 Hide
    serhat359 , December 13, 2011 4:29 AM
    I feel sorry for those girls that they have to smile for the camera even though they have no idea what they are holding
  • 33 Hide
    wizloa , December 13, 2011 4:25 AM
    i clicked for the lady
  • 22 Hide
    HansVonOhain , December 13, 2011 4:34 AM
    Must... focus ... on ... computer parts...
Other Comments
  • 0 Hide
    gerohmygosh , December 13, 2011 4:13 AM
    Where is the girl for the PNY RAM?!?!?!
  • 33 Hide
    wizloa , December 13, 2011 4:25 AM
    i clicked for the lady
  • 6 Hide
    phamhlam , December 13, 2011 4:29 AM
    What is your favorite picture?

    Mine was the one with the 4 SSD.
    My floppy disk totally turned to a hard disk drive.

    I can't wait for part 2 already.
  • 36 Hide
    serhat359 , December 13, 2011 4:29 AM
    I feel sorry for those girls that they have to smile for the camera even though they have no idea what they are holding
  • 22 Hide
    HansVonOhain , December 13, 2011 4:34 AM
    Must... focus ... on ... computer parts...
  • -6 Hide
    phamhlam , December 13, 2011 4:37 AM
    What is hotter? The computer parts or the girl?
  • -7 Hide
    richboyliang , December 13, 2011 4:39 AM
    haha do these girls know what they're doing?
  • -6 Hide
    koolkat574 , December 13, 2011 4:45 AM
    richboylianghaha do these girls know what they're doing?


    Depends on if you use an aftermarket cooler or the stock one
  • -5 Hide
    manu 11 , December 13, 2011 4:54 AM
    For one second, my focus was deviated, back to pc!
  • 10 Hide
    lunyone , December 13, 2011 5:01 AM
    It looks like the Blonde model was having more fun, or is it just me. If I wasn't married, I'd take either! Forget the PC hardware, there are more important things to look at!!! Lol!
  • 11 Hide
    bcontoursvt , December 13, 2011 5:02 AM
    All these pages later and I still have no idea what the topic of the story was...
  • 21 Hide
    LuckyDucky7 , December 13, 2011 5:08 AM
    I don't get it.

    Why are some things suggested in this guide mostly the worst value you could get for that sum of cash?

    For starters:

    -MSI 990FX-GD80 wouldn't be my top pick. That would go to a Gigabyte 990FXA-UD(x) board. Why bother getting a board that's more expensive than the best processor for the platform (or one whose lower-end boards don't catch fire).

    -i7-3930K? Ivy's just around the corner and will run on 150 dollar boards that do more than X79 could think of.

    -Silverstone 1000W PSU? Seasonic's already got their X-1050, which has 80+ Platinum certification instead of gold for the same cost.

    Some things I guess I just don't understand, then. You list some parts that have really good value, such as that RAM and Powercolor graphics card along with the 955BE, and then go to the polar opposite. I don't see the reason for that.
  • 1 Hide
    manu 11 , December 13, 2011 5:44 AM
    I can ditch pc hardware if i can get a girl in those photos
  • 0 Hide
    kustiki321 , December 13, 2011 6:02 AM
    I'm sorry, was there supposed to be some sort of gift guide here? I know it's a tech site and I was expecting one but I can't seem to see what they're recommending.
  • 17 Hide
    mkrijt , December 13, 2011 7:03 AM
    The redhead doesn't seem to have fun....
  • -8 Hide
    cold fire , December 13, 2011 7:39 AM
    I'm having a hard time deciding whether I'd take all the hardware or all the girls. :$
  • -7 Hide
    tzhu07 , December 13, 2011 7:46 AM
    Those girls prove why Tom's Hardware will never be at the level of AnandTech...
  • 15 Hide
    Goldengoose , December 13, 2011 8:28 AM
    gazum123Get a life you freak

    Get a sense of humor you rude little man.
  • -4 Hide
    Anonymous , December 13, 2011 8:50 AM
    and not a single anti-static precaution taken... All those naked components... what a waste
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