Because integrated GPUs generally employ shared system memory, RAM performance has a significant effect on gaming frame rates. We're testing seven 8 GB DDR3 kits that manufacturers tell us are a perfect match for AMD’s mainstream Llano-based APUs.
The biggest surprise in AMD’s Llano architecture was its integrated GPU's ability to play real games. And by real games we mean the kinds of titles that people who call themselves enthusiasts like to play. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is actually viable at high quality and 1680x1050. What you need to understand, though, is that gaming performance is largely affected by the memory you drop into a Llano-powered machine, as discussed in Chris Angelini's launch coverage page, “Making Memory Performance Matter Again.”

Of course, the most recent titles are more demanding than Call of Duty. However, we're still able to play them at lower resolutions and detail levels. That's something no other integrated GPU has ever done satisfactorily. We've always been impressed by the graphics quality of Call of Duty, given how low-impact it seems to be on hardware. So, we're also testing some of the more demanding titles in our suite in order to put today's memory kits through the ringer.
| 8 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 Rated Settings | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Rate (MT/s) | Timings | Voltage | |
| Adata XPG DDR3-1600+ AX3U1600PC4G8-2P | 1600 | 8-8-8-24 | 1.65 V |
| Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8R | 1600 | 8-8-8-24 | 1.50 V |
| G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM | 1600 | 8-8-8-24 | 1.50 V |
| Geil Evo Corsa GOC38GB1866C9DC | 1866 | 9-10-9-28 | 1.50 V |
| Kingston HyperX KHX1600C9D3P1K2/8G | 1600 | 9-9-9-27 | 1.50 V |
| Mushkin Enhnaced Redline 997000 | 1600 | 7-8-7-24 | 1.65 V |
| PNY XLR8 MD8192KD3-1600-X9 | 1600 | 9-9-9-24 | 1.65 V |
| Reference DDR3-1333 C9 | 1333 | 9-9-9-24 | 1.50 V |
Note that we also include some basic DDR3-1333 CAS 9 in today’s round-up, intended to set a performance baseline in our charts. The real question, then, is: how much more speed will these low- to mid-priced modules bring to our games?
- Turning DDR3 Into Graphics Memory
- Adata XPG DDR3-1600 CAS 8
- Corsair Vengeance DDR3-1600 CAS 8
- G.Skill Ripjaws X DDR3-1600 CAS 8
- Geil Evo Corsa DDR3-1866 CAS 9
- Kingston HyperX Genesis DDR3-1600 CAS 9
- Mushkin Redline DDR3-1600 CAS 7
- PNY XLR8 DDR3-1600 CAS 9
- Test Settings
- Benchmark Results: Latency And Overclocking
- DDR3-1866 Benchmark Results
- DDR3-1600 Benchmark Results
- DDR3-1333 Benchmark Results
- Which DDR3 Memory Kit Is Right For You?
They're not.
You're better off buying value RAM with decent timings and throwing that extra $$$ into a GPU. I promise your FPS will improve more that way.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/llano-apu-memory-performance,3017-10.html
Please read the article, thanks!
Wish I found that Corsair CAS8 kit, but I did find the CAS9 version for $50, no rebate or shipping.
I got the HyperX modules the A8 and the Vengeance are on my main rig. Now, I'm still intrigued about unganged when using a 4 module MoBo. I got the A8 with 4 modules in unganged at 1600 CL9 and it runs pretty well, but i wonder how that compares to this 2 modules MoBo.
Cheers!
Still llano isn't strong enough to give any reason for faster twice as expensive (or more) rams.
IMHO who the hell would like to buy 60$ ram for a budget apu targeted more at htpc than anything.
P.S. 8GB of RAM in htpc or lowend rig *poke in the head*
What is your point ? This article was not about CPU neither my comment .
Focus of this article was that expensive as hell ram will boost your graphical experience with integrated GPU. In my opinion gains do not justify the price mere 4 fps?
Next generation will bring more muscle to the stage article like that may be justified then. For now I'd advice everyone unsure to go with quality value ram and spend extra money towards stronger processor.
Still results here are staggering compared to regular desktop setups where highend +100$ rams give marginal (bellow 1fps) advantage over 1333 cl9 value rams.
I think this is relevant:
You have a good CPU for an upper-mainstream system in that APU. That justifies the extra capacity. If you're a "casual" gamer, you also have a "barely acceptable" GPU. That justifies the extra performance.