The new GeIL Evo V DDR5-6200 memory kit breathes new life into an old tactic to keep memory cool under the heaviest of loads — two in-built fans right on the heat spreaders. Many moons ago, computer memory modules shared the same design. They all bore a standard green PCB. However, to differentiate their products from the competition, memory manufacturers used different PCB colors, like black, white, or blue, before eventually putting heat spreaders on their memory modules. Then the whole RGB trend took off, and we had flashy lights on every piece of computer hardware, including memory.

Actively cooling memory modules is a concept that has existed for decades. Memory coolers with whiny cooling were a thing back then. Memory vendors, such as G.Skill or Corsair, have previously supplied memory coolers with some of their higher-end memory. Some of you may argue those memory coolers are equivalent to today's snake oil, but that's a debate for another time. Incorporating the cooling fans directly into the heat spreader is something you don't see every day, and that's precisely what GeIL has accomplished with its Evo V DDR5 lineup.

The Evo V memory modules sport an aluminum heat spreader in titanium grey or glacier white. The memory measures 54mm (2.13 inches) in height, slightly shorter than Corsair's Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 memory modules. Being enthusiast-grade memory, it's a given that the Evo V features vibrant RGB lighting to add some flair to your system. Luckily, you don't need proprietary software for it. The memory supports all the popular motherboard lighting software, including Asus Aura Sync, Biostar RGB Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0, MSI Mystic Light Sync, and ASRock Polychrome Sync.

The biggest attraction of the Evo V is the memory module's dual-fan cooling system. GeIL placed the two 20mm cooling fans in the heat spreader's corners to enhance airflow and help with heat dissipation. The maximum fan speed is 12,000 RPM but can vary by 20%. Measured from one meter of distance, the cooling fan's average acoustic noise is 19.37 dB(A) with a maximum level of 22.37 dB(A). Regarding life expectancy, GeIL rates the cooling fan for 40,000 hours in an environment where the temperature is 25 degrees Celsius, and the humidity is between 15% to 65%.

GeIL sells the Evo V with data rates between DDR5-4800 and DDR5-6400 with a fixed capacity of 32GB (2x16GB) for AMD systems. The Intel-equivalent memory kits scale up to DDR5-8000 and 64GB (2x32GB). Our test sample is a 32GB memory kit comprising two single-rank memory modules with 16GB capacity. They make us of SK hynix's H5CG48MEBDX014 (M-die) integrated circuits (ICs). The markings for the power management IC (PMIC), which aren't easily visible in the photographs, are 0D=8K, so it's from Richtek.

Without user intervention, the memory will run at DDR5-4800 with the usual 40-40-40-77 timings. Only one EXPO profile is present, and it'll run the memory at DDR5-6200. At this data rate, the timings change to 34-38-38-80, requiring a DRAM voltage of 1.25V. See our PC Memory 101 feature and How to Shop for RAM story for more timings and frequency considerations.

Comparison Hardware

Our Intel test system revolves around Intel's Core i9-13900K processor and MSI's MEG Z690 Unify-X motherboard running the 7D28vA8 firmware. In contrast, the AMD testbed leverages the Ryzen 7 7700X and ASRock X670E Taichi currently on the 1.11.AS06 firmware.

Corsair's CUE H100i Elite LCD liquid cooler keeps the Raptor Lake and Zen 4 processor temperatures in line. In addition, the MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Gaming Trio tackles our gaming RAM benchmarks.

Our Windows 11 installation, benchmarking software, and games reside on Crucial's MX500 SSDs, whereas the Corsair RM650x power supply feeds our system with the necessary power. Lastly, the Streacom BC1 open bench table ensures that our hardware is well-kept and tidy.

Intel Performance

The Evo V memory kit was as quick as the specifications made it out to be. It ranked second overall on the Intel system, only behind the V-Color Manta XPrism DDR5-6200 C36. The memory showed off its performance in 7-Zip's compression test and outperformed the slowest memory kit by a 2.5% margin.

AMD Performance

This particular Evo V memory kit is optimized for AMD's Zen 4 processors. The memory kit's tighter timings helped a lot. Therefore, it wasn't surprising that it was the fastest DDR5-6200 memory kit on the AMD platform.

Overclocking and Latency Tuning

GeIL's memory kit, like many DDR5-6200 rivals, uses SK hynix's M-die ICs. For that reason, the overclocking headroom is similar between the memory kits. However, we achieved the best timings on the Evo V. We could stable DDR5-6400 at 1.4V with timings set to 34-38-38-80.

Lowest Stable Timings

The CAS Latency (CL) was already tight at 34 clock cycles. If you're willing to compromise on running a higher DRAM voltage, the memory kit will happily run at 32 clock cycles on DDR5-6200 if you up the voltage to 1.4V. The remaining memory timings are carved in stone, though.

Bottom Line

If there are dedicated water blocks for computer memory, why can't there be heat spreaders with cooling fans? The Evo V DDR5-6200 C34 is GeIL's take on doing something different that other vendors haven't done before. The memory already runs cool with the colossal heat spreader, so the small cooling fans are just the cherry on top. The door swings both ways, though. The cooling fans help improve heat dissipation but emit a good bit of noise. The minuscule cooling fans won't be the loudest thing inside your PC, but they are perceptible if you listen very closely. Unfortunately, the Evo V DDR5-6200 C34 may not be for you if you're sensitive to keeping your rig as silent as possible.

We don't have any gripes with the Evo V DDR5-6200 C34's performance. The titanium grey version of the Evo V DDR5-6200 C34 sells for $179.99, whereas the glacier white version retails for $180.99. So it's far from being the cheapest DDR5-6200 memory kit on the market. Still, the memory possesses fast stock performance, and the EXPO certification means it's essentially plug-n-play on AMD's latest 600-series motherboards, assuming your Zen 4 chip can handle DDR5-6200.

AMD has filed a patent for a program that performs automatic memory overclocking to simplify enthusiasts' lives. The app can automatically test overclocked memory modules for stability and locally store memory overclocking profiles unique to a particular system.  

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) overclocking has existed for decades. At first, companies like Corsair cherry-picked memory ICs that could safely work at high frequencies and/or with low latencies. It then built modules that were guaranteed to work at specific frequencies, timings and voltages but required those settings to be entered manually into BIOS. To simplify things, Intel introduced its eXtreme Memory Profiles (XMP) — settings stored in a module's serial presence detect (SPD) chip and can be activated on supporting platforms — in 2007, and virtually all enthusiast-grade memory currently comes with XMP profiles.  

But guaranteed/recommended settings and XMP profile settings tend to be relatively conservative to maximize compatibility with a broad array of systems. Meanwhile, each PC is unique, so diehard enthusiasts tend to determine maximum data transfer rates and the lowest latencies their machines are capable of themselves. However, this is time-consuming and requires knowledge, experience, and skills.  

AMD's automatic memory overclocking technology attempts to give average performance enthusiasts the ability to tune their memory modules and CPUs for maximum performance like a pro, but without extensive manual testing. In addition, AMD's automatic memory overclocking should also allow owners of inexpensive memory modules with JEDEC standard settings in SPDs to overclock them to their limits. Performance-minded enthusiasts who tend to use the best RAM modules featuring XMP 3.0 profiles will also be able to maximize their performance to levels that their builds can handle without doing loads of manual work. 

"Settings for memory modules can be configured according to vendor profiles or user input specifications," AMD's patent US20220155982 reads. "These profiles are often generated and tested using system configurations differing from a user system. Additionally, user input specifications may be restricted using margins determined and tested using these differing system configurations." 

AMD's automatic memory overclocking technology entails determining an overclocked memory frequency setting, passing the memory stability test, determining the most aggressive timing settings for passing the said test, and generating a profile that includes the overclocked memory frequency and latency settings. The resulting profile will eventually be loaded by the program. Interestingly, the patent does not touch upon memory voltages, which means that modules must maintain SPD voltages (i.e., voltages from SPD profiles), or voltages must be set manually in the UEFI BIOS or using a third-party app. 

The patent was published on May 19, 2022, so we can only guess as to when AMD's program will come to fruition. However, we could safely speculate that AMD will make it available once it launches the next-generation Ryzen 7000-Series processors. 

Active memory module cooling brings rather mediocre advantages, yet it has been used in one form or another for a couple of decades now. But Geil decided to bring active memory module cooling to a whole new level with its Evo V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory that comes with two miniature fans mounted to each module. 

The key selling point of the Evo V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory is of course its cooling system. The modules come with titanium grey or glacier white heat spreaders that are equipped with two miniature fans that are designed to cool down DRAMs as well as on-module power management IC (PMIC) and voltage regulating module (VRM). Conventional memory chips do not tend to get very hot, but DDR5's PMICs and VRMs generate a lot of heat, so it may indeed make sense to cool them down actively. Meanwhile, it is unclear how much noise do these fans produce. 

Officially, the dual-fan cooling heatsinks can enable approximately 45% more thermal dissipation than traditional heat spreaders. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen how effective Geil's dual-fan heat spreaders will be as far as overclocking is concerned in real-world use cases, but as an added bonus the fans and the heat spreaders have addressable RGB lights that will at least add style to a PC. The RGB LEDs can be controlled using Asus Aura Sync, ASRock Polychrome, Gigabyte GB Fusion 2.0, and MSI Mystic Light software. 

Geil's Evo V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory modules come in 16GB and 32GB capacity (and therefore come in 32GB and 64GB dual-channel memory kits), speed bins starting at DDR4-4800 and all the way to DDR4-6600 with CL34 ~ CL40 timings as well as 1.1V ~ 1.35V voltage.  

Since Geil's Evo V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory modules feature speed bins that by far exceed those set for chips by DRAM manufacturers, Geil use cherry-picked ICs and like all enthusiast-grade memory modules, these sticks come with XMP 3.0 profiles to easily set high data transfer rates, aggressive latencies, and appropriate voltages. 

Interestingly, Geil does not disclose whether it tested its Evo V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory only on Intel's current Alder Lake-based 600-series platforms or also on AMD's upcoming Raphael AM5 platform too, but at least it does not explicitly say that the memory sticks are designed solely for Intel's Z690-based motherboards.

Its not certain as to when Geil's Evo V DDR5 RGB Hardcore Gaming Memory modules and kits will be available. Prices are unknown, though expect the manufacturer to charge a premium for speed bins, advanced cooling, and fancy looks.

If you're thinking of going all-in on the latest RAM standard then you already know it's pretty pricey. Well, we've spotted some recent reductions in the overall price of DDR5 as it becomes a little more mainstream and today we have 32GBs of GeIL Polaris RGB Sync DDR5 (5200MHz) RAM for $279 at Newegg. 

Also spotted today is the rather large and classy-looking Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL for $229. This case is a full-sized tower with front and side glass panels so that you can appreciate your PC's innards. 

Razer's BlackShark V2 gaming headset is also on sale for $82 at the moment, so if you would like a new headset that features THX-certified spacial surround sound, then this could be the deal for you. 

More deals feature below. 

TL;DR — Today’s Best Deals

• GeIL Polaris RGB Sync 32GB DDR5 (5200MHz) RAM Kit: was $329, now $279 at Newegg
• Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL ROG Certificated PC Case: was $249, now $229 at Newegg
• Razer BlackShark V2 Gaming Headset: was $99, now $82 at Amazon
• Acer EI272UR Pbmiiipx 27-inch Curved Gaming Monitor: was $379, now $264 at Newegg
• Razer DeathAdder Essential Gaming Mouse: was $49, now $18 at Amazon

Today’s best deals in detail

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Earlier this week GeIL started to sell its DDR5-4800 memory modules via Amazon and Newegg before any official announcement was made. Now the company has published specifications for its Polaris RGB DDR5 memory modules and kits for enthusiasts. The range of GeIL's Polaris RGB DDR5 DIMMs will address enthusiasts with different needs and budgets. Furthermore, GeIL claims compatibility with both Intel Z690 and AMD Zen 4 platforms.

Compatible with Next-Gen Platforms: Z690 & Zen 4

Perhaps the most interesting part about GeIL's Polaris RGB DDR5 announcement is that the company says that its DDR5 modules will be compatible not only with Intel's 12th Generation Core 'Alder Lake' processors due to hit the market in the coming weeks, but also with AMD's next-generation Ryzen CPUs based on the Zen 4 microarchitecture that will arrive in 2022.

 "The Polaris DDR5 is the first RGB illuminated DDR5 memory module available in the market," said Jennifer Huang, the VP of GeIL Memory. GeIL has been working closely with all major motherboard makers to guarantee that the new Polaris RGB DDR5 and other upcoming GeIL DDR5 Memory products have the best compatibility and reliability across both Intel and AMD motherboards, including Z690 and Zen4 platforms."

Up to 5600 MT/s

In the coming weeks, GeIL will offer JEDEC-standard Polaris RGB DDR5-4800 CL40 1.1V modules featuring 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacity but without any XMP profiles. For those who want something faster, the company will provide 16GB DDR5-5200 CL34 at 1.15V and 16GB DDR5-5600 CL38 at 1.25V DIMMs with XMP3 support to make overclocking easier. The modules will be available separately as well as in dual-channel kits.  

GeIL's Polaris RGB DDR5 Modules

While DDR5-5600 offers a 17% higher memory bandwidth compared to DDR5-4800, it is still a far cry from DDR5-7200 modules that GeIL pre-announced back in May. Of course, over time GeIL and other DRAM module houses will come up with DDR5-6800 and DDR5-7200 DIMMs, but it doesn't seem likely that we are going to see such modules in mass quantities this year. In any case, DDR5-5600 will likely be enough to enter the list of the best RAM modules on the market.

GeIL equips its Polaris RGB DDR5 modules with red, titanium grey or glacier white heat spreaders with addressable RGB LEDs on top, so modders should be quite happy. Meanwhile, the company says that its heat spreaders will not interfere with the majority of large CPU coolers. 

If you missed out on the previous DDR5 sale, now's your chance to take a second crack at it. Newegg (via momomo_us) has put up GeIL's Polaris RGB Sync DDR5-4800 32GB (2x16GB) for purchase for $349.99.

The Polaris RGB Sync DDR5-4800 (GOSR532GB4800C40DC) is a dual-channel memory kit that's comprised of two 16GB DDR5 non-ECC memory modules. The memory runs at DDR5-4800 by default with 40-40-40-77 timings and a 1.1V DRAM voltage so no overclocking is necessary. This means that the memory kit should be plug-n-play with Intel's forthcoming 12th Generation Alder Lake processors, which come with native DDR5-4800 (PC5-38400) support.

According to an Intel document for DDR5-4800 validation on Alder Lake, we can expect early DDR5 products to leverage 16-gigabit chips from either SK hynix, Samsung or Micron. Irrespective of the DRAM vendor, the Polaris RGB Sync 16GB memory modules are likely utilizing a single-rank (1Rx8) design.

Unlike TeamGroup's DDR5-4800 32GB memory kit that retailed for $310.99, the Polaris RGB Sync carries a $39 premium. Then again, GeIL's memory kit does come with a fancy heat spreader and flashy RGB lighting. The company offers the Polaris RGB Sync in three colors: white, grey and red. In additon to the 32GB (2x16GB) presentation, the Polaris RGB Sync is also available as single DIMMs and 16GB (2x8GB) and 64GB (2x32GB) kits.

It makes very little sense to pick up a DDR5 memory kit right now since Intel's Alder Lake chips and matching Z690 motherboards aren't officially purchasable yet. More importantly, it remains to be seen whether DDR5 will usher in a significant performance uplift over DDR4. Obviously, we don't expect the initial DDR5 offerings to contend with the best RAM on the market.

Many would agree that 16GB is the sweet spot for the average consumer. However, prosumers and professional users typically require more memory since they deal with heavy workloads, some of which can benefit from high-speed memory. While memory vendors can stick to more mainstream data rates, such as DDR4-3200 or even DDR4-3600, plenty of brands also put out faster memory kits to cater to that niche market. For example, GeIL has released the Orion AMD Edition DDR4-4266 memory kit, but it remains to be seen whether it can hang with the best RAM that's commercially available.

Sporting the familiar low-profile design, GeIL's Orion memory is no taller than 37.34mm (1.47 inches). Our sample features a black-and-red heat spreader, but the Orion also comes in a black-and-titanium trim for those looking for a more aggressive look. The design, overall, looks very clean with minimum marketing elements. However, GeIL did slap a Ryzen sticker on one side of the heat spreader to tell consumers that this particular memory kit is specifically optimized for AMD platforms.

GeIL sells the Orion AMD Edition DDR4-4266 C18 memory kit in a dual-channel package. The pair of 8GB memory modules features a black, eight-layer PCB with a single-rank design. Thaiphoon Burner detected the integrated circuits (ICs) as Micron's MT40A2G8??-075:C (C-die) chips.

The native data rate for this memory kit is DDR4-2666 with 19-19-19-43 timings. The Orion comes with XMP 2.0 support, so you can use the DDR4-4266 profile if you're feeling too lazy to set it up manually. The DDR4-4266 profile will configure the memory to run at 1.45V with timings dialed to 18-24-24-44. For more on timings and frequency considerations, see our PC Memory 101 feature, as well as our How to Shop for RAM story.

Comparison Hardware

Our Intel test system consists of the Intel Core i9-10900K processor and the Asus ROG Maximus XII Apex on the 0901 firmware. On the opposite side, our AMD testbed is based around the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X and the Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero with the 3501 firmware. We use the MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Gaming Trio as our primary graphics card for gaming RAM benchmarks.

Intel Performance

GeIL's Orion memory kit found itself at the bottom of the application performance chart due to its single-rank design. There's a 7% margin between the Orion and the fastest memory kit, which in this case is G.Skill's Trident Z Royal DDR4-4000 C17.

AMD Performance

The Orion memory kit had the same outcome on the AMD platform due to the single rank design. We did see a bigger performance difference between it and the Trident Z Royal memory kit, by up to 9%.

Overclocking and Latency Tuning

Ultra-fast memory kits like the Orion AMD Edition DDR4-4266 C18 don't typically leave much room for overclocking. Nonetheless, we got our sample to DDR4-4400 at 1.5V. Increasing the DRAM voltage alone wasn't sufficient, though. We also had to loosen the timings to 19-25-25-45.

Lowest Stable Timings

The memory kit was stable at DDR4-4266 with the timings down to 17-22-22-44, but you'll have to be willing to up the voltage from 1.45V to 1.5V. However, the timings couldn't go any lower without losing stability.

Bottom Line

It's general knowledge that dual-rank memory kits are faster than single-rank memory kits. GeIL's biggest mistake was opting to roll with a single-rank design for its Orion AMD Edition DDR4-4266 C18. It's not uncommon to find single-rank 32GB (2x16GB) memory kits on the market, but they're at a big disadvantage in front of their dual-rank rivals.

Although the Orion AMD Edition DDR4-4266 C18 runs at DDR4-4266, it delivers lower performance when compared to DDR4-3600 memory kits, such as the Klevv Bolt XR DDR4-3600 C18, which has similar timings, or the Patriot Viper Steel RGB DDR4-3600 C20 that sports even looser timings. Don't get us wrong. GeIL's Orion lineup has put out some decent memory kits, unfortunately, this DDR4-4266 C18 32GB (2x16GB) isn't one of them. When in stock, the Orion AMD Edition DDR4-4266 C18 retails for $374.99 on Amazon, adding another con to the memory kit.

The trend of slapping RGB lighting on every single piece of hardware started a couple of years ago. Memory makers, like countless others, couldn't help but scratch that RGB itch. GeIL, for example, isn't a stranger to high-performance memory with flashy lights, so it recently gave its characteristic Orion memory lineup the RGB makeover. The Orion RGB, which is available in both standard and AMD-optimized flavors, continues to offer memory frequencies up to DDR4-4400 and kit capacities up to a whopping 128GB, but now it comes with that sweet RGB bling. 

GeIL didn't want to complicate things — it literally just copied Orion's design and added an RGB light bar on the top of the memory module. The light bar features a combination of a triangle and honeycomb pattern. The Orion RGB still comes with either a titanium gray or racing red aluminum heat spreader.

The addition of the RGB light bar didn't add much height to the Orion RGB memory module, so it maintains its low-profile design. The regular Orion memory modules measure 37.34mm (1.47 inches), and this new RGB variant checks in at 38.2mm (1.5 inches). GeIL doesn't force consumers to use a proprietary piece of software for RGB control. The memory's illumination is compatible with Asus Aura Sync, ASRock Polychrome, Biostar RGB Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0 and MSI Mystic Light.

Each Orion RGB memory module carries 8GB and features a single-rank design. The black PCB is carved with eight layers. GeIL utilizes the company's patented DYNA 4 SLT automatic IC (integrated circuit) tester to pick the best Hynix H5AN8G8NAFR-VKC (A-die) ICs for this Orion RGB memory kit.

The Orion RGB memory's been binned for DDR4-2666 with 19-19-19-43 timings at stock operation. However, if you choose to use it, the XMP profile automatically tweaks the parameters for DDR4-4400 at 18-24-24-44 when enabled. To run at the advertised memory speed, the Orion RGB commands a DRAM voltage of 1.45V. For more on timings and frequency considerations, see our PC Memory 101 feature, as well as our How to Shop for RAM story.

Comparison Hardware

Our Intel-based system uses the Intel Core i9-10900K processor and Asus ROG Maximus XII Apex. The motherboard runs on the 0901 firmware. On the opposite side, our AMD testbed is based on the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X and the Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Dark Hero. The latter is on the 3501 firmware. We turned to the MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Gaming Trio to take care of the gaming RAM benchmarks.

Intel Performance

The Orion RGB put up its best performance in the Adobe Premiere benchmark where it was less than 1% slower than the leading memory kit. GeIL's memory kit also performed pretty well in y-cruncher, where it outperformed the slowest competitor by up to 4.4%.

AMD Performance

The Orion RGB memory kit didn't improve its overall standing on the AMD test system. That's because the memory runs at DDR4-4400, and only very exceptional Ryzen 5000 chips can hit a 2,200 MHz FCLK to take advantage of the memory kit.

Nevertheless, the Orion RGB still managed to nab second place in Adobe Photoshop, landing less than 1% from the leading memory kit.

Overclocking and Latency Tuning

Similar to other DDR4-4400 kits, the Orion RGB left little overclocking headroom on the table. Increasing the DRAM voltage from 1.45V to 1.5V only got us to DDR4-4500. We only had to loosen the CAS Latency (CL) to 19, while the remaining timings remained the same as the XMP profile.

Lowest Stable Timings

The voltage bump on the Orion RGB memory didn't yield good results for optimization, either. We could only tighten the tRCD, tRP, and tRAS down to 23-23-43. The CL timings, however, wouldn't budge.

Bottom Line

Besides the design, GeIL's Orion RGB AMD Edition DDR4-4400 C18 doesn't really have anything going for it. The memory's performance is tolerable, although it isn't the fastest memory kit on the market. With the DDR4-4400 presentation, you basically get what you pay for because there is little to almost no overclocking headroom.

Making matters even worse, the GeIL burdens the Orion RGB AMD Edition DDR4-4400 C18 kit with a hefty $324.99 price tag. Unless you find the memory on sale with a substantial discount, there are cheaper and faster offerings out there, such as the TeamGroup T-Force Dark Z FPS DDR4-4000 C16 that's selling for a little less than half the Orion RGB's price.

GeIL has revealed the brand's next-generation Polaris RGB DDR5 memory kits. The Polaris RGB will land in the fourth quarter of this year to compete with the best RAM on the market.

The Polaris RGB memory module sports an aggresive aluminium heat spreader complemented with flashy RGB lighting. GeIL stated that the memory will also be available without RGB illumination although the company didn't specify if the design will remain the same. GeIL put the Polaris RGB together with the high-quality ICs that are exhaustively tested with the company's patented DYNA 5 SLT tester.

As expected, GeIL's DDR5 memory leverages the latest DDR5 PMIC (Power Management IC) to allow precise voltage adjustment and user tweaking. The company expects the PMIC to help boost the memory module's performance, stability, and overclocking potential.

GeIL Polaris RGB DDR5 Specifications

GeIL will sell the Polaris RGB as single 16GB modules and part of quad-channel memory kits with capacities up to 128GB (4x32GB). The entry-level memory kit starts at DDR5-4800 with 40-40-40 timings and a 1.1V DRAM voltage. However, faster offerings are already in the pipeline.

The top Polaris RGB DDR5 memory kit checks in at DDR5-7200 with timings configured to 36-44-44. However, GeIL didn't list the DRAM voltage for the memory module to hit the aforementioned data rate.

GeIL's DDR5 memory kits will be ready to accompany the upcoming DDR5 platforms, such as Intel's 12th Generation Alder Lake processors that may debut in late 2021 or early 2022. The hybrid desktop chips will likely be the first consumer processor to exploit the DDR5 standard.

GeIL didn't share the pricing for the Polaris RGB. Like any cutting-edge technology, DDR5 probably won't come cheap.

AMD's Ryzen processors put the chipmaker back on the map. Naturally, other hardware vendors, such as motherboard, memory, or cooling manufacturers, are keen to jump on the bandwagon for the ride. For one, GeIL has introduced a special AMD Edition of the brand's Orion memory for Ryzen owners. In fact, the Orion series has a pretty extensive lineup. GeIL offers the memory in both single and dual-channel packages from 8GB up to 64GB and with frequencies ranging from DDR4-2666 up to DDR4-4000.

The Orion AMD Edition memory features an RGB-less design, which will appease some consumers, but anger others. The aluminum heat spreaders either come in a red or titanium-grey theme. The only gripe we have with GeIL's design is that the Ryzen sticker makes the memory modules look cheap. Understandably, GeIL wanted to separate the AMD Edition from its normal Orion variants. Still, the brand surely could have found a more subtle way of promoting the Ryzen branding.

The memory modules check in with a height of 37.34mm (1.47 inches), so they are just slightly taller than a module that lacks a heat spreader. This low-profile design allows the Orion AMD Edition to fit under CPU air coolers without problems.

GeIL's Orion AMD Edition memory kit ships with two 8GB DDR4 memory modules with eight-layer PCBs with a single-rank design. The sticks feature Samsung K4A8G085WB-BCPB integrated circuits (ICs).

When you first install the Orion AMD Edition memory modules, they'll default to DDR4-2133 with 15-15-15-36 timings. GeIL has only programmed one DDR4-3600 XMP profile into the memory modules, which sets the timings to 18-22-22-42 and the DRAM voltage to 1.35V. For more on timings and frequency considerations, see our PC Memory 101 feature, as well as our How to Shop for RAM story.

Comparison Hardware

Our Intel test system consists of an Intel Core i7-10700K and Asus ROG Maximus XII Apex on the 0707 firmware. On the opposite end, the AMD testbed for RAM benchmarks leverages an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and ASRock B550 Taichi with the 1.30 firmware. The MSI GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Gaming Trio handles the graphical duties on both platforms.

Intel Performance

The Orion AMD Edition had the slowest showing of the DDR4-3600 memory kits on the Intel test bed. It didn't really stand out in any of the benchmarks.

AMD Performance

However, on the AMD platform, the Orion AMD Edition jumped up one position, just barely outperforming the HP V8 DDR4-3600 C18 in the performance chart. Nevertheless, GeIL's memory kit is still slower than its competitors, which flaunt tighter timings.

Overclocking and Latency Tuning

GeIL's Orion AMD Edition memory modules employ Samsung B-die ICs. However, it's important to highlight that not every IC is made equal, and the Orion AMD Edition probably uses the lowest-binned ICs. As a result, the Orion AMD Edition has the worst overclock in our list of DDR4-3600 memory kits. We only managed to hit DDR4-3733 with 19-22-22-42 timings and a DRAM voltage of 1.45V.

Lowest Stable Timings

The kit didn't provide much headroom for tightening the primary timings, either. A 1.45V DRAM voltage allowed us to reduce the timings from the XMP values of 18-22-22-42 down to 16-20-20-40 at DDR4-3600.

Bottom Line

The GeIL Orion AMD Edition DDR4-3600 C18 doesn't pose to be something that it's not. Just by looking at the specifications and price tag, you can already guess that the memory kit targets budget-conscious consumers, particularly ones with an AMD Ryzen processor. However, there should be a balance between value and performance. Unfortunately, GeIL might have focused too much on the former and forgot about the latter. 

Logically, the memory kit lags behind competitors with better timings. It's certainly not the worst DDR4-3600 memory kit on the market, though. There are plenty of slower offerings with CAS Latency values up to 20. Bear in mind that while the Orion AMD Edition DDR4-3600 C18 retails for $64.99, it isn't the fastest or the shiniest gun in town.

GeIL today rook the wraps off its new series of Orion RGB RAM for gamers. The sticks, which come in both standard and AMD-targeted flavors, flashes an identical aluminum heat spreader as GeIL's Orion series but adds in RGB goodness.

According to GeIL, the AMD version is "engineered for AMD Ryzen platform  to deliver exceptional compatibility and performance." GeIL specifically points to the new Ryzen 5000 CPUs. 

Despite the addition of the RGB light bar, the Orion RGB RAM has a low-profile design, just like the Orion RAM kits. With a height of 38mm (1.5 inches), the memory module shouldn't encounter any compatibility problems with big CPU air coolers. 

In terms of RGB, the Orion RGB is compatible with the major motherboard RGB ecosystems, such as Asus Aura Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0, MSI Mystic Light Sync, ASRock Polychrome Sync and Biostar RGB Sync.

You can find the Orion RGB as single modules, dual-and quad-channel packages. The dual-channel presentation maxes out at 64GB (2x 32GB). Meanwhile, the quad-channel presentation offers capacities 128GB (4x 32GB).

Competing against the best RAM, GeIL's marketing focuses on the Orion RGB's diverse selection of frequencies that starts from DDR4-2666 and goes up to DDR4-4400. CAS latency timings range from 16 to 22, and operating voltages vary from 1.2V to 1.45V, depending on the frequency.

All Orion RGB memory modules are tested with GeIL's DYNA 4 SLT tester and come with a limited lifetime warranty. They also support the XMP 2.0 standard, so owners can quickly setup their systems with a single click inside the motherboard's firmware.

GeIL didn't reveal the pricing for the memory kits, however, the Orion RGB memory will be in stores in the middle of December.

Update 11/28/2020 06:29 PT:

This deal is now out of stock, but there are plenty more RAM deals to snag this holiday deals season.

Original article:

While this season’s spate of new, but hard to find Ryzen 5000 CPUs and Ampere/Big Navi GPUs is shaping up to make now a pretty bad time to build a PC, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to upgrade your rig. Adding on some additional or speedier RAM is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to upgrade your PC, and Cyber Monday deals mean we’re starting to see some killer discounts on the best RAM kits. Take this 32GB DDR4-3000MHz GeIL Evo Potenza kit that’s currently on Newegg for just $88.

It’s not exactly the prettiest memory in the world, even if the 16GB version of the kit comes with a Ryzen sticker, but at $2.75 per gigabyte, that doesn’t really matter. 3000 MHz is also more speed than you can expect from most other 32GB RAM kits in this price range, with the closest competitor we could find being a 2666 MHz TeamGroup kit that’s going for $91 on Amazon.

GeIL’s also a recognized manufacturer that’s reviewed well with us before, in part thanks to AMD-specific auto-overclocking features that are also present here. You can still use this RAM with Intel CPUs of course, but it was made with Ryzen's XMP equivalent in mind. According to Geil’s website, this kit has a latency ranging from CL14 - 19 and a voltage ranging from 1.2V - 1.4V. It’s also got a heat spreader that normally comes in both red and black, but this deal only applies to the red version. 

There’s also a sale on the 16GB version of this RAM kit, though it’s not as high as the 32GB version’s discount.

For more savings, check our list of best Cyber Monday deals overall, best Cyber Monday monitor deals, best Cyber Monday SSD deals, best Cyber Monday CPU deals, best Cyber Monday graphics card deals, best Cyber Monday laptop deals, best Cyber Monday gaming PC deals and best Cyber Monday Raspberry Pi deals.

GeIL and ASRock have together created the new Orion Phantom Gaming Edition memory kits for both Intel and AMD platforms. Sporting ASRock's Phantom Gaming moniker, the memory kits are guaranteed to work seamlessly on the vendor's motherboards.

The Orion Phantom Gaming memory features the same low-profile design as the regular Orion memory modules but with a slight revamp. On this new iteration, the meteor shower-inspired design is present on a titanium grey background to blend in with ASRock's Phantom Gaming motherboards, such as the B550 PG Velocita, Z490 PG Velocita or Z490 Phantom Gaming-ITX/TB3.

GeIL sells the Orion Phantom Gaming in both standard and AMD editions. The capacities and frequencies are identical on both product lines. The only apparent difference with the AMD Edition memory kits seems to be the Ryzen sticker that's present on the heat spreader.

Orion Phantom Gaming Edition Specifications

Individually, the memory modules are available in capacities of 8GB, 16GB and 32GB.  In regards to the dual-DIMM kits, the available densities include 8GB, 16GB and 32GB with the 64GB variants coming at a later date.

The faster memory kits, such as the DDR4-3600, DDR4-3200 and DDR4-3000 offerings command a 1.35V DRAM voltage, while the DDR4-2666 and DDR4-2400 kits only require 1.2V. The CAS Latency varies between 12 and 19, depending on the frequency.

GeIL's Orion Phantom Gaming Edition memory modules are compatible with Intel XMP 2.0. The manufacturer provides a limited lifetime warranty for the memory kits.

Taiwan-based GeIL has been bringing value to the enthusiast PC market for nearly two decades, so we probably shouldn’t have been surprised when the latest kit the company sent wasn’t its best-rated parts, but instead their best-value contender. We’re talking specifically about a 16GB DDR4-3200 2x 8GB kit that costs only $68 even after recent price hikes. And did we mention AMD? Yeh, that’s a Ryzen emblem on the heat spreader.

The Evo Spear Phantom Gaming p/n GASF416GB3200C16ADC kit includes two modules and nothing else. No instructions, no stickers, nothing extra for you to throw away -- except of course for the clear plastic clamshell that keeps the modules separated.

Ordinary 16-18-18-36 timings at the kits DDR4-3200 XMP won’t grab your attention, as that’s the cost of a relatively low price for admission into the DDR4-3200 club. It may be above the computing mainstream, but for enthusiast builders, this is as mainstream as a kit gets. You’ll still need an XMP-compatible motherboard to reach those settings via one-click configuration though, since the highest non-XMP setting is a mere DDR4-2133 C15. And if any of that doesn’t make sense to you just yet, a quick look at our PC Memory 101 should help.

Comparison Hardware

We’re comparing the Evo Spear Phantom Gaming to the cheapest competing kits we’ve tested over the past six months. That two of those are DDR4-3600 might make this appear an unfair competition, but our final score is going to be all about the performance-per-dollar. Clocked to a 4.20 GHz fixed frequency, AMD’s fast Ryzen 7 3700X feeds data through MSI’s memory-mastering MEG X570 Ace from Toshiba’s OCZ RD400 SSD in our test rig, while Gigabyte’s GeForce RTX 2070 Gaming OC 8G pushes the pixels.

Overclocking and Latency Tuning

GeIL’s Evo Spear Phantom Gaming is the worst-overclocking kit in recent memory, but we shouldn’t be surprised since it’s also the cheapest. A few dollars more could have gotten us to DDR4-4000, but most memory-overclocking AMD fans are better off sticking with DDR4-3600.

Lowest Stable Timings at 1.35V (Max) on MEG X570 ACE (BIOS 1.20)

Speaking of overclocking to DDR4-3600, the timings we needed to get the Evo Spear Platinum Gaming DDR4-3200 stable at that O/C were poor as well, but at least it did get there. This is the cheapest of our kits, after all.

Benchmark Results

By SiSoftware’s Sandra, Evo Spear Phantom Gaming is slower than the OLOy Owl even at the same 16-18-18-36 XMP value. That probably has something to do with its advanced timing configuration, which can take memory tweakers weeks rather than hours to manually optimize to best stable values.

Evo Spear Phantom Gaming also falls behind in both test games by a few frames-per-second.

The Evo Spear Platinum takes its hardest hit in 7-Zip, where 22 seconds on an eight-minute encode could be noticed, depending on what you’re doing while waiting for it to finish.

Final Analysis

GeIL’s Evo Spear Phantom Gaming may not win any performance awards, but it was the cheapest kit in our comparison. Stingy buyers should be particularly proud of its value advantage over the second-cheapest kit, OLOy’s Owl.

Most users don’t overclock their memory manually, but instead buy something rated at the settings they want, and that makes XMP value scores primary even though XMP is an overclocking technology. A savings of $4 gets Evo Spear Phantom Gaming buyers a 4% value advantage over the second cheapest kit in this round, in a product with high-enough quality that we wouldn’t question your purchasing decision. Just note that if you’re willing to spend even a little more, you can get improved performance.

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New vendors are dipping their toes into memory lately. In 2018, Gigabyte entered the RAM market with an RGB kit. Thermaltake also started nibbling away at a piece of the pie last year, along with ASRock, which collaborated with Team Group to make the XCalibur Phantom Gaming memory. ASRock's thirst hasn't been quenched yet, as today it announced teamed up with GeIL, who is making a RAM with ASRock's Phantom Gaming branding. Meet the GeIL EVO Spear Phantom Gaming Edition RAM modules.

Announced today, there are a wide range of specifications,targeting all types of users. The DIMMs will ship in a handful of different kits with capacities ranging from 4GB to 64GB and module capacities of 4GB, 8GB and 16GB. CAS latencies are CL15-17, depending on the DDR4 RAM kits' speeds, which range from 2,400 MHz to 3,200 MHz. 

Voltages will range from 1.2V to 1.35V depending on the speed, timings and capacity of the kits. The faster kits come with lower timings and require a higher voltage to operate. The sticks feature Intel XMP 2.0 profiles to ensure you can get them running at their intended speeds quickly. 

Newegg listed five of these kits today with 16GB and 32GB capacities. These are all AMD-optimized kits, with prices ranging from $68 to $165. The remainder of the kits will likely be listed soon. GeIL provides a lifetime warranty.

Big RGB would be the best way to describe our first impression of Geil’s Evo X II modules. And we weren’t exactly excited to see that the DDR4-3600 kit we were about to test was only rated at 18-20-20-40 timings. 

One cycle of latency for every 100 MHz of clock frequency (200 MHz of data rate) has been our basic performance standard for years, so we really weren’t expecting anything beyond basic performance before we started testing this kit. But before we move on to how these modules exceeded our expectations, here’s a bit more of the details and description of this 16GB kit. 

Each $82 P/N GAEXSY416GB3600C18ADC kit includes two 60mm-tall modules with RGB lighting diffusers on the top and one side, advertising EVO X (without the II) to all observers. Yet beneath all that glitter, the 18-20-20-40 XMP profile sits alone, with no fallback settings between it and DDR4-2133. 

What this means to end users is that if you can’t tune memory, you’d better be sure that both your CPU and motherboard can support DDR4-3600, and that your motherboard has XMP support. That may sound logical and simple to experienced builders, but it’s one of the most-common regrets we see among new system builders. Most consumer motherboards with Intel’s H and B series technically support XMP, for example, but none will allow the CPU to use data rates beyond DDR4-2666. And if the AMD branding on this module helped you dodge that problem, just remember that it wasn’t so long ago that DDR4-3000 was being offered as a solution to systems that weren’t stable at DDR4-3200. 

Since we’re not afraid to play with timings, we’ll just go ahead and test these at multiple settings, including the kit’s XMP. 

Comparison Hardware

We’re comparing Geil Evo X II DDR4-3600 kit against the two most-recent test candidates of the same capacity and data rate, Ballistix Gaming’s Elite and T-Force Dark-Z. Of these, the T-Force Dark-Z has even looser timings, but also a value-oriented price (and no lighting, RGB or otherwise). 

For today’s test, MSI’s memory-mastering MEG X570 Ace is controlled by AMD’s  stellar Ryzen 7 3700X. Toshiba’s OCZ RD400 512GB and Gigabyte’s GeForce RTX 2070 Gaming OC 8G push any system bottlenecks back towards the CPU and DRAM. 

Overclocking

Evo X II bursts into the lead in our very first test, overclocking, with so high a data rate that we had to take a screenshot. 

After running these mid-priced parts for a few hours at elite speed, we backed down to data rates that every kit could reach to see how much quicker we could make Geil’s offering by reducing primary latency timings. 

Lowest Stable Timings at 1.35V (Max) on MEG X570 ACE (BIOS 1.20)

We were a little surprised to see that the same kit that appeared to miraculously win our overclocking comparison backed that up by running CAS 19 straight timings at DDR4-4266. A little math using that result indicates that it should have been able to reach its DDR4-3600 rating at something close to CAS 16, and indeed it turned out to be stable at CAS 16-17-17-34. Geil’s mediocre factory timings appear to be nothing more than a hedge against other mediocre hardware that might be in your build. 

Benchmark Results

Sandra shows close results between the Evo X II and Ballistix Elite, and those so bold as to set their own timings can even get a slight edge from the Geil kit in Sandra Latency. 

The Evo X II likewise trails the Ballistix Elite in games, when both are set to their respective XMPs. Once again, anyone who would like to set their own timings can get an advantage with Geil, but differences this small mean it’s not worth the effort for everyone. 

With our motherboard picking asynchronous clocks for the CPU memory controller and infinity fabric at data rates beyond DDR4-3600, 7-Zip shows that you’re better off at DDR4-3600. With optimized timings, if it’s worth your effort. Though DDR4-4266 is probably an unrealistic goal for manual synchronization, we’ve found that DDR4-3733 is a good tuning option. 

As of this writing, the price premium for Geil Evo X II is a mere $7 over T-Force Dark-Z. That petty change gets you a vastly more-overclockable kit, RGB LEDs, and a bit more baseline performance. For comparison, the Ballistix Elite gets a slight edge in performance over the Evo X II, but comes without RGB lighting, and costs over twice as much. For the overclocker who loves RGB, the Evo X II’s value appears doubly good. 

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GeIL has unveiled today its new Evo X II DDR4 memory kits, which will come in standard, AMD Ryzen 3000-optimized and ROG-certified versions.

There's not much to differentiate the upcoming Evo X II memory modules in terms of aesthetics. The memory modules are available in black or white colors (or as GeIL call them "Stealth Black" and "Frost White"). They feature the same tall heatsink with a RGB-lit light bar as the predecessor. The RGB lighting is compatible with ASRock, Asus, Gigabyte and MSI motherboards.

The main Evo X II product line offers memory kits rated from 2,400 MHz to 4,133 MHz with CAS latency timings ranging between CL16 and CL22. Capacity tops out at 64GB and operating voltages vary between 1.20V and 1.40V.

The Evo X II AMD Edition kits are optimized for the latest Ryzen 3000-series processors. The memory sticks available in "Gunmetal Gray" or "Frost White." The kits start at DDR4-2400 and go up to DDR4-4000 with capacities up to 32GB. The CAS latency timings for the AMD Edition kits are rated between CL12 and CL22, and operating voltages start from 1.20V to 1.40V.

Lastly, the Evo X II ROG-Certified kits come in "Gunmetal Gray" with a space pattern to blend in with Asus' ROG motherboards. The memory kits start from DDR4-3000 to DDR4-3600. You can find them with capacities up to 32GB with CAS latency configured between CL15 and CL18. All Evo X II ROG-Certified kits run at 1.35V.

Regardless of the branding, all of GeIL's Evo X II memory modules come with XMP 2.0 profiles for easy and quick setup. GeIL backs the kits with a limited lifetime warranty.

GeIL hasn't revealed pricing or availability for these new Evo X II RAM kits. 

GeIL (Golden Emperor International Ltd.) has buddied up with ASRock to launch a new line of DDR4 memory products under the Evo Spear Phantom Gaming Edition branding. As the name conveys, the Evo Spear Phantom Gaming Edition memory kits are designed to play well with ASRock's Phantom Gaming motherboards, which includes the newly released Z390 Phantom Gaming X, Z390 Phantom Gaming 7 and X399 Phantom Gaming 6.

Evo Spear Phantom Gaming Edition memory modules will be come equipped with a low-profile black heat spreader to offer the best compatibility with small form factor (SFF) systems, where spacing is a luxury. GeIL will offer the memory kits for both Intel and AMD systems in the form of single modules, dual-channel and quad-channel kits. Kit capacities span from 4GB to 64GB, and memory speeds range from 2,400 MHz to 3,200 MHz. Although GeIL didn't share the complete specifications for each memory kit, the memory specialist confirms that the CAS Latency timing goes between CL15 and CL17, while operating voltages vary between 1.2V to 1.35V.

In addition, the Evo Spear Phantom Gaming Edition memory modules will have the latest Intel XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) 2.0 profiles for an easy and painless setup. According to GeIL, the memory modules are submitted to rigorous testing with the brand's propiertary DYNA 4 SLT Tester to guarantee maximum stability and reliability. As a result, GeIL isn't afraid to back the Evo Spear Phantom Gaming Edition memory kits with a limited lifetime warranty.

GeIL hasn't specified the pricing or release date for the new Evo Spear Phantom Gaming Edition memory kits.

Taiwan’s Golden Emperor International Limited (GeIL) puts itself back in the spotlight with DDR4-4133 rated at a mere CAS 19, pushing its latency-to-frequency ratio beyond expectations for a mere $240. That high data rate comes at a high voltage level, the dangers of which are probably exaggerated, given that Intel has already certified even higher-voltage parts. But speaking of extra voltage, that’s exactly what our test platform needed to make these modules stable.

Extreme memory kits get extreme ratings by blatantly violating Intel’s memory voltage precautions. The history on this is fairly short: In 2013, a bunch of companies released 1.35V UDIMMs using the previous DDR3L SODIMM spec, in preparation for Intel’s upcoming restrictions. Hardly anyone remembered that this memory existed two years later when Intel finally implemented those restrictions, but they did notice that 1.65V “Performance Memory” damaged a few CPUs. Overclockers quickly found that keeping the memory voltage within 0.50V of the memory controller was enough to stave off the damage, so the workaround memory was to increase the memory controller voltage to at least 1.15V.

Fast forward to today, where the ubiquity of DDR4 has made DDR3L a distant memory, and 1.35V is the most widely-accepted standard for the “performance” variations of this 1.20V standard. Intel has said that nothing exceeding 1.35V should be used, but includes memory with voltage levels as high as 1.50V on its own XMP Certification List.

GeIL’s Super Luce RGB Sync DDR4-4133 uses its 1.40V rating to boast 19-19-19-39 timings at its high data rate. Anyone who thinks that CAS 19 is outrageous at any data rate should probably do some math, as it results in similar response times to DDR4-2400 CAS 11. Latency is rated in cycles, and faster cycles take less time.

We already know that these are the venerable “B-Die” Samsung IC’s, and can derive from their DDR4-2133 default a K4A8G085WB-BCPB part number. While hardcore tuners can debate about why the better-rated BCTD (DDR4-2666) and BCRC (DDR4-2400) IC’s aren’t outpacing these in the overclocking arena, we’re simply interested in results that prudent readers can replicate.

Each DIMM is topped with a white light diffuser and covered in stamped-aluminum heat spreaders. The color we observed was slightly more vibrant than some of the other white-covered RGB kits we’ve tested, and this appears to be due to less opaqueness in the diffusers rather than any improvement to the LEDs beneath.

GeIL does not supply its own RGB software, instead relying upon the RGB suite available with compatible motherboards. Motherboards that don’t have an RGB suite are stuck with the kit’s unsynchronized rainbow scroll pattern.

As with most competitors, GeIL's DRAM carries a lifetime limited warranty.

Test & Comparison Hardware

We compared GeIL’s Super Luce RGB Snyc to our latest review samples. While the difference in XMP data rate appears unfortunate, the low latency of Trident Z Royal and Nighthawk Legend parts should at least put them in the running in regards to tuning capacity.

A Z390 motherboard from Asus hosts Intel’s Core i9-9900K, while MSI’s GTX 1080 graphics card and a Toshiba/OCZ RD400 SSD minimize any remaining system bottlenecks. We locked the CPU at 4.80 GHz, and apart from GeIL’s 1.40V XMP, we set DIMM voltage to 1.35V.

Latency Tuning, Overclocking & Benchmarks

Consistency comes from the fact that the three top kits use the same Samsung ICs, so using the same voltage gets us, in most instances, the same minimum stable timings.

Programming is the biggest difference between the GeIL, G.Skill, and T-Force kits, where the DDR4-4133 comes with looser advanced timings. While our Asus motherboard does a reasonable job of compensating advanced timings for changes in frequency, the DDR4-4133 kit’s timings appear to be even looser than those the motherboard automatically applies to the two DDR4-3200 C14 kits. And so it hits a higher data rate, even when reduced to our standard 1.35V test voltage.

Before we go on to performance tests, we should note that the GeIL DDR4-4133 kit was not completely stable at XMP values on our motherboard. After first refusing to boot, our motherboard recovered by using its MemOK function to raise VCCIO and VCCSA to around 1.25V. When the memory still failed an extended stability test, we manually increased its voltage to 1.41V to completely cure the issue.

When combined with our own custom 1.41V setting, Super Luce RGB Sync’s higher XMP settings produced the best bandwidth of any kit that uses two single-rank DIMMs.

Unfortunately, the two DDR4-3200 C14 kits were our best performers when overclocked to DDR4-4000. The gains were minimal, but you can see them in the test results of our F1 2015 and 7-Zip File Compression benchmarks.

Value Conclusion

Priced at $240 when we wrote this, the Super Luce RGB Sync DDR4-4133 was only $14 pricier than the T-Force Nighthawk Legend DDR4-3200 C14, and around $50 cheaper than the Trident-Z Royal DDR4-3200 C14. Of course, the Royal’s price reflects a specific aesthetic treatment that has no bearing on performance.

Our value chart seems to indicate that your best option would be to sacrifice a little performance with the Adata DDR4-3200 C16 kit and save a bunch of money. But since you’re not willing to sacrifice any performance, your next best option appears to be purchasing a DDR4-3200 C14 kit and overclocking it to its limit. But there are no guarantees in overclocking…unless the overclock you seek comes stock as an XMP value. But even then, the XMP voltage of this memory did not make it stable at its rated data rate, at least on our motherboard.

Our previous testing showed that the Team Group kit only performs well on Asus boards, and with the G.Skill kit’s pricing issue, perhaps the best option for people who want maximum performance at middle pricing isn’t even listed. But if you want a kit that’s guaranteed to run DDR4-4133 and don’t care about the extra voltage needed to get it there, the GeIL Super Luce RGB Sync DDR4-4133 gives you a high data rate for its middle price.

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Geil announced that its Super Luce RGB Sync DDR4 memory kits now support most motherboard lighting control applications and allow some of the software to be installed on boards from different manufacturers.

Geil’s Super Luce RGB Sync DDR4 lineup comes in speeds ranging from 2,133MHz to 3,200MHz and is certified for use with Intel Core i7, i5, and i3 CPUs, as well as AM4 motherboards with a variety of AMD Ryzen processors. The cordless RGB RAM can now be controlled via some of the most popular motherboard vendors’ lighting software, including Asus Aura Sync, Gigabyte Fusion, and MSI Mystic Light.

Geil also stated that Aura Sync can now be installed on non-Asus motherboards in order to control the memory LEDs, even if there are no lights to synchronize. Previously, any attempt to install the software on non-Asus boards would be prevented with a warning that states no Aura-compatible hardware has been detected, but it appears that Geil collaborated with Asus to allow Super Luce RGB Sync users a special pass. Although the RAM is supported by any motherboard that can load Aura Sync, support for the Super Luce RGB Sync memory is limited to select X299, X399, and Z370 chipsets for Gigabyte Fusion and Z370 boards with MSI Mystic Light.

Geil Super Luce RGB Sync DDR4 memory kits are available now from a variety of retailers, including Amazon and Newegg.

If you're an Asus motherboard owner in need of an RGB memory kit, GeIL’s EVO X ROG-certified RGB gaming memory might be just what you're looking for.

The company claimed that this new memory, developed in partnership with Asus, is the world’s first fully RGB illuminated DDR4 memory module with ROG certification. This means that Asus' AURA lighting control app fully supports these new memory kits providing synchronized RGB LED illumination via the 4-pin RGB LED headers on your Asus motherboard. This enables the “Sliding Hot Switch” and provides four different RGB illumination modes.

On the hardware side of things, this memory is available in dual- and quad-channel kits, both running at 3,000MHz. These new kits feature Intel XMP 2.0 support, which makes it easy to set them up to run at the correct frequencies and timing. Speaking of timings, both kits operate at CL 15-17-17-35 at 1.35V.

The large, dark gray heatspreaders are equipped with "RGB" light bars on the top that are capable of displaying up to 256 colors. As you might expect, the heatspreaders prominently feature an ROG certified logo.

Currently, GeIL’s EVO X ROG-certified RGB gaming memory is compatible with Asus’ ROG Strix Z270 Gaming and ROG Maximus IX line of motherboards. GeIL stated that more models are currently in the process of being certified.

There is no information on pricing or availability. We have reached out to GeIL for more information.

GeIL announced its new line of EVO Spear memory for both Intel and AMD platforms. The company is targeting gamers and enthusiasts looking for a “cost-efficient upgrade,” yet still refers to this memory line as “hardcore.”

The EVO Spear series, optimized for Intel's Core processors and chipsets, is available in 2,133-3,466MHz frequencies. GeIL's EVO Spear AMD Edition memory kits are available in 2,133-3,200MHz frequencies and are fully compatible with AMD's Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 5 processors and AM4 socket motherboards. Both editions of EVO Spear memory are available in single, dual-, and quad-channel kits. Memory modules range in size from 8-64GB. 

Another feature of the EVO Spear memory line is its low profile “stealth black” heat spreader. GeIL said these memory kits are ideal for use in a wide variety of systems, including small form factor system builds, due to their low profile design.

GeIL’s EVO SPEAR memory will be available on August 7. 16GB kits for Intel and AMD platforms are available for pre-order on Newegg for $136 and $131, respectively.

GeIL was one of the early memory companies that brought us low-cost consumer SSDs. From time to time, the company releases a new product, but only when conditions are favorable to do so. The worst ever recorded NAND shortage, which is happening now, isn't one of those times, so GeIL preparing a new consumer SSD (and other signs) signal that a recovery is imminent.

The new NVMe SSD, the company's first, utilizes a Silicon Motion, Inc. SM2260 controller like the one used in the Intel 600p (review here). To improve performance over first generation products with the controller, GeIL will take advantage of the latest 64-layer 3D TLC from Micron with 256Gbit die. The smaller die capacity will increase parallelization in similar capacity sizes and will thus allow more die to read and write at one time.

The SMI SM2260 isn't known for extreme temperatures, but it's possible to push the controller to thermal throttle with extended workloads or poor system cooling. To fight against this condition, GeIL used a well-designed cooler for use in desktops. The cooler is small enough to still use the drive under a video card in the infamous M.2 slots between two PCIe connectors.

GeIL was randomly vague on performance details, but we know the Shuttle Series M.2 SSD will reach up to 2,000 MB/s sequential read and 1,000 MB/s sequential write speeds. We may see this series enter the Asian SSD market later this year. At this time, GeIL doesn't plan to bring the drive to North America where competition is fierce.

Coming out of the NAND recession should spur a tidal wave of new SSDs from companies that haven't had access to flash in volume for the last year. To stay busy, product managers have been preparing exciting new product names and features to help the next generation stand out from the crowd. Expect to see a number of SSDs with heat sinks, LED lighting, and the inevitable gimmicky whiz-bang stuff memory companies are known for. 

Geil has been showing off its Evo X RGB RAM for some time now. The RAM was first announced in May, and we followed up with a more detailed look at the company’s plans for its LED RGB DDR4 RAM in June. It's now available from online retailers.

If this is the first time you have heard of Geil’s Evo X RAM, the memory is unique in that it is designed to connect to an LED strip header on certain motherboards. This allows you to change the color and control the LED lighting effects of the RAM using your motherboard’s native light control software.

There are a few issues with this first implementation. Not everyone will mind, but in order to use the LED lights, you need to have several wires connecting your RAM to the motherboard. The memory will work without these additional wires, but the lights won't illuminate without them.

The more serious issue with Geil’s Evo X is that few motherboards currently on the market feature an LED strip header and fully support this RAM. The RGB LED lights can be powered by fan headers on the motherboard, but that requires you to use even more cables, and it will limit the RAM to either a single color (red, blue, or green) breathing animation or a full RGB cycle.

The RAM is now available from numerous retailers. See the chart below for pricing information.

Following the announcement of Geil’s Evo X RGB LED DDR4 memory, we had a chance to see the RAM up close and ask the company some questions in person at Computex. It should be noted that although these early RAM modules are problematic because of their power cables, the company has bigger plans for the RGB RAM in the future.

The main problem with Geil’s Evo X RGB LED RAM is that in order to power the LEDs, you need to run power cables to them from the motherboard. The company has improved this slightly by supplying cables that connect two RAM modules to the motherboard, but this only works on boards that have an LED strip header. Otherwise, you're stuck using one cable per DIMM.

The company said that it plans to overcome this issue by developing new cabling solutions that will eventually run a single cable to power all of the memory modules. We asked why the company doesn’t just simply pull power straight from the RAM slots to power the LEDs, and we were told that it wants to avoid this issue because it would reduce the performance of the memory.

Geil said that using power from the RAM slots not only increases heat on the RAM module because of the increased current, but because it takes power from the RAM, it's also more difficult to push up clock speeds. This made moving the LEDs to a separate piece of silicon and powering them with external cabling the best solution to achieve LED lighting and push up performance.

There are two other problems that the early Evo XRGB LED DDR4 memory faces: DIMM height and LED control. The LEDs add to the physical height of the DIMMs, which creates clearance problems with CPU coolers. Geil said it will eventually push out low-profile DIMMs so that even with the LED module on top, it will fit under most air coolers.

Geil does not supply any software to regulate the color or lighting patterns of the LEDs. Instead, it relies on motherboard software, which means that motherboard OEMs have to add support for the memory to control the LEDs. Asus is currently the only company that has obliged, but Geil is in negotiations with Asrock, Gigabyte and MSI to add support.

Even with the software support, though, the motherboard has to have a light strip header for that to work, and few motherboards have one, presently. A far better solution would be for Geil to develop its own software and route control for the LEDs into a simple USB 2.0 interface and provide a cable that plugs into an internal USB 2.0 header. The company said it doesn’t have any intentions to do that, though, so unless LED light strip headers become dramatically more popular, this RAM is going to have an extremely small market of users capable of using its full features.

Although having RGB LED RAM will interest many users, this early implementation will need a considerable amount of work if Geil wants to sell it to a wide audience. Geil still couldn’t tell us how much this RAM would cost, but as it has some extra hardware, it will likely be more expensive than most DDR4 memory, which may discourage sales even more.

Geil said that the first of these DDR4 RGB LED RAM kits would show up roughly two weeks after we spoke, so if you have interest in owning one, start checking online retailers around June 18.

Follow Michael Justin Allen Sexton @EmperorSunLao. Follow us on Facebook, Google+, RSS, Twitter and YouTube.

Geil announced a new line of enthusiast-oriented DDR4 memory modules that are designed to overclock.

Geil claimed that the heat spreaders on its new Evo Forza DDR4 memory modules offer superior cooling performance than similar, competing products. The company didn’t say what enables these heatsinks to outperform the competition, but as there aren’t any active cooling elements involved, it must have something to do with the material makeup of the heatspreaders, their design, or the thermal compound connecting them to the RAM chips.

Oddly enough, these RAM kits don’t come with remarkably high clock speeds. The fastest kit will be clocked at just 3,866 MHz. As this is an enthusiast RAM product, we would typically expect to see clock speeds rivaling the fastest DDR4 kits currently on the market, but these RAM kits fall about 400 MHz short of that mark.

Geil will sell the RAM in kits ranging between one and four DIMMs, and with a maximum capacity of 64 GB. There isn’t any word on pricing or availability yet.

Follow Michael Justin Allen Sexton @EmperorSunLao. Follow us on Facebook, Google+, RSS, Twitter and YouTube.

Geil unveiled a new family of DDR4 RAM modules today that come with RGB LED heatsinks. The RAM also operates at competitive clock speeds and is targeted at enthusiasts.

Geil’s new Evo X RGB heatsinks are primarily black, but they have red highlights, and the company name is stamped on the DIMMs in white. The five RGB LEDs are placed close to the top of what Geil calls a Hybrid-Independent-Light-Module (HILM).

The HILM is essentially a completely separate silicon board designed to handle the LED lighting. An advantage of this design is that it allows Geil to re-use essentially any memory modules in the Evo X RGB line (and several others), but there are a few problems with it. One side effect of this design is that the LEDs require external power from either a 12 V four-pin power connector or a 9 V or 12 V two-pin fan cable.

If the 12 V four-pin power connector is used, then (according to Geil) the RAM can be programmed with motherboard lighting software (if available) to flash several different colors and use different lighting patterns. If your motherboard doesn’t have a lighting application for this, then you cannot program the lights.

Further, if you use the two-pin fan power cable, you won’t be able to program the lights; instead, you can change the color using a switch. In this mode, the lights will use the breathing animation, and the LEDs can be red, green or blue, or set to cycle RGB.

No matter which power cable you use, there are a few problems that you will run into. First, unless your motherboard has an abnormally high number of unused fan headers and 12 V power cables, you are going to have trouble powering four of these RAM sticks at the same time. Even if you have enough connections for it, that is also going to lead to a lot of extra cabling hanging around the case.

If you have a large air cooler, carefully check to be sure that it doesn’t cover the closest RAM slots, as the LEDs will make the RAM physically higher than most other DIMMs. There is currently no word on pricing or availability.

Follow Michael Justin Allen Sexton @EmperorSunLao. Follow us on Facebook, Google+, RSS, Twitter and YouTube.

Introduction

Golden Emperor International Limited has been producing high-quality modules from custom-sorted DRAM ICs for as long as Tom’s Hardware has been writing reviews. The company hasn't received as much exposure over the last two years, though. Maybe it was waiting for the next big thing, or maybe some of its competitors were getting dibs on the best chips. Regardless of the reason, we were certainly happy when one of Geil's reps told us that it was ready for a triumphant return.

Yes, we did say triumphant. We really can’t think of anything that makes a bigger statement than supplying the fastest memory we’ve ever seen, in the latest format, at better-than-competitive timings and a middle-of-the-road price. We’re talking DDR4-3400 CAS 16, folks, at $320 for a complete set, with lighting added just to help boost sales with enthusiasts who put looks ahead of performance. The lights even begin to flash slowly as the memory warms, with a peak rate of 200 flashes per minute at 55 °C. With an empty slot between each module, we never got these warm enough to exceed the baseline 13 flashes per minute.

A few readers have complained about high CAS ratings on DDR4, but we think the most vocal critics might have forgotten their fractions. Because that “big number” is measured in cycles, and because cycles at twice the frequency take half the time, DDR4-3400 CAS 16-18-18-36 has the same latency in nanoseconds as DDR3-1700 CAS 8-9-9-18. At least that’s the theory. In practice, variables like advanced timings and memory controller latency can have a big effect on the overall performance picture.

While we’d love to see quickness increase noticeably with bandwidth, we realized long ago that we’ve been stuck around 10ns since DDR-400 and have been fighting for 7ns ever since. At least the overall timings for these modules beat our old DDR3-1600 C9 reference settings.

That is to say, Geil’s DDR4-3400 timings are moderately tight in spite of the product name. The only things fishy here are that the company specifies this data rate for two motherboards and that DDR4-3400 isn’t a workable data rate for a 100MHz base clock. We’ll look into both concerns as we compare three of its rivals.

How We Tested

Gigabyte’s X99 SOC Champion and MSI’s X99S XPower AC are the two boards Geil certifies for DDR4-3400 via XMP, yet these are not the boards we found most conducive to memory testing. That’s mostly due to their number of available ratios, though. We wanted to see what would happen if we installed these into the same board used in our standard DDR4 memory testing configuration.

Photoshop allowed me to combine several screenshots into a single image and focus only on the automatic configuration settings. Asus’ X99-Pro appears to have thrown its hands up in surrender and configured all kinds of weirdness, beginning with a 167MHz “CPU Strap” (a core-side to I/O-side base clock ratio of 5:3) with a 170MHz BCLK and 22x CPU multiplier. CPU core voltage is bumped to 1.20V and DRAM to 1.35V, which results in an actual DRAM voltage of 1.37 to 1.38 volts. The first problem with those settings is that two of our Haswell-E CPUs start to lose stability with a 1.37V DRAM signal, and we haven’t found a memory controller voltage suitable to fix that issue.

No boot there, but what about the MSI X99S XPower AC?

A little cropping and cramming allows us to see in one image that the MSI motherboard, when XMP-3400 is enabled, sets the board to 127.6MHz BCLK, with a hidden 5:4 core-to-I/O strap ratio and hidden 30x CPU multiplier. The 1.35-volt DRAM setting measures 1.37 to 1.38 volts, and manually dropping the DIMM voltage down to 1.330 to compensate for MSI’s over-voltage makes the memory unbootable.

Test System Components

Test Results

All of the configuration problems mentioned on the previous page compel us to find a third Haswell-E sample just to test this memory. Geil relies on MSI and Gigabyte “cheating” with their voltage levels in order to reach a setting that’s unstable on two of our three CPUs. Ragged edge? Probably.

Getting back to the Asus board, we see that Geil’s Super Luce continues to provide moderately tight timings at lower data rates, matching the best setting of two DDR4-3000 competitors. But what about clock speed?

Because the Asus X99-Pro automatically loosens timings at higher data rates, clocking down from DDR4-3333 got us a higher ultimate data rate than clocking up from DDR4-3000. You’ll quickly notice that this is still only DDR4-3231 on a DDR4-3400 set, and it’s on the “wrong” board, but there’s other news from the MSI X99S XPower AC: even though the RAM was bootable at DDR4-3400, it couldn’t survive our Prime95 stress test at that frequency. In fact, it had to be clocked all the way down to DDR4-3227 before the errors could be eliminated. Maybe Prime95 is too stressful?

That means we had to either forgo “specified data rate” tests on the Super Luce DDR4-3400, or use the MSI motherboard to test it. And, to produce a matching CPU clock, we even had to set it to DDR4-3333. Furthermore, since MSI’s memory performance is slightly lower than Asus’, the “rated timing” performance we report will smell worse than a three-day-old pike.

For example, the DDR4-3000-optimized values look similar for all four memory kits, at 52GB/s when installed on the Asus X99 Pro. Not shown is that the same settings produced only 49.2GB/s on the X99S XPower AC. Thus, the “50GB/s” shown for DDR4-3333 should have been at least 52.2 GB/s. Such is the sacrifice of using a different board to gather those numbers.

If we ignore the “wrong board, wrong speed” XMP-based performance for the Super Luce, we see that apples-to-apples comparisons produce a lot of apples. In other words, performance levels are a dead heat in Sandra's Memory latency benchmark.

More apples, and we're still waiting for a pie. G.Skill’s tighter timings give it a slight advantage in Grid 2, while the loose timings that helped MSI’s motherboard boot with Geil’s Super Luce DDR4-3400 also hold it back in this game. We verified the motherboard problem by testing all four settings and producing results ranging from 200 to 210 FPS.

Just when we were beginning to think 3ds Max wouldn’t show a difference between various memory configurations, we suddenly find one shortfall. Unfortunately, that shortfall was accompanied by a change in motherboard, which was necessary to get the memory running less-than-stably near its rated speed.

The motherboard problem also appears in WinRAR. Apples to oranges you say? Well, this is what happens when you go to the market to buy an apple and all it has for sale is oranges.

Conclusion

Geil took a big risk sending us its latest DDR4 memory product, but did it pay off? We’d love to say yes because we really get bored with the decidedly non-risky products its competitors submit.

Unfortunately, the Super Luce DDR4-3400 modules rely on the bad behavior of motherboard companies to work. That is, while most board vendors have been cheating on DIMM voltage for a long time—sneaking in a little extra to win stability tests or make flaky modules function—the Super Luce DDR4-3400 kit actually requires the extra “cheat voltage” to function at its rated settings. Put another way, the Super Luce 1.35V DDR4 kit actually needs around 1.375 volts to run at XMP settings, and is certified only for motherboards that output around 1.375V when set to 1.350 volts. No big deal?

This could be a big deal if your motherboard outputs only 1.36 volts when set to 1.35 volts. The overclocking gods demand that your board actually generates the voltage you set it to. And what if you have a CPU that doesn’t respond well to the extra DIMM voltage on a platform that isn't completely honest? You’d better be prepared to go searching for a memory controller voltage level that compensates.

At only $320 a set, the Super-Luce DDR4-3400 is still far cheaper than the memory it competes against most directly (Klevv Cras). It also overclocks a little better. And while the light bars and heat spreaders look cheaper, the light spreaders perform a secondary function of indicating temperature.

Though the Super Luce DDR4-3400 kit wasn’t stable at XMP settings on our hardware, we can already hear value-seeking overclockers screaming back at us “but it’s cheaper and clocks higher than its closest competitor”. And so it does.

Update 5-19-2015:

Geil contacted us following this evaluation to announce that its Super-Luce DDR4-3400 memory kit is now approved exclusively for the Gigabyte X99 SOC Champion with firmware F4G. They are working with MSI and Asus directly to develop firmware settings to stabilize these at data rates of DDR4-3400 and beyond.

MORE: Best MemoryMORE: All Memory Articles
MORE: Memory in the Forums

Thomas Soderstrom is a Senior Staff Editor at Tom's Hardware, covering Cases, Cooling,Memory and Motherboards. Follow him on Twitter.

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Why Bother With Low-Voltage DDR3?

Remember the Nehalem architecture? Intel’s now-historic adoption of a CPU-based DDR3 memory controller was accompanied by a warning that voltages beyond 1.65 V could fry the integrated circuitry over time, effectively killing the CPU. In those days, Intel was manufacturing its processors at 45 nm and tolerating core overclocks using 1.45 V settings. AMD was pushing far higher DDR3 voltage levels at the time, but the entire performance-oriented DRAM industry eventually adopted Intel’s 1.65 V limit.

We've since seen two die shrinks from Intel—the 32 nm Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge at 22 nm—with no official word from the company on what constitutes safe overclocking. Instead of commenting on the parameters you're safest sticking to, its representatives tend to quote motherboard manufacturing guidelines of 1.50 V, plus or minus 50 mV. And we thought those documents were made public expressly to help us perform pin-mods...

If Intel’s reluctance to discuss anything outside of manufacturing parameters doesn’t worry you, perhaps the covert over-voltage applied to enthusiast-class motherboards should. The industry’s dirty little secret in the days of Nehalem was a 5 to 10 mV default boost, needed to make certain poorly-programmed (Ed.: Gold-series) memory modules bootable. That extra voltage was not reported on the hardware monitoring pages of most motherboard BIOSes, and most monitoring apps failed to report it as well. 

Well, if a little is good, a little more is better, right?

While Intel was busy shrinking its feature widths by roughly half, motherboard manufacturers were on a quest for overclocking records. I watched boards reach ever-higher 1.65 V memory overclocks as covert voltage tweaking climbed to 35 mV. Viewing this as a form of cheating in our motherboard comparisons, I broke out the volt meter and began reporting the setting needed to reach 1.65 actual volts in the firmware pages of our motherboard round-ups. And speaking of breaking things, a recent string of bad luck suggests that combining the accepted standard of 1.65 V and transparent over-voltage from certain motherboard vendors might not always be safe. Although that was certainly an unusual chain of events for us, it was enough for us to reconsider Intel’s 1.55 V recommendation. Can any of today’s lower-voltage RAM deliver world-class performance without breaking past that limit?

We invited every major manufacturer (including a crowd-favorite ODM) to this round-up, and a few (including that ODM) chose not to participate. Of those that chose to be included, one didn’t have anything to offer with a DDR3L rating. Geil responded to our 1.35 V and 1.50 V stated test settings with a hearty "we can do that on standard RAM", and the company is now getting a chance to prove it.

Adata XPG DDR3L-1600G

Scarcely available in few markets as model AXDU1600GC4G9-2G, our inclusion of Adata’s fastest DDR3L memory in today’s test could open the door for this kit in the U.S. It’s currently available for $72 via overseas delivery from one vendor in Europe.

Booting at DDR3-1333 CAS 9 and compatible with DDR3-1066 CAS 7, Adata’s DDR3L-1600G reaches its DDR3-1600 CAS 9 rating via a simple XMP selection in the motherboard BIOS. Platforms that can’t read XMP won’t be able to take advantage of its higher performance profile, unless you manually configure the kit. Unlike other DDR3L-labeled products, our motherboard does not detect the kit’s 1.35 V capability while using SPD configuration.

Adata’s limited lifetime warranty is scaled back to ten years in Germany, France, and Austria.

Crucial Ballistix Tactical LP DDR3L-1600

Rumors of this kit’s end-of-life status are greatly exaggerated. The same part number that achieved DDR3-2133 CAS 9 in our recent System Builder Marathon, these factory-direct DDR3-1600 CAS 8-rated modules will be retested today.

Sold as part number BLT2K4G3D1608ET3LX0, Ballistix Tactical LP supports both 1.35 V and 1.50 V XMP profiles. Booting at DDR3-1333 CAS 9 via SPD, voltage automatically drops from 1.50 V to 1.35 V on boards that support the DDR3L standard.

Crucial DRAM products include a limited lifetime warranty.

Geil EVO Leggera DDR3-1333

Golden Emperor International Limited took up a tough challenge in today’s competition, knowing that its DDR3-1333, 1.50 V-rated memory would need to face up to both 1.35 V and 1.50 V tests. So confident was Geil that it submitted these modules in spite of the fact that limited availability (Europe and Asia) would disqualify the kit from a U.S.–based award.

Anyone in the U.S. who cares to order these via overseas shipping will find several international vendors selling at a price around $75, so even an unofficial win could still be big news for this company.

Detected as DDR3-1333 CAS 9 and lacking any XMP-based auto-overclocking profiles, Geil’s part number GEL38GB1333C9DC carries the same limited lifetime warranty as every Geil DRAM product.

G.Skill Sniper SR2 DDR3-1600

An early adopter of DDR3L-standard 1.35 V in its Sniper SR1 series, Sniper SR2 brings an even lower 1.25 V capability. In spite of its low voltage, G.Skill’s part number F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2 comes with a DDR3-1600 CAS 9 rating.

DDR3L-compatible motherboards automatically configure these Sniper SR2 modules to DDR3-1600 CAS 9 at 1.35 V, and XMP enables 1.25 V operation without altering performance settings. Motherboards that support neither DDR3L detection nor XMP can still run these at 1.50 V without altering performance, and platforms that don’t support DDR3-1600 can even jump down to DDR3-1333 at enhanced CAS 7 timings. That’s a fairly impressive list of compatibility features!

G.Skill’s DRAM products carry a limited lifetime warranty

Kingston HyperX Genesis DDR3L-1600

Kingston’s $70 KHX1600C9D3LK2/8GX dual-channel kit features both DDR3L detection and XMP, both providing DDR3-1600 values. Other features depend on the board into which they’re installed.

For example, motherboards that support DDR3L will automatically configure these to DDR3-1600 at 1.35 V, while those that don’t support the low-voltage standard will set the same frequency and timings using 1.50 V. XMP likewise provides a DDR3-1600 1.35 V profile, regardless of whether the board detects DDR3L capability. The big difference is that XMP is required to reach the memory’s CAS 9 rating without lengthy manual configuration, as other detection modes yield a much looser CAS 11 timing set.

Platforms that don’t support DDR3-1600 will default to DDR3-1333 CAS 9.

Kingston DRAM includes a limited lifetime warranty.

Super Talent “Mystery” DDR3L-1600

Besides being a retail brand, Super Talent Technology is also a job shop. It'll produce nearly anything memory-related based on a custom order, and is willing to produce the W160UA4GML modules we received for anyone ready to pony up the cash. Basically, if a retailer orders a few dozen of these, they will become a retail part.

These started life as Super Talent’s standard-voltage W1600UA4GM which, as the link suggests, appear to be produced exclusively for one specific seller. Programmed as DDR3L modules, they retain their DDR3-1600 CAS 11 rating. DDR3-1333 CAS 9 and DDR3-1066 CAS 7 are available to platforms that don’t support higher data rates.

Our motherboard’s software doesn’t detect DDR3L capability, but its firmware does, automatically configuring this kit to 1.35 V.

Super Talent DRAM products have a five-year limited warranty.

Test Settings

Asus’ Sabertooth provided the highest DRAM overclock ever seen in a round-up, making it a great candidate for today’s memory testing.

Thermalright changed the name of its MUX-120 to True Spirit 120M, combining the installation brackets of sister brands into a single solution. We still have the same parts under their original names, and they continue to provide excellent cooling to Intel’s quad-core processors.

Today’s test includes games, so we tossed in a top gaming card. An Accelero Xtreme-equipped Radeon HD 7970 pushes pixels.

Samsung’s 840 Pro model MZ-7PD256 keeps data flowing fast enough to keep the CPU, graphics, and DRAM busy

Overclocking And Under-Latency Results

Though memory typically responds to added voltage by facilitating higher data rates, G.Skill’s 1.25 V Sniper SR2 topped out at 1.35 V. Unlike other modules in today’s test, 1.50 V offered G.Skill no further overclocking headroom.

Super Talent’s W160UA4GML tops the overclocking charts, though these specific modules are custom-order parts. Geil follows up with a true production product that only Europeans and Asians can purchase locally. Here in the States, look to U.S.-based firms to find memory without the distribution woes. Of these, Kingston allowed us to pick the DDR3-2133 multiplier.

The big surprise in overclocking was that Crucial’s factory-direct modules didn’t reach the same DDR3-2133 CAS 9 overclock of their retail counterparts. These kits carry the same part number, but were likely produced on different days. Better luck next time, Crucial?

Crucial does take a big lead in low-latency support, in spite of the missing DDR3-2133 data. Secondary and tertiary timings that also affect performance were left to auto-configuration values and could still play a significant role in performance tests.

Results: SiSoftware Sandra

Many performance enthusiasts aren't necessarily eager to roll up their sleeves and try pushing lower-rated parts to marginal ceilings. Instead, they'd rather buy high-performance parts and plug them in at guaranteed specs. Adata, Crucial, and G.Skill appear to specifically target these buyers with secondary and tertiary timings that boost SiSoftware’s bandwidth scores.

Geil’s DDR3-1333 falls behind in the above test for the obvious reason of its lower data rate, while Kingston's and Super Talent's results are more difficult to define. Faster than DDR3-1333, they're still well behind the DDR3-1600 pack.

With all modules set to DDR3-1600 and their tightest stable timings, the top four memory kits all provide similar bandwidth. Kingston and Super Talent fall behind.

G.Skill drops out of the DDR3-1866 test, while Crucial and Geil push through to 25 GB/s. Adata plays catch-up at 24.6 GB/s, while Kingston and Super Talent trail behind.

Crucial never reaches DDR-2133, so Adata takes its place. Data rates climb from the original 21 to 27 GB/s, with the tenacity of Geil’s DDR3-1333 proving even more impressive.

Results: Real-World Applications

Of the applications we most frequently use, 3ds Max is one of the most CPU-constrained, while WinRAR tends to be more DRAM-limited. We decided to split the difference and use both, beginning once again with the default performance levels of each memory kit.

Crucial has the best timings at default, so its lead in WinRAR is expected. On the other hand, Geil’s slower DDR3-1333 data rate doesn't saddle it with the expected loss. Instead, it appears that the secondary and tertiary timings of Kingston and Super Talent modules hold them back.

Manually configuring each kit to its best and most stable DDR3-1600 primary timings allows Adata to catch up to Crucial, and Geil to catch G.Skill. Kingston and Super Talent continue to trail slighty behind.

Crucial’s DDR3-1866 lead in 3ds Max was so surprising that it forced us to retest these results several times.

With Crucial and G.Skill both unable to reach DDR3-2133, Adata again finds itself in the lead. Geil isn’t far behind, and its DDR3-1333 rating appears far too conservative.

Results: 3D Games

Among our games, F1 2012 has proven memory bottlenecks, while Metro 2033 is more CPU- and GPU-constrained. We again split the difference by providing data on both.

Crucial’s low latencies give it a noteworthy lead at default settings in F1 2012, while Kingston appears slightly hampered by stability-oriented secondary and tertiary timings. G.Skill’s super-low-voltage memory takes second place.

Optimized timings boost the average FPS of all memory, with Crucial and G.Skill retaining their positions.

G.Skill’s inability to reach DDR3-1866 puts Crucial and Geil in direct competition.

Crucial drops out of the running at DDR3-2133, handing this part of the contest to Geil’s under-rated DDR3-1333. Average FPS climbs from a top score of 131 at DDR3-1600 to a top-score of 133 at DDR3-2133, which should probably give gamers a moment of pause to wonder if memory faster than DDR3-1600 is really necessary for today's titles.

Which Low-Voltage Memory Kit Is Best?

Though some of the low-voltage modules in today’s test topped DDR3-2200 at 1.50 V, the biggest performance gains came from optimizing timings at DDR3-1600. Of course, we know that some folks won't go that far, instead choosing to buy the fastest parts they can afford without manually tuning them. We’re splitting the difference once again, averaging default configuration performance with optimized DDR3-1600 results to develop a performance profile.

Beginning with a group average of 100%, I zeroed out the chart to show how far each kit deviated from that average. Crucial Ballistix Tactical LP, for example, performed 1.62% better than average, while Super Talent’s custom-ordered kit fared 1.30% worse. A performance spread of 3% isn’t huge, but it is noteworthy.

Switching back to a 100% baseline, we see that G.Skill’s $2 price advantage over Crucial is large enough to hand it the value lead. We understand that most users won’t care about price differences this small, but that’s not an excuse to suppress this information.

We finish with two top picks, Crucial Ballistix Tactical LP offering the best performance and G.Skill Sniper SR2 providing the best value. G.Skill also has the advantage of its stunningly-low 1.25 V baseline voltage, while Crucial has a much larger advantage in overclocking.

Computex Taipei runs at the same time as E3 but both companies had a healthy dose of peripherals despite being on opposite sides of the world. Taiwanese company GeIL stayed close to home and opted to showcase its wares at Computex. This included the EpicGear Dezimator, a mechanical USB keyboard with 109 buttons. Available in brown or red, the brown has two-stage actuation buttons with an actuation distance of 2mm and actuation force. The red model has a single state actuation, an actuation distance of 2mm and 45g of actuation force. It supports 10 customizable profiles through five macro programmable buttons. The device is made of 70 percent aluminum, and has an Alcantara cover to protect against dust.

Also on show was the company's Scorpion pass-through cable for mice. Weighing in at 150g, the arm is composed of three different parts, the first more solid, the second a little more flexible but of medium strength and the third very flexible. We found the base to be stable and solid. 

Of course, being a memory company, GeIL also had some memory on show. The company shows us two new series, the Veloce and Leggere. The former boasts two colors (red and white) for the heatspreader with white indicating best performance. The Veloce line includes memory from 1866 MHz CAS 9 to 2900 MHz CAS 11. Leggera, on the other hand, is a value-orientated line with models from 1866 MHz to 2666 MHz. Both will be available in kits ranging from 4 to 64 GB when they launch in Q3.

The Scorpion is priced at $24.99 and the Dezimator keyboard will carry a price of $139 when it's launched this October.

_{Follow @JaneMcEntegart on Twitter.}   

Complementing Core i7-3000 With Quad-Channel DDR3

Anyone willing to drop one thousand dollars on a CPU probably wants to match it up to the best possible memory kit, especially armed with the knowledge that Intel’s new quad-channel memory controller is located within that CPU. How are we to know which kit is the best, though?

We left it up to manufacturers to decide which quad-channel kit they thought would be best, making it clear that our judgement would be balanced between overclocking, minimum latencies, and capacity.

With such general terms for qualification, we ended up with one 8 GB kit (made up of four 2 GB modules) and three 16 GB sets (naturally composed of 4 GB modules), rated at DDR3-2400 or DDR3-2133, and with extremely similar timings

We're going to go ahead and start testing on our end. In the meantime, check out each kits details on the next few pages. We promise that by the time you're finished reading, the results will be ready for you!

Corsair Dominator GT CMGTX8

The only premium memory kit in today’s round-up containing four 2 GB modules, Corsair’s 8 GB DDR3-2400 kit promises top overclocking potential. These two things are probably related, since memory controllers are often capable of being pushed a little harder when paired with lower-density RAM.

As with other Dominator GT memory, the CMGTX8 kit features removable fins and Corsair’s DHX Pro connector on each module. The fins can be replaced by parts of alternative size and color or, if you can still find one, the firm’s long-discontinued thermoelectric cooler. The DHX Pro connector is designed exclusively to support Corsair’s AirFlow Pro temperature and activity display.

Rated at DDR3-2400 CAS 10-12-10-27, the CMGTX8 booted at a mere DDR3-1333 CAS 9 on our Asus P9X79 WS test motherboard. A quick look at the SPD table reveals the reason.

Corsair skipped the now-standard DDR3-1600 C9 defaults in what appears to be an effort to assure the ultimate compatibility, since the lower speed will almost assuredly boot on nearly any board. Data rates lower than DDR3-1066 are no longer needed, since Sandy Bridge-E supplants the only processor architecture left officially constrained to that speed, Gulftown. We’re not sure which platforms will treat the 518 MHz value as DDR3-1066, though.

CPU-Z doesn’t report the correct frequency for XMP-2400, but our motherboard read it without issue and set the appropriate timings automatically when switched to XMP Profile 1 in its UEFI.

Corsair DRAM carries a non-transferable limited lifetime warranty.

G.Skill RipjawsZ F3-19200CL9Q-16GBZHD

With a model number that’s easy to decipher but difficult to remember, G.Skill’s PC-19200 CL 9 quad-channel kit is the only 16 GB set in today’s round-up to carry a DDR3-2400 rating.

G.Skill says that, apart from its XMP profile, this is the same hardware as found in its DDR3-2200 kit. That made it the perfect product for a surreptitious appearance in our recent X79 motherboard round-up, where it was used as the second set for eight-DIMM overclocking tests.

We were happy to see G.Skill’s DDR3-2400 automatically configured at DDR3-1600, but a little disappointed that JEDEC’s slowest CAS 11 timings were used. While it is possible that G.Skill was simply seeking the ultimate compatibility, it’s been a while since we’ve seen a “performance” motherboard that didn’t support DDR3-1600 CAS 9 at 1.50 V.

Boards that can’t use DDR3-1600 by default will find lower SPD values, while those that support XMP will configure the correct DDR3-2400 timings using Profile 1 from UEFI. CPU-Z misreports that value as a data rate of 2286 MHz, but our motherboard had no problem reading it correctly.

G.Skill memory includes a lifetime warranty.

Geil Evo Corsa GOC316GB2133C9AQC

Geil shipped its latest 16 GB quad-channel kit to us before any of its U.S. vendors received shipments. The unfortunate result is that its resellers have different offerings available to our North American readers. Versions of this kit at DDR3-1866 C9 and DDR3-2400 C10 are available here for $150 and $325, but this DDR3-2133 SKU can only be found in Europe (for the equivalent of $260). Reader demand could bring it to our shores, but the existing availability issue means that it's out of the award race.

Our motherboard detects and configures Geil’s DDR3-2133 C9 using its DDR3-1600 C9 SPD. This, of course, is bootable at a motherboard’s default 1.50 V, and yet Geil is the only company in today’s round-up with the guts to add this configuration value.

DDR3-2133 CAS 9-11-9-28 is selectable as Profile 1 from XMP-compatible motherboards.

All Geil memory carries a limited lifetime warranty.

Mushkin Redline 993997

The least-expensive of this comparison’s premium RAM, Mushkin’s Redline 993997 still packs the punch of a DDR3-2133 rating and a full 16 GB capacity.

We’re not certain how Mushkin achieved this pricing feat while using more-expensive heat spreaders than its 16 GB competitors. But we’re happy to see that this kit is still as easy to configure as those more-expensive parts. DDR3-2133 CAS 9-11-10-28 is available as XMP Profile 1.

SPD profiles, on the other hand, are far more conservative. So, the best our board could accomplish without enabling XMP was DDR3-1333 CAS 9. Manual configuration is course another (highly recommended) option in this case.

Mushkin provides a non-transferable limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser of its DRAM products.

Test Setup And Benchmarks

Asus' P9X79 WS won the memory overclocking portion of our recent high-end X79 motherboard comparison, and by doing so earned its place on this test bench.

We wanted to see what effect various memory speeds might have on program performance, and games are one of the types of programs that occasionally show this difference. Nvidia’s GeForce GTX 580 is fast enough to keep the pressure on our CPU and GPU.

Intel’s Core i7-3960X was locked at 34x throughout testing to keep its clock frequency stable at non-reference base clocks.

The lowest-possible game settings would show the biggest impact of memory performance on frames-per-second, but nobody actually games at those settings. Instead, we selected the lowest settings that high-end buyers would likely use (if forced to do so), along with a couple other applications that have been influenced by memory performance in the past.

Overclocking And Under-Latency Results

Only two of the memory kits in today’s round-up are rated at DDR3-2400, while others list DDR3-2133 as their top validated data rate. So how many kits are actually capable of pushing the high mark on our motherboard?

Corsairs 8 GB kit barely exceeded expectations, while RipjawsZ fell slightly below them. In spite of that, G.Skill’s kit is still the fastest among 16 GB competitors.

Ergo our caveats, the first of which is that many Sandy Bridge-E-based processors can’t reliably run at DDR3-2400. Our first Core i7-3960X wouldn’t reach this frequency at any setting, and its replacement is barely any better in this regard (though its higher-attainable core speed does make motherboard testing easier).

The second caveat comes from Asus, which informed us that CPU VCCA (formerly referred to as uncore) voltage probably shouldn’t exceed 1.20 V. According to them, some processors lose stability and may even be damaged at higher settings, while others do not or will not. Ours reached the highest memory settings using 1.20 to 1.25 V.

Our third caveat is that different memory firms use different CPU samples to determine the best settings for their own memory, and those settings might not be right for your CPU. Corsair, for example, included VCCA of 1.40 V in its XMP profile, but wouldn’t overclock well until we dropped it to 1.25 V. Likewise, G.Skill’s 1.20 V XMP VCCA worked perfectly with our CPU, but probably wouldn’t work well with whatever CPU the folks at Corsair used to dial in their profile.

None of the DDR3-2133 samples include VCCA in their XMP profiles, likely because the CPU’s memory controller only needs this adjustment at extremely high data rates.

Corsair has the best DDR3-2400 timings, though this is likely a result of its lower-density 8 GB kit. Our CPU sample, hand-picked for its overclocking headroom, couldn’t handle the larger, higher-density 16 GB kits at this frequency. That also eliminates any DDR3-2400 performance testing, since we’d need at least two devices to compare.

G.Skill takes over from DDR3-2133 downward, its 16 GB kit pushing 1-cycle lower CAS at every tested frequency, compared to competitors.

DDR3-1600 Memory Performance

One way to boost the overclocking capability of memory is to give it slower secondary and, if possible, tertiary timings. We’d hope that wouldn’t hurt performance at lower data rates but, well…

Not interested in causing any panic, we went on to test the gaming performance of each module set. The slowest set in Sandra takes second-place here. Clearly, this platform isn't starved for memory bandwidth, else we'd see a closer correlation between the two sets of tests.

Similarly, Corsair ends up in a five-way tie that includes the reference DDR3-1600 CAS 9, with the lowest-latency G.Skill RAM squeaking ahead by a few milliseconds in 3ds Max.

DDR3-1866 Memory Performance

We’ve seen that Sandra Memory Bandwidth doesn’t always reflect the performance differences found in real-world applications, but we’re still a little unsettled to find the 8 GB kit so far behind its 16 GB rivals at DDR3-1866. We're left to wonder how much module organization counts here.

Fortunately for Corsair, we again see that Sandra’s numbers aren’t reflected in real-world benchmarks. The other side of that coin is a realization that faster memory data rates simply do not translate to better performance. Desktop-class applications just don't tax a throughput-heavy quad-channel memory controller.

DDR3-2133 Memory Performance

By now, most readers have noticed that the performance of DDR3-1600 reference memory doesn’t change. That’s because it’s always at DDR3-1600 CAS 9, regardless of the data rate its on-paper competition is running. In this case, everything but the reference memory is operating at DDR3-2133, which should kick performance up a couple notches.

The slowest memory in Sandra actually leads our gaming performance charts, while DDR3-1600 falls noticeably behind only in WinRAR.

Whose Quad-Channel Memory Kit Is The Best?

Corsair wins our overclocking competition, and that should be enough to convince competitive overclockers to take the plunge. Of course, in the real-world, you have to remember that it takes stepping down to an 8 GB kit to achieve those marginally-higher data rates. The rest of the field sports 16 GB, and we have to imagine that most buyers will be inclined to buy larger kits for expensive Sandy Bridge-E-based platforms.

Going the 8 GB route is an option, of course, if you're building on a budget. If that's the case, though, Corsair's premium is going to put it out of reach. Again, this one's probably best suited to the competitive overclocking circuit.

So, how do we define superiority in a market were people are willing to pay 100% more to get 10% better performance? Certainly we can’t make a decision based on price alone.

After all, the second-fastest G.Skill kit has twice the capacity, and anyone who wants to argue price can point out that the 100% increase in capacity comes at a mere 26% increase in cost.

But consider also that Mushkin came up only 9 MHz—not nine percent—lower in maximum data rate. In other words, we got 99.6% of the most-expensive kits clock speed for only 33% the price. And for those who prefer not to split hairs, 99.6% rounds up.

Today’s competition was presented as a complement to our recent high-end X79 Express motherboard round-up for the folks willing to spend top-dollar on Intel's Core i7-3000-series processors. The goal was to root out the best memory kit to go with Sandy Bridge-E's quad-channel memory controller, and it turns out that we have two bests. Corsair’s Dominator GT CMGTX8 8 GB quad-channel kit reached the highest frequency, while G.Skill’s RipjawsZ was the best overclocker among 16 GB kits. But mimicking (if not duplicating) the top 16 GB kits achievement at one-third of its price makes Mushkin’s Redline 993997 the kit we'd recommend to our friends.

Turning DDR3 Into Graphics Memory

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.

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?

Adata XPG DDR3-1600 CAS 8

Much of Adata's hardware shows up in Europe before it lands on our shores in North America. Although you can buy much of this company's hardware online, the kit we received for review (AX3U1600PC4G8-2P) cannot compete in today's value charts because it isn't available yet for purchase. We’re still testing it, since there's still a high probability it'll appear for sale here eventually.

European pricing would have pit these DDR3-1600 CAS 8 modules directly against the middle of today’s pack, though the 1.65-1.75 V label on the sticker exceeds the voltage range suggested by Adata's competitors. We’re going to take the conservative route today by using 1.60 V, since AMD’s 32 nm APUs haven't been around for long enough for us to give you a comfortable long-term memory controller voltage limit. Remember, we tried to be a little more aggressive when Intel's Clarkdale design emerged and started losing CPUs after a few months. The idea here is to achieve a performance level that'll stand the test of time.

Our motherboard defaults all memory to DDR3-1066, regardless of the modules' SPD values. It configured Adata’s low-latency DDR3-1600 to CAS 7.

Adata’s SPD values look only marginally better, since the CAS 8 timings are pegged to a strange DDR3-1218 data rate. The company does add XMP for the memory’s rated settings, but AMD doesn’t use this Intel-supported technology. As a result, we needed to configure this kit manually.

Adata-branded DRAM carries a lifetime warranty.

Corsair Vengeance DDR3-1600 CAS 8

Normally known for performance, reliability, and compatibility (and not necessary the best pricing), Corsair surprised us by making its CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8R kit one of the least-expensive CAS 8 DDR3-1600 8 GB kits on the market.

The box photo shows us exactly what these modules look like, sporting cut aluminum heat spreaders creating fins that extend module height to 2.1 inches.

Our motherboard automatically set Corsair’s CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8R to DDR3-1066 CAS 8. Those slow timings are caused by corresponding SPD values that limit CAS 7 to a nonstandard DDR3-1036.

DDR3-1333 is also in the program, along with AMD-incompatible XMP settings for the memory’s rated performance. We configured this set manually for our benchmarks.

Corsair’s lifetime DRAM warranty is limited to the original purchaser of its products.

G.Skill Ripjaws X DDR3-1600 CAS 8

While G.Skill is known for its high-end RAM, we’ve used its budget-oriented CAS 8 parts in our System Builder Marathon Series. Today we finally get to see how those same F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM modules stack up against the competition.

Our motherboard always boots at DDR3-1066, but at least it detects G.Skilll’s parts at a more performance-oriented CAS 7 setting.

CPU-Z is only able to display four readings, and it doesn’t show the DDR3-1066 timings (even if they are present). Instead, it starts at DDR3-1370 CAS 9. The memory’s rated DDR3-1600 CAS 8 timings are available on Intel motherboards as an XMP value, but our AMD-based test motherboard requires manual configuration to achieve the same performance level.

The better news is that no voltage increase is needed in order to utilize the rated settings, as stated on both G.Skill’s product page and the modules themselves.

G.Skill includes a lifetime warranty on all of its DRAM products.

Geil Evo Corsa DDR3-1866 CAS 9

Hoping to steal the performance crown away from competitors, Golden Emperor sent its fast and cheap DDR3-1866 CAS 9 dual-channel kit.

Geil’s GOC38GB1866C9DC uses heat spreaders that are mechanically similar to Corsair’s, yet have unique ventilation holes. At 1.85 inches, module height is a quarter-inch shorter than Corsair’s, too.

Again, our motherboard defaults everything we plug in to DDR3-1066, but Geil’s SPD programming takes advantage of that available headroom by telling the board to use CAS 6.

SPD timings of CAS 7 are useless for DDR3-1333, since the program says they’re for a nonstandard DDR3-1344 data rate. If our board could default to DDR3-1333, SPD would tell it to use CAS 8 instead.

Geil’s rated DDR3-1866 CAS 9 setting is available automatically as an XMP value, but that’s only useful on Intel-based boards. Our test platform was able to use the same settings through manual configuration, though.

Geil DRAM carries a lifetime warranty.

Kingston HyperX Genesis DDR3-1600 CAS 9

The OEM business seems to be Kingston’s primary market. However, the company continues to maintain its aggressive HyperX product line to keep the attention of enthusiasts, many of whom end up in working as or for OEMs.

A firm best known for its conservative defaults, Kingston surprised us this time with a kit that was detected by our motherboard at CAS 6. That default configuration is matched only by Geil in today’s comparison, though none of the modules in this round-up are really meant to be used at low data rates and correspondingly low timings.

The memory’s rated DDR3-1600 CAS 9 settings are also available as a default, but only on motherboards equipped to use that SPD register. Ours was able to set these timings automatically after we chose a DDR3-1600 data rate manually. DDR3-1866 CAS 11 is also available semi-automatically, thanks to a corresponding DDR3-1954 SPD value.

Kingston provides a lifetime warranty on its DRAM products.

Mushkin Redline DDR3-1600 CAS 7

The only DDR3-1600 CAS 7 set in today’s review, Mushkin’s Redline 997000 is prepared to go up against Geil’s DDR3-1866 CAS 9 in the frequency-versus-timings competition.

Mushkin’s Redline uses old-fashioned cast aluminum heat spreaders to create a look as striking as its combination of frequency and timings. This type of cooling costs a little more, but Mushkin obviously believes it will pay off with increased performance.

DDR3-1066 CAS 7 defaults are par for the course with our A75-based motherboard, but Mushkin knows that its performance users won’t settle for defaults.

Intel-based platforms can take advantage of the 997000’s XMP 1600 profile, while AMD users must plug the same settings into their motherboards manually. The approved voltage for this performance level is 1.65 V, though we’re going to promote longevity on our 32 nm CPU by using 1.60 V.

Mushkin DRAM includes a lifetime warranty to the holder of the original sales receipt.

PNY XLR8 DDR3-1600 CAS 9

PNY’s attempt at performance-oriented value focuses primarily on price, as its CAS 9 DDR3-1600 kit is the least-expensive of the products in today's round-up.

Buyers get a pair of basic DDR3-1600 modules with similarly basic black heat spreaders. These should still significantly outpace DDR3-1333 in our performance tests however, and we will of course attempt to overclock for even greater performance gains.

Our motherboard defaults all memory to DDR3-1066, and PNY’s memory in particular to CAS 8 timings. A look at the SPD values explains why: they jump directly from DDR3-888 CAS 6 to DDR3-1184 CAS 8, skipping past any CAS 7 settings that might have been appropriate for DDR3-1066 at default voltage.

CPU-Z couldn’t read PNY’s complete set of XMP values, and the company only lists these modules as CAS 9. We had to install them into an Intel motherboard to determine the complete 9-9-9-24 primary timing set, but returned them to our AMD platform for testing.

PNY provides a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser of its DRAM products.

Test Settings

ASRock’s A75M surprised us with an incredible DDR3-2252 memory data rate in our recent Six A75-Based Motherboards For AMD’s A8 And A6 APUs story. While the presence of only two DIMM slots might have helped the board achieve that high mark, each competing 8 GB kits consists of a single pair of modules. So, it all works out in the end.

Three games will help us gauge the actual performance benefit of these module sets. Though we have doubts about Crysis, the other two titles should at least be playable using the A6-3650 APU’s Radeon HD 6530D GPU at high image quality, 1280x720 display resolution, and minimal added features.

Benchmark Results: Latency And Overclocking

Most of today’s modules only required 1.50 V to operate at their rated settings, but a few were designated 1.65 V designs. Without a proven track record for over-volting the memory controller of AMD’s 32 nm Llano APU, we decided to play it safe at 1.60 V. One of the 1.65 V-rated kits still took first place, as Mushkin’s Redline 997000 reached incredibly low 8-9-5-15 timings at a high DDR3-1866 data rate.

We never thought ASRock’s minimum tRAS of 5 would be a restrictive factor in our memory tests, but AMD’s new memory controller and the high-quality ICs used on today’s top modules combine to facilitate surprising low-latency capabilities.

Mushkin also wins the overclocking competition, though the top six of seven kits finished so close together than we have to wonder how much of today’s results are due to luck, and how much is due to custom binning by memory manufacturers.

DDR3-1866 Benchmark Results

We left secondary and tertiary timings at the manufacturer’s discretion, and included reference DDR3-1333 CAS 9 results as our performance baseline.

Adata tops the game charts, but not by a statistically significant margin. A small amount of variance in each test run could allow a different winner to emerge after 100 repetitions than we see from 10.

DDR3-1600 Benchmark Results

Again, Adata's XPG kit tops the Sandra bandwidth charts at DDR3-1600, though G.Skill’s Ripjaws X finishes close enough that variations between test runs could account for the difference.

G.Skill and Adata also finish atop the DDR3-1600 gaming tests.

DDR3-1333 Benchmark Results

With the test modules running at the same DDR3-1333 data rate as our reference memory, Sandra Bandwidth shows little gain favoring better timings. Perhaps the game tests will prove more definitive?

Though tighter timings do improve the gaming capacity of AMD’s APU, our previous DDR3-1866 chart shows that increased data rates are the best way to augment integrated GPU gaming performance.

Which DDR3 Memory Kit Is Right For You?

We've already seen that the best way to maximize the performance of AMD's Llano-based APUs is to increase memory data rate and minimize latencies. And yet, all of today’s modules are capable of reaching the architecture's highest DDR3-1866 multiplier.

The cheapest kit, PNY's XL8R DDR3-1600 CAS 9, required a deal-breaking CAS 11 setting to reach that data rate. At the same time, they only finished 2% slower than the fastest parts. So, how much cheaper are PNY’s modules?

Although we couldn’t get a U.S. price for Adata's kit, G.Skill’s closely-matching memory costs $15 more than PNY’s. That’s a significant 27% increase in price for a miniscule 2% increase in performance.

The average price of all modules, $73, sets the baseline for our value analysis. We used DDR3-1866 gaming performance to set the other half of our performance-to-price comparison.

A great price gives PNY a significant value lead, when paired with AMD’s A6-3650 APU. Corsair’s good price puts it in second place.

Which of these would we pick? It’s hard for us to recommend running anything at CAS 11, but the super-low price on PNY’s XLR8 MD8192KD3-1600-X9 makes a strong argument against any bias we have against loose timings. On the other hand, Corsair’s moderately-priced Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8R reached the same DDR3-1866 high mark at a mere CAS 8.

Given such a small performance difference, we could easily recommend either of these products, depending on your budget. And so, we will. Both kits receive Tom's Hardware Approved billing.

The Same, But Different?

We started getting email announcements of a new generation of LGA 1155-compatible RAM right around the same time as details of Intel's second-gen Core processors surfaced. The funny thing was that Intel’s memory requirements didn't change from Nehalem/Westmere to Sandy Bridge.

The former platform’s documented maximum 1.575 V limit remains, with the same wink-and-a-nod from engineers that up to 1.65 V is safe. Indeed, the memory controller built into Intel's new processors remained substantially similar to that of its predecessor. But as it turns out, the introduction of new kits wasn't entirely marketing hype!

All of Intel’s DDR3 memory ratios correspond to data rate multiples of 266.6 MHz, including officially-supported data rates (DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, and DDR3-1333) as well as unofficial overclocked ratios (DDR3-1600, DDR3-1866, and DDR3-2133). Yet, many of the memory kits designed for LGA 1156-based platforms included oddball ratings like DDR3-2000 and DDR3-2200. In order to achieve DDR3-2000 without overclocking the CPU core, the builder had to set the appropriate ratio for DDR3-1866, raise the base clock by 7.2%, and then reduce the CPU multiplier by 7.2%. With 7.2% multipliers and non-integer base clocks unavailable, an approximation had to be made. Some memory manufacturers even abused Intel’s XMP technology in an effort to tell motherboards how to set these approximations automatically, though the builder still had to choose the appropriate XMP profile in the BIOS.

Intel’s new platform does allow fractional base clock increases, but, as we all know by now, does not support the aggressive base clock adjustments enabled by previous platforms. An increase of 7.2%, for example, is easy to set, but it's usually unstable. By significantly limiting the range of accessible base clock adjustments, Intel invalidated memory ratings that didn’t correspond to appropriate ratios. We interviewed several memory manufacturers at CES and confirmed that transforming LGA 1156-specific memory kits into LGA 1155-oriented models required nothing more than a proper name, and proper SPD and XMP values.

For instance, yesterday's DDR3-2000 becomes DDR3-1866, occasionally at lower latency ratings to help offset the sacrificed data rate. Later, as many builders reported no performance gains or even compromises in stability from increasing the controller's voltage from 1.60 to 1.65 Vs, at least one manufacturer responded by dropping its maximum rating to 1.60 V.

The hardware itself didn’t change; just the labels (both internal and external). That’s fine with us though, since a lot of the memory out there is already high-quality stuff. Even still, we'll still put it through the wringer in order to determine how far it can be pushed using Intel's new platform. Before we move on to specifics, let’s take a quick look at what these manufacturers have to say about their products.

Note that several manufacturers have not yet updated their product portfolios, sending LGA 1156-rated parts for our LGA 1155 platform. Crucial specifically mentioned that it will most likely give these modules a new DDR3-1866 rating (and corresponding model number) in response to LGA 1155’s tighter BCLK limits, while several Geil press partners have mentioned “DDR3-2133” in regards to its DDR3-2200-rated parts. Launched last June for Intel’s previous platform, PQI is confident that its Immortality Edition Turbo D3-2000 will excel under the new platform’s limitations.

Corsair And Crucial

Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9

Rated at DDR3-1600 CAS 9-9-9-24, Corsair’s latest modules put stability, capacity, and compatibility ahead of frequency and latency. We find a 1.50 V rating written right on the module, which means that these should run on nearly any DDR3-based system.

Maintaining compatibility is easy, since Corsair programs these to default to DDR3-1333 CAS 9. A single XMP of DDR3-1600 runs at 1.50 V, but only Corsair knows for sure why this wasn’t included within normal SPD registers. We’re guessing the 2T command rate is the culprit, though reliance on XMP means that motherboards without this feature must be manually configured to run at the rated settings. We’ll use 1T exclusively in today’s test.

Also available in Blue (add a B to the end of the model number), Corsair offers a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser of its DRAM products.

Crucial Ballistix BL2KIT51264FN2001

Crucial did not update its Ballistix portfolio to reflect the limited BCLK adjustment range of Intel’s LGA 1155 platform, but instead lists its LGA 1156-spec DDR3-2000 as the highest performance 8 GB kit. The same kit turns up when searching “compatible memory” for some P67 motherboards, even though most builders can’t get the specified speed to run. We’ll test these at DDR3-1866 and DDR3-2133, both of which are valid settings for our platform.

That is to say, the DDR3-2000 rating isn’t a hardware problem; it’s more of a marketing issue. Our search of Crucial’s Web site for DDR3-1866 and DDR3-2133 yielded no 4 GB modules at all, and relabeling/reprogramming these at a standard ratio could have filled at least one of those gaps.

Serial presence detect tells motherboards to use DDR3-1333 CAS 9 at boot, but anyone with an XMP-capable motherboards will also find this memory’s rated settings. Our test board set the correct DRAM ratio without the BCLK overclock, resulting in the expected DDR3-1866 data rate.

Crucial memory carries a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser.

G.Skill And Geil

G.Skill Ripjaws-X F3-12800CL7D-8GBXH

G.Skill was the only company to release a product specifically targeting the LGA 1155 market. That basically means it listened to the concerns of overclockers and labeled its RAM for 1.60 V and a standard memory ratio.

That means G.Skill also programmed XMP with those same limitations, at DDR3-1600 CAS 7-8-7-24. Like all of today’s modules, systems will detect these as DDR3-1333 CAS 9, and builders must either select the XMP value in the BIOS or configure the modules manually.

G.Skill memory carries a lifetime warranty.

Geil Evo Two GET38GB2200C9ADC

Golden Emperor appears to be one of the three companies that didn’t get the memo about base clock limitations for LGA 1155 platforms. As we stated previously, though, the hardware is still suitable for Intel's newer platform. Had the firm altered this model to work in lock-step with Sandy Bridge's altered BCLK behavior, it might have called these DDR3-2133 at 1.60 V, rather than DDR3-2200 at 1.65 V.

Selecting the XMP-2200 profile in our motherboard’s BIOS caused these modules to be configured as DDR3-2133 CAS 9. Builders can expect their systems to boot at DDR3-1333 CAS 9 prior to that adjustment.

Geil provides a full lifetime replacement warranty on all of its branded DRAM products.

Kingston And Patriot

Kingston HyperX T1 KHX1600C9D3T1K2/8GX

Kingston is one of several manufacturers to play it safe by sending modules that can run at rated settings on virtually any manually-configurable motherboard, using super-tall heat spreaders to visually separate its product from competing models. Of course these are still overclockable, and we intend to determine the extent of that capability.

Like all of today’s modules, Kingston’s DDR3-1600 CAS 9 uses an XMP profile to set its rated frequency and timings, defaulting to DDR3-1333 CAS 9 using SPD. Unlike other DDR3-1600 products, this one specifies the full 1.65 V limit of Intel’s previous-generation platform to guarantee stability.

Many builders have mentioned that voltage levels above 1.60 V are ineffective at boosting their LGA 1155 memory overclocks, and today we’re following the advice of those builders in our testing. That should give us a good idea whether 1.65 V is really required here.

Kingston provides a lifetime warranty on all of its DRAM products.

Patriot Viper Xtreme PXD38G1866ELK

Patriot shoots straight for an available multiplier with its DDR3-1866 Enhanced Latency Kit, yet retains the 1.65 V rating that many current users claim to be excessive. Whether or not settings in excess of 1.60 V are really useful likely depends on platform specifics, but we at least know that 1.65 V is supposed to be safe.

Because it uses a direct multiplier that’s available on most performance-oriented platforms, XMP-enabled motherboards configure the rated settings simply by selecting the profile in BIOS. Motherboards lacking this feature must be configured manually, as SPD defaults these to DDR3-1333 CAS 9.

Patriot offers a full lifetime warranty to the original purchaser of its DRAM products.

PNY And PQI

PNY Optima MD8192KD3-1333

Most memory firms target high-volume markets first, delivering high-performance parts simply to increase brand recognition. In PNY’s case, those priorities left the firm without any of its enthusiast-class XL8R modules at the even lower-volume 4 GB per module capacity. Lacking those specific parts, it decided to aim for our love of real value with its DDR3-1333 modules.

Speed-binning is used by most companies to remove the best parts from a batch and sell them at a higher price. One of the nice things about a company that doesn’t sell the faster parts is that it hasn’t removed the best of the batch. This is the case with PNY’s 4 GB modules, so we’re hoping for moderate overclocking capability at low cost.

With no factory-rated overclock, PNY’s Optima modules don’t need XMP. Instead, they default to the same DDR3-1333 CAS 9 settings as competitors, leaving overclocking at the discretion of overclockers.

PNY provides a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser of its DRAM products.

PQI Immortality Edition MFAFR602SA7001

Launched last June, we still haven’t seen PQI Immortality Edition Turbo D3-2000 (or its Part Number MFAFR602SA7001) for sale anywhere. The phoenix emblem is an adequate symbol for a series of RAM that disappears frequently, only to reemerge in the occasional review.

The lack of retail pricing prevents us from including Immortality Edition RAM in our value challenge, but we’ll include all of the benchmark data in hopes that someone will eventually spot this mythical bird in the wild.

Predating the recent launch of LGA 1155 platforms, Turbo D3-2000 modules carry XMP values familiar to overclockers of previous-generation processors. Our motherboard’s XMP option configured these as DDR3-1866 CAS 9, and SPD defaults these to DDR3-1333 CAS 9.

PQI includes a lifetime warranty on its DRAM modules.

Test Settings And Benchmarks

With a range of multipliers that support data rates up to DDR3-2133 at its standard base clock, Intel’s Core i7-2600K provides the memory controller for this LGA 1155 memory stability tests.

Many of our games have previously appeared memory bottlenecked, but only at extremely high FPS. We added a few more strenuous gaming scenarios to today’s tests to represent a more realistic representation of performance differences, topping the system with an equally-capable AMD Radeon HD 6950 graphics card.

Asus' P8P67 Pro topped our previous motherboard roundup’s memory overclocking chart, making it the best choice for pushing these modules to their limit.

Latency Results

Because Intel’s new architecture doesn’t support good base clock overclocking options, today’s tests are limited to multiples of 266.6 MHz. Even then, the highest multiplier that works provides a data rate of only DDR3-2133. For most builders, going beyond basic DDR3-2133 performance requires tighter timings rather than higher frequencies, and that’s where we placed our focus.

Geil’s DDR3-2200-rated Evo Two tops the stability charts at DDR3-2133, while Kingston’s modestly-named DDR3-1600 matches it at both DDR3-1600 and DDR3-1866. That’s extra impressive for a set of Kingston modules that are only rated at DDR3-1600 CAS 9.

The two biggest surprises in today’s tests are the G.Skill and Kingston DDR3-1600 modules that clock up to an impressive DDR3-2133. G.Skill even places second in DDR3-2133 timings, though it also starts off with a better DDR3-1600 CAS 7 rating.

By now, some readers are likely screaming that these must be hand-picked samples. And yet, our recent System Builder Marathon machine also reached DDR3-1866 CAS 8 using retail samples of G.Skill’s cheaper DDR3-1600 CAS 8 DIMMs.

Corsair also reaches DDR3-2133, but an error on one memory IC at that frequency prevents it from remaining stable for more than 20 minutes—regardless of timings. Rather than view the other samples as having questionably good luck, it appeas Corsair simply had worse-than-average luck on a single DIMM. Remembering that these are also rated at “only” DDR3-1600 CAS 9, an overclock to DDR3-1866 CAS 9 is more than acceptable.

If we modify our expectations a bit and embrace acceptability, PNY’s low-cost DDR3-1333 kit reached DDR3-1600. It did so at a relatively-poor CAS 10, but with a value-oriented price that helps keep the firm competitive.

DDR3-2133 Test Results

Geil’s leading 9-11-9-12 timings place it atop our Sandra Memory Bandwidth charts, followed closely by G.Skill’s 9-11-9-13 timings.

Pushing our game settings to realistic limits, we find that the memory bottleneck no longer exists. All performance numbers fall within the so-called margin-of-error.

DDR3-1866 Test Results

Geil and Kingston tie for first place at DDR3-1866 bandwidth, since both have the same 8-9-8-10 timings. Geil retains its top position because the chart is sorted by performance first, and then alphabetically.

Patriot’s slower 9-10-9-10 timings still allow it to take the top position in game tests, again falling within the margin of error. Anyone looking for bigger differences must first create a memory bottleneck by lowering game details and/or resolution, in effect removing the GPU bottleneck that affects a greater number of gamers using real-world settings.

DDR3-1600 Test Results

At DDR3-1600, G.Skill’s 7-8-7-10 latencies are a performance-match to the 7-8-7-8 of Kingston and Geil. It takes the top position, again alphabetically, in a three-way tie.

Even at this lower frequency, DRAM timings are far less restrictive than GPU limitations when games are configured at realistic limits. We like to play games at the limit of our hardware, of course, which is why we didn’t artificially inflate the performance difference by using lower resolutions or visual quality settings.

Conclusion

Although it's the top performer in today’s comparison, Geil’s lack of U.S. availability makes it impossible to include in any value comparison, which obviously requires that we consider a price tag. That leaves Crucial’s middle-of-the-pack Ballstix DDR3-2000 as the highest-priced competitor in today’s roundup.

At the other end of the pricing scale, PNY shoots for best-value consideration with its low-cost DDR3-1333. It takes a lot of confidence to put mainstream parts up against such highly-rated competitors. Does that confidence pay off in a value win? We compared the maximum bandwidth of each module set to PNY’s reference-speed bandwidth (17.68 MB/s at DDR3-1333 CAS 9-9-9-24), then compared the price of each module set to PNY’s Web-price ($85). Dividing the first calculation by the second gives us value as performance-per-dollar.

Unfortunately for PNY, its low price isn’t enough to put it over-the-top when its maximum bandwidth exceeded its reference bandwidth by 18.8%. Kingston’s moderate price and high overclocking capability instead put it in the lead. Though we’ve always been a little shy about purchasing CAS 9 memory in hopes of achieving loftier overclocking results, Kingston’s margin of victory is large enough to earn its KHX1600C9D3T1K2/8GX kit one of our rare awards.

Though it didn’t reach the same DDR3-2133 frequency or DDR3-1866 CAS 8 timings, Corsair’s second-place Vengeance memory kit is even cheaper than Kingston’s HyperX T1. Futhermore, both products achieved similar timings at DDR3-1600. That makes Corsair a worthy adversary and an excellent alternative for buyers who wish to maximize performance at a moderate data rate.

Let's Give Core i3 A Chance

System Builder Marathon, December 2010: The Articles

Here are links to each of the four articles in this month’s System Builder Marathon (we’ll update them as each story is published). And remember, these systems are all being given away at the end of the marathon.

To enter the giveaway, please check out this Google form, and be sure to read the complete rules before entering!

Day 1: The $2,000 Performance PC
Day 2: The $1,000 Enthusiast PC
Day 3: The $500 Gaming PC
Day 4: Performance And Value, Dissected

Introduction

Our mid-range enthusiast systems have been a little predictable over the past year. The Core i5-750 and Core i7-920 proved themselves to be ideal starting points in the $1000-$1500 price range. And while we’ve been able to demonstrate some specific areas of success with Phenom II X3 and X4 alternatives, the quad-core Intel lineup continues to shine as the sweet-spot.

But what about Intel’s Core i3 lineup? Can a dual-core Hyper-Threaded processor deliver Core i5- 750-class performance with higher clock speeds? Is there superior overclocking potential to be exploited? Is the Core i3 a viable alternative for someone who wants to save a few dollars on the CPU now and upgrade to a Core i5 or i7 later? Can the money saved be better spent on other components?

Those are questions we try to answer in this month’s $1000 enthusiast system, and here are the components we are using to do that:

CPU, Motherboard, And Cooler

CPU: Intel Core i3-550

Our Core i3-550 experiment saves us about $75 on what we would have spent on a Core i5-760. For that lower price, we’re giving up two physical CPU cores in exchange for two logical cores enabled by Hyper-Threading, and getting half the L3 cache--that is, 4 MB instead of 8 MB.

On the other hand, the Core i3-550 has a 3.2 GHz clock rate, while the Core i5-760 only hits that under optimal conditions in Turbo mode, usually running at a 2.8 GHz clock in threaded applications.

Read Customer Reviews of Intel's Core i3-550

Common sense tells us the $75 upgrade to the Core i5-760 is money well spent in the scheme of things, but we keep an open mind until we see the benchmarks and overclocking performance.

Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth 55i

Read Customer Reviews of Asus' Sabertooth 55i

Asus’ Sabertooth 55i is arguably one of the most robust LGA 1156 overclocking boards available, and the $150 sale price is too good for us to pass up. This board is designed to deliver an improved overclocking experience for LGA 1156-based CPUs using ceramic-coated heat sinks on the PCH and MOSFETS, binned capacitors and MOSFETS, and automatic phase switching.

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus

Read Customer Reviews of Cooler Master's Hyper 212 Plus

Since Cooler Master’s Hyper TX3 costs more at retail, the Hyper 212 takes its place as our recommended cooler. At the same $30 price tag, the Hyper 212 has larger, more capable cooling hardware. And it’s quieter, to boot.

Video Cards, Power Supply, And Case

Video Card: Two GeForce GTX 460 1 GB cards in SLI

Since our motherboard supports both SLI and CrossFire, and there’s space in the budget for either configuration, the door is open as to whether or not we’d like a GeForce or Radeon solution in our rig. At the time of writing, the ECS Black Series NBGTX460 (a 1 GB GeForce GTX 460) is the most attractive option.

Read Customer Reviews of ECS's Black Series NBGTX460

While the GeForce GTX 460 1 GB and Radeon HD 6850 are closely matched competitors, the ECS cards include the Arctic Cooling Accelero Twin Turbo Pro GPU cooler. This is a $50 cooler all by itself, so to get one factory-installed on a budget $190 GeForce GTX 460 1 GB is a real treat.

We see what two of these puppies can accomplish in tandem when we get to the benchmarks, and gauge whether that great cooling hardware helps with the overclocks, too.

Power Supply: Corsair CMPSU-650TX

Read Customer Reviews of Corsair's CMPSU-650TX

The Corsair CMPSU-650TX should be able to supply all the juice we need for our Core i3-550 and dual GeForce GTX 460 1 GB setup. With a 52 A, 12 V rail, we’re in good shape for overclocking headroom, and the $85 price tag is just as attractive as the spec sheet.

PC Case: NZXT Gamma

Read Customer Reviews of NZXT's Gamma

Instead of going with familiar fare, we step outside of our comfort zone and use an inexpensive NZXT Gamma case. At a mere $40, it only includes a single 120 mm case fan. But an extra $8 buys us a couple of APEVIA CF12S-BK 120 mm fans to bring airflow up to snuff. The resulting $48 case and fan combo adds up to one of the nicest budget rigs we’ve worked with, as attractive as it is functional.

Memory, Hard Drive, And Optical Drive

Memory: GeIL Black Dragon 4 GB (2 x 2 GB) DDR3-1333 Memory Kit 

We’re trying something new in the memory department, too. GeIL’s Black Dragon dual-channel 4 GB kit has a low $80 price tag combined with a low CAS latency of 7.  The tribal art treatment doesn’t look bad, either.

Read Customer Reviews of GeIL's Black Dragon 4 GB DDR3-1333 Kit

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Black 750 GB

Read Customer Reviews of Western Digital's Caviar Black 750 GB

A price tag of $70 isn’t going to buy you anything better than this when it comes to hard drives. Western Digital’s Black series has been a price/performance favorite, ever since we began the SBM series. And 750 GB of capacity is enough to get you started.

Optical Drive: OEM LG GH22LS50 22x DVD Burner

Read Customer Reviews of LG's GH22LS50 DVD Burner

LG’s OEM optical drive performs well, and for the low $18 price tag, it helps keep us under our $1000 budget limit.

Assembly And Overclocking

The only trouble we experienced during installation was a boot hang caused by an older BIOS that didn’t play nice with the Core i3-550 processor. Temporarily switching to Intel's Pentium G6950 just long enough to install a fresh BIOS saved the day.

We have to say that our $1000 SBM machines have always looked sleek, but this time the combination of parts comes together for a very sexy final result. By chance, everything ended up being black, including the case, motherboard, graphics cards, power supply, and even the memory modules. The accent colors are aluminum and copper from the CPU and graphics card heat sinks, making for a very attractive build. We couldn’t have made it prettier if we tried.

Overclocking

A final overclock of 4.0 GHz isn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination. Unfortunately, we didn't get any miracles with this combination, and despite our ambitions, a stable 4 GHz was the best we could do. With the CPU set to 1.35 V, IMC at 1.3 V, PLL at 1.9 V, and PCH at 1.15 V; the highest BCLK frequency we could muster was 167.5 MHz. Multiply that by the CPU's 24x ratio and you have our final overclock of 4019 MHz.

There isn’t a suitable memory multiplier at this bus speed that will let us keep our latencies low, so the final memory clock is 502 MHz (1004 MT/s) at 7-7-7-24-1T timings.

When it comes to graphics, the ECS GeForce GTX 460 cards in SLI don’t disappoint, overclocking to 825/1650 MHz core/shaders and 950 MHz memory. This should take the performance of the graphics system close to what a couple of GeForce GTX 470 cards in SLI would muster.

Test Systems And Benchmarks

We compare our new build to the $1000 enthusiast system we put together for our last SBM in September 2010. The Intel Core i3-550/Nvidia GeForce GTX 460 SLI combo should have a higher capacity for playable high-resolution graphics than the preceding Core i5-750/GeForce GTX 470 config. But the previous system’s quad-core CPU is expected to outperform our dual-core model in threaded productivity and transcoding applications.

And here's a list of the benchmarks:

Benchmark Results: Synthetics

3DMark really favors the SLI'ed GeForce GTX 460 solution in today's SBM machine. Even at stock clocks, the current system beats the previous build at high and extreme modes.

Overclocked, today's PC leaves the older build in the dust.

PCMark demonstrates a heavy CPU dependency. At best, the overclocked Core i3-550 comes close to stock Core i5-750 performance. 

The Sandra results are similar to PCMark, which is no surprise, since these are also CPU-oriented tests. The memory bandwidth of the new system is also a little lower, due to lower clocks.

Benchmark Results: Media Encoding

The iTunes benchmark isn’t heavily threaded and the Core i3-550 does well in relation to the Core i5-750 here.

All three of our video encoding benchmarks make good use of threading. The Core i5-750 walks away with an easy win in this arena, and while the Core i3-550’s best overclocked result can’t quite reach the stock Core i5-750, it comes close.

Benchmark Results: 2D And 3D Graphics

Both Adobe Photoshop and 3ds Max utilize threading to help improve performance. This pair of applications demonstrates the benefits of physical cores over Hyper-Threading, which is only able to better utilize the dual-core chip's execution resources. As a result, this quarter's machine struggles to match the previous SBM configuration.

Application Benchmarks: Productivity

We know that AVG doesn’t appear to make use of more than two threads, and the results mirror that expectation.

WinRAR and 7-Zip are both optimized for multithreading, and the results are easy to predict here.

Benchmark Results: Crysis

With such a flat curve, the Core i3-550 is clearly processor-limited here, while the Core i5-750 has much higher maximum frame rates.

By the time we hit 2560x1600, though, the bottleneck shifts over to graphics, where the GeForce GTX 460s serve up the most impressive performance.

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is too easy for these systems, once again demonstrating a CPU bottleneck. It takes the GeForce GTX 460s in SLI up to 2560x1600 before they're finally able to catch up to last quarter's performance numbers. Applying anti-aliasing extends that lead at our highest benchmarked resolution.

Here more than anywhere, the dual-core Intel chip is hurting our overall performance picture.

Benchmark Results: DiRT 2

Once again, we see a significant processor-oriented bottleneck in DiRT 2. Here, the High quality settings don't tax the GeForce GTX 460s nearly enough to shift the load away from the platform.

When we enable Ultra quality settings and flip the switch on 8x anti-aliasing, this quarter's machine takes a more commanding position against the older build, blowing it out of the water at resolutions above 1280x1024.

Benchmark Results: S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call Of Pripyat

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is very GPU-dependent, demonstrating a best-case workload for today's System Builder Marathon configuration and its dual-GPU solution. There's very little holding this machine back above 1280x1024, and we're finally able to see what Nvidia's GeForce GTX 460s can do in SLI.

The two cards show even more impressive gains once we enable anti-aliasing.

Benchmark Results: Power And Temperature

As expected, this quarter's System Builder Marathon configuration allocates less power to the CPU and more to the pair of GeForce GTX 460 graphics cards. It's a trade-off that, overall, puts today's machine in slightly worse position than the previous build with CPU and GPU power use factored together. Fortunately, Corsair's power supply is more than capable of supporting these load levels.

The new PC’s CPU is running cool thanks to the Hyper 212 Plus. And while the dual-graphics card configuration doesn’t have a lot of room between boards to breathe, the Arctic Cooling Accelero Twin Turbo Pro GPU coolers do a great job of keeping the GeForce GTX 460s cool, with temperatures in the same ballpark as the single GeForce GTX 470 from the previous SBM.

Conclusion

We wanted to see how the Core i3-550 would perform relative to its often-recommended stable mate, the Core i5-750. Let’s look at the raw numbers:

Right off the bat, the Core i3-550 shows dismally compared to the Core i5-750 when it comes to application speed. While our knee-jerk instinct is to call the Core i3-550 a poor choice compared to the core i5-750, there are a couple of ways to interpret these results.

Consider the $115 Core i3-540 and a single $190 GeForce GTX 460 1 GB (or the Radeon HD 6850 for that matter). This makes for a cheap startup combo, and the LGA 1156 interface leaves the buyer with the option to upgrade to a Core i5-700-series CPU in the future, to a second graphics card for SLI/CrossFire gaming, or both (depending on the motherboard).

In fact, while the Core i3-550 might be the bottleneck when it comes to gaming, the CPU bottleneck still does not prevent fluid frame rates. Frankly, our game selection is a little too CPU-restricted, and we’ll be switching it up to more challenging titles in our next SBM. In any case, the new Core i3-550 system slightly beats the Core i5-750 setup on average at 1920x1080 as the summary chart shows.

In the final analysis, we can recommend the Core i3-500 series as a good budget/starter CPU with enough overclocking potential to deliver stock Core i5- 700-class performance. But the real gem here would have been the LGA 1156 platform, allowing for an upgrade to the Core i5-700 (or even Core i7-800) CPU family in the future. It's unfortunate, then, that the Sandy Bridge launch in two weeks will see LGA 1156 kneecapped by Intel in favor of LGA 1155.

The only question left is how will this $1000 enthusiast system stand against the other PCs in this month’s series? For that, you’ll have to wait for Thomas Soderstrom's final comparison article to find out.

Memory products are essentially commodity products these days.

This doesn't mean however that manufacturers don't pay attention to quality. A Computex this week, we caught up with Geil, a smaller manufacturer of memory modules, but a high quality producer nevertheless. Geil demonstrated to us its DBT, or die-hard burn-in technology system, which rigorously test memory modules before they ship out to customers.

Like many module producers, Geil sources high-quality memory ICs from many large name makers such as Samsung, and then custom manufacture modules for consumption.

Using a custom built system Geil calls the EVO III IC Tester, individual memory chips are tested for speed, voltage and leakage before they are embedded onto the memory modules.

From there, the modules are placed into Geil's DBT chamber. According to the Geil representative we spoke to, only Geil and Kingston possess such a system. The DBT runs the modules through a lengthy process, testing for module frequency and temperature stability Modules are tested in large temperature swings, from very cold to hot. Bad modules are sent back to manufacturing and good modules go to you. This isn't your typical Memtest86 test!

Check out the pictures.

Have Memory Manufacturers Dropped The Ball?

DDR3 desktop memory has been around for nearly two years, but it wasn’t until a few months ago that we finally got to see the first platform specifically designed to take advantage of its increased data rate. With an on-die memory controller that supports triple-channel mode, Core i7 processors have produced the biggest memory bandwidth improvement we’ve seen since RDRAM met Netburst. But once again, a transition that should have been smooth has been met by memory manufacturers who had other ideas.

The current problem is one of voltage. While DDR3 is specified to use 1.50 V, manufacturers found that the memory controllers of Core 2-generation chipsets could easily handle far more. Rather than try to produce the fastest possible memory within a relatively small voltage range, most vendors instead chose to use slower parts with extra voltage tolerance to produce highly-overclocked products for the enthusiast market. When Intel announced shortly before its Core i7 launch that the memory controller should not encounter more than 1.65 V, a quick look at the market revealed that only a single manufacturer was producing DDR3-1600 modules for standard-voltage configurations at that time.

What followed was a mad rush by memory brands to re-label "fast" memory at whatever slower speed was required to get it stable at the new voltage limit. In the process, this "lower-voltage" memory was packed in triple-channel kits to differentiate it from the heavily-overclocked dual-channel kits sold for previous-generation systems. Super-fast DDR3-2000 disappeared for a time, and DDR3-1866 took nearly a month to emerge in 6 GB triple-channel kits, as nearly every existing product was reduced by one or two speed grades to stabilize it under a lower-voltage ceiling.

December finally brought us high-capacity modules at DDR3-1600 and higher speeds in triple-channel kits, and we quickly rounded up as many of those high-end kits as we could for today’s mega-comparison.

A-Data And Aeneon

A-Data Vitesta DDR3-1600+ CAS 8

Sold as part number AD31600E002GMU3K, A-Data’s 6 GB, DDR3-1600 CAS 8 triple-channel kit advertises 8-8-8-24 timings at 1.65 V. A reminder of the product’s past is its maximum 1.85 V overclocking voltage, which is where the plus in the series' name comes from. We certainly won’t be using such high voltage in our Core i7 memory overclocking assessment.

A maximum SPD automatic configuration speed of 667 MHz (DDR3-1333) at 9-10-10-25 timings further indicates that these were developed for the higher-voltage Core 2 platform market, but we were anxious to see how far we could push this product at Core i7-appropriate voltage levels.

A-Data branded products are backed by a full lifetime warranty.

Aeneon XTune DDR3-1600 CAS 9

We mentioned in our introduction that a single company had provided the earlier Core 2 platform market with DDR3-1600 at standard voltage levels, and that company is Aeneon. When it came time for the Core i7 transition, the only update Aeneon had to make was to create a new box for its triple-channel kit.

Because these modules were designed from the outset to operate at standard voltage, SPD automatic configuration speeds up to DDR3-1667 aren’t a problem for Aeneon’s part number AXH860UD20-16H-K-6G, 6 GB triple-channel kit. An XMP extension at DDR3-1600 allows moderate 9-9-9-28 timings to be easily set with no increase in voltage.

Corsair And Crucial

Corsair DDR3-1866 CAS 9

The fancy heat spreaders of Corsair Dominator modules were originally developed to cope with high temperatures that normally accompany high-voltage overclocking, yet the firm now offers the same product line in a lower-voltage kit. The benefits of such extreme cooling at 1.65 V operation are questionable, but performance enthusiasts will certainly exploit even the tiniest benefit to reach their goals.

Hoping its part number TR3X6G1866C9DF, 6 GB DDR3-1866 triple-channel kit would automatically configure to at least DDR3-1600, we found a maximum SPD value of DDR3-1333 at standard voltage. Intel’s XMP extensions take over from there, allowing semi-automatic configuration at the kit’s rated DDR3-1866 speed and 9-9-9-24 timings, using a Core i7-friendly 1.65 V.

All Corsair memory products carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Crucial Ballistix DDR3-1600 CAS 8

We received Crucial’s Ballistix 6 GB DDR3-1600 triple-channel kit before the company had come up with any retail packaging, but its use of a white box had no bearing on the quality of the parts within. Part number BL3KIT25664BN1608 didn’t even have a name yet when Crucial shipped these parts as three separate BL25664BN1608 modules, and these are among the firm's first 2 GB DDR3 Ballistix products.

A subsidiary of memory fabricator Micron, we had to wonder what took Crucial so long to develop a product that its competitors had long been selling using the same Micron parts. Was the company simply waiting for Core i7 to push DDR3 to the forefront?

An SPD automatic configuration max speed of 667 MHz (DDR3-1333) at stock voltage indicates that even Micron is probably using slower "overclockable" chips to reach higher speeds, and testing proved that the second XMP value of DDR3-1600 CAS 7 is unrealistic when the memory is in triple-channel mode. It was, however, able to exceed its rated 8-8-8-24 timings at DDR3-1600 and our tests will show how far it can really be pushed.

Crucial memory products carry a limited lifetime warranty.

G.Skill And Geil

G.Skill DDR3-1600 CAS 8

G.Skill has a reputation for producing high-end modules at a better-value price than some of its better-known competitors. Its part number F3-12800CL8T-6GBHK contains three 2.0 GB modules with latency ratings of 8-8-8-21 at 1.65 V.

A highest SPD value of 741 MHz (DDR3-1482) at 1.50 V comes up a little shy of its DDR3-1600 rated speed, but an XMP extension allows users to select a DDR3-1600 CAS 8-8-8-21 profile from BIOS in two to three easy clicks. The XMP voltage of 1.60 V is somewhat encouraging, as it indicates the kit has better-than-advertised stability.

G.Skill memory products carry a full lifetime warranty.

Geil Value DDR3-1600 CAS 8

Don’t let the name fool you–Geil’s Value series DDR3-1600 CAS 8 triple-channel kit was submitted for our high-end memory roundup because the company knew these were high-end parts. In fact, the price is only a few dollars cheaper than the market average and the company that stands behind it is already known as a "better-value" high-end competitor.

Rated at 8-8-8-28 timings at DDR3-1600 speed and 1.65 V, the 6 GB part number GV36GB1600C8TC triple-channel kit can be automatically configured to DDR3-1524 via SPD at a standard 1.50 V. A single XMP value at the kit’s rated voltage, speed, and timings makes setting these up in an XMP-capable motherboard a quick-and-easy process.

Geil memory carries a limited lifetime warranty.

Kingston And Mushkin

Kingston HyperX DDR3-2000 CAS 8

Update: Kingston had not officially named its DDR3-2000 CAS 8, 6 GB, triple-channel kit when it shipped samples to us as part number KHX16000D3T1K3/6GX. These were officially renamed KHX16000D3ULT1K3/6GX during CES week, but the company did not inform us until after the review was published. We will edit content where appropriate, but the as-shipped name remains in performance charts.

Two days after the memory arrived, one of Kingston’s competitors called to let us know that 2 GB modules at DDR3-2000 would be impossible to produce when limited to a maximum of 1.65 V. We’re guessing that means Kingston walks on water, since the company was able to top that specification with CAS 8-8-8-24 timings. On the other hand, Kingston still hasn’t delivered the modules to retailers.

A maximum SPD value of 667 MHz (DDR3-1333) indicates that these are probably made of slower parts with a high-level of overclock-capability. Users who want to configure their systems to the memory’s rated specification must do so via manual BIOS configuration, while an XMP-2000 profile reduces the number of steps required to set it up.

Kingston memory products carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Mushkin Enhanced DDR3-1600 CAS 7

Mushkin was one of a few companies that sent its product before the packaging was finished, but these individually-packaged modules are the same components found in its retail part number 998679 triple-channel kit.

Mushkin was also the only company in today’s comparison to bolster its DDR3-1600 parts with CAS 7 timings. What makes the tighter timings impressive is that Mushkin didn’t have to lower capacity or raise voltage to get there. The Core i7 theoretical voltage limit of 1.65 V also assures that these modules will stay cool with nothing more than a little extra heat spreader area at the top.

A maximum SPD speed of 667 MHz (DDR3-1333) at 9-10-10 timings again hints at the possibility that the chips used may not be true DDR3-1600 parts, and this appears to be a trend among most brands. But unlike other brands, Mushkin didn’t add an XMP value. XMP-capable motherboard users must follow the same steps as everyone else and adjust speed, voltage, and timings manually to reach the specified performance level.

Mushkin provides a limited lifetime warranty on all its memory products.

OCZ And Patriot Memory

OCZ Intel Extreme DDR3-1600 CAS 8

OCZ’s recent release of DDR3-2000 memory didn’t make it in time for today’s comparison, but the company was able to provide DDR3-1600 with CAS 8-rated timings.

Perforated heat spreaders allow air to circulate over a much wider area, which should help keep this part number OCZ3X1600LV6GK, 6 GB triple-channel kit cool. Then again, the 1.65 V theoretical limit for Intel Core i7 processors doesn’t really create much heat.

A maximum speed for automatic configuration of 610 MHz (DDR3-1220) is among the lowest we’ve seen for DDR3-1600-rated parts, but the modules come with slightly better-than-average CAS 8 automatic timings. An XMP profile for DDR3-1600 CAS 8-8-8-24 at 1.65 V represents the true rating of the kit, but users without XMP-capable motherboards must instead enter all settings manually through BIOS.

OCZ provides a limited lifetime warranty with all memory products.

Patriot Viper DDR3-1600 CAS 8

The "LLK" at the end of Patriot’s part number PVT36G1600LLK accompanies all of its "low-latency kits" and refers to the 8-8-8-24 timings of this 6 GB triple-channel configuration. These good timings won’t break any records, but Patriot could probably win an award for the prettiest heat spreaders. The long cooling fins probably aren’t needed at the rated 1.65 V.

Patriot Memory, like its competitor OCZ, uses fairly low-speed SPD values for automatic configuration and instead enhances the performance at stock speed using lower latency. Overclocking is required to reach the kit’s rated 8-8-8-24 timings at DDR3-1600 and 1.65 V, but an XMP profile makes setup a little easier for owners of XMP-capable motherboards.

Patriot memory products carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Super Talent And Wintec Industries

Super Talent DDR3-1333 CAS 8

When we invited companies to participate in today’s high-end memory comparison, we specifically stated that this would be an overclocking competition focusing on speed and capacity, and that price would not be a major consideration in our final assessment. Much of our publishing calendar was already devoted to value memory and a high-end comparison was long overdue. Nevertheless, these modules are only rated for DDR3-1333.

At least the capacity is right. Part number WA133UX6G8 contains three 2.0 GB modules rated at CAS 8-8-8-24 timings. These timings would be good for a DDR3-1600 kit, but CAS 8 is slower at 667 MHz (DDR3-1333) than it is at 800 MHz (DDR3-1600). CAS latency is rated in cycles and faster memory has a shorter cycle time.

The highlight of this slower memory is that it automatically configures to DDR3-1333 at 1.50 V, requiring only the timings and voltage to be manually set in BIOS to reach rated performance levels. Super Talent took these parts a step further by adding a DDR3-1500 SPD configuration value. Perhaps the firm felt it could pull a value coup at the high-end with highly-overclockable parts? Our tests will determine the success of this tactic.

Super Talent backs its memory products with a limited lifetime warranty.

Wintec AMP-X DDR3-1600 CAS 8

Wintec uses its AMP-X line to beat better-known brands in high-end value, and its part number 3AHX1600C8WS6GTK, 6 GB triple-channel kit boasts high-end 8-8-8-24 rated timings for its DDR3-1600 rated speed. The company apparently realizes that extreme cooling isn’t needed at 1.65 V, and ordinary clip-on covers are the first sign of a product's function-before-form focus.

A maximum SPD automatic configuration value of 667 MHz (DDR3-1333) at CAS 9 hints that the modules are probably using highly-overclockable slower chips, but the moderate 1.65 V overclock rating still falls within Intel’s recommended limit. An XMP profile for DDR3-1600 CAS 8-8-8-24 at 1.65 V allows owners of XMP-capable motherboards to quickly set the kit to its rated overclock level in BIOS, while everyone else must fuss over individual settings to reach rated performance levels.

Wintec branded memory modules include a limited lifetime warranty.

Test Settings

Asus has an excellent reputation for memory stability, so we used its P6T Deluxe to find the best timings and highest speeds of each module set.

The P6T Deluxe supports memory voltage changes in increments of 0.02 V. Since this particular motherboard did not support 1.650 V precisely, we chose the 1.66 V setting, which is probably within the safety factor Intel calculated into its 1.65 V "maximum" voltage recommendation.

Of course, we needed a Core i7 processor, but not just any processor would do. While most reviewers are stuck with Core i7 920 engineering samples that only support DDR3-800 and DDR3-1066 ratios (3x and 4x base clock, times two), our retail sample supports data rates all the way up to 2,133 MHz (8x base clock, times two).

Test Results: Overclocking, Bandwidth And Latency

We began the competition with an overclocking comparison. Kingston was the only company able to provide DDR3-2000 samples before our deadline, so we expected them to take a lead, while Corsair was the only company to provide DDR3-1866. Will any of today’s DDR3-1600 kits beat Corsair's parts?

Indeed, three DDR3-1600 module sets did overclock further than Corsair’s DDR3-1866 did. Crucial Ballistix continues its overclocking dominance by coming up just shy of DDR3-2000, with Mushkin Enhanced falling only slightly behind. Value-performance brand Wintec also surprised us with a significant 21% overclock.

Update: Kingston renamed its KHX16000D3T1K3/6GX kit to part number KHX16000D3ULT1K3/6GX, informing us of the change after this review was published.

Originator of low-voltage DDR3-1600, Aeneon unfortunately even fell behind  the DDR3-1333 set of today’s comparison.

Sandra Memory Bandwidth almost perfectly reflects the speed each module set achieved, but slight variability in this particular benchmark did mix the results of some close contenders.

Most people won’t push their memory to the highest possible speed but will instead use the above information as a guideline for limits. At any given speed, tight timings offer improved performance. We tested each 6 GB triple-channel kit at the three most common "performance" speeds.

Kingston and Crucial continue their dominance at our highest test speed, while Mushkin edges into second place at DDR3-1600. Aeneon stays near the bottom when it comes to timings, barely beating Super Talent’s DDR3-1333.

Conclusion

This would be a good time to remind everyone that today’s competition targets the high-end market, where speed is more important than cost and the best product wins. From that, we can easily choose the winner, since Kingston was the only brand able to deliver DDR3-2000 before our deadline and no other modules could even reach Kingston’s rated speed, let alone its overclocked speed.

Yet no product comparison is complete without a price comparison. Prices shown in green are estimates.

Unfortunately, Kingston failed to inform us of a model-number change that occurred between pre-launch and post-launch parts until after this article was written. The chart below lists the original name. While the chart above shows the original estimated price, Kingston's KHX16000D3ULT1K3/6GX are now available for pre-order from the manufacturer for $469, with an estimated shipping date of January 22, 2009.

The slowest-rated memory in today’s comparison, Super Talent’s DDR3-1333 is also the cheapest. The second-highest overclocking set, Crucial’s Ballistix DDR3-1600 6 GB kit is the third most expensive.

Because the Kingston modules we received were improperly documented, a lack of availability under the original name lead us towards second-place overclocker Crucial Ballistix.  While Ballistix DDR3-1600 remains an excellent option for those who need their order to ship today, near-term availability makes Kingston HyperX DDR3-2000 CAS 8 our choice for system overclocking articles.  It's also a great option for high-market buyers who want the best of everything.

Two more products deserve honorable mention as high-end value parts. At 59% the price of Crucial Ballistix, Mushkin Enhanced model 9998679 came up only a few megahertz shy of it in overclockability and beat Ballistix at DDR3-1600 speed in our low-latency competition.

The second honorable mention goes to Patriot’s Viper PVT36G1600LLK. Our samples finished the overclocking test at the same DDR3-1909 speed that Corsair’s Dominator 1866 reached, yet it’s 57% cheaper. While the emphasis of today’s review was on absolute capability, we’re sure that good value won’t go unnoticed by readers.

4 GB DDR2 Kits For the Masses

This is an excellent time to upgrade your main memory. Not only have memory prices come down to a level where 4 GB or even 8 GB of memory has become highly affordable, but a memory upgrade provides a positive impact with Windows Vista and an increasing number of game titles and applications. We looked at six 4 GB DDR2 memory kits, trying to find the best bang for the buck.

Intel will soon be releasing its Core i7 processor family, which will only support DDR3 memory due to the fact that the memory controller is about to be relocated from its traditional location on the northbridge right into the CPU. Combined with ramped-up production volumes, DDR3 memory has undergone significant price drops in recent months, finally making mainstream DDR3 memory attractive for the average Joe.

4 GB DDR2 Kits are Just Perfect

However, mainstream isn’t necessarily DDR3-1600 or faster, as many of you pointed out in the comments section of our recent DDR3-1600 roundup. It is DDR3-1066 and DDR3-1333. These are the speeds that have hit the market in ever larger quantities, to finally get to a point where DDR3 can take over from DDR2. However, this point is still pretty far away, looking at current memory prices for 2 GB and 4 GB memory kits, and the fact that even 8 GB kits have appeared at an almost acceptable cost. And let’s not forget that all AMD platforms depend on DDR2 memory (as do the majority of Intel systems).

While 4 GB of RAM cannot be fully utilized on 32-bit operating systems such as Windows XP and Windows Vista 32, you’ll still get between 3.3 and 3.7 GB of effective memory capacity. The exact figure depends on BIOS configuration, among other factors. We still believe that there is nothing wrong with purchasing a 4 GB dual channel memory kit, even if you won’t be able to utilize the entire capacity. Knowing that 2x 2 GB DDR2-800 kits start at as little as $80, that’s still a good deal.

Other Memory Options?

Utilizing more memory requires 64-bit versions of Windows XP or Vista, but the step from 3.3-3.7 GB usable capacity and the full 4 GB is small enough to be neglected in most of the applications today. 3+ GB of memory will provide sufficient capacity for 95% of all mainstream applications, and most of the high-end game titles as well. If you want more, you’ll have to switch the operating system, and that may still lead to driver issues. You’ll get 64-bit drivers for all core components, but the more you look around—think older printers, cell phone / smart phone drivers, and certain software—the more likely it is that you’ll get stranded in your quest for more memory.

Although 8 GB memory kits (which consist of four 2 GB DIMMs) are affordable, these only make sense if you have applications that really take advantage of the increased memory capacity and if it is worth going through the 32 to 64 bit transition. But these kits might give you the same headache as 3 GB kits, because all of them include four memory modules. This may force the BIOS to work with relaxed timings and can cause memory compatibility issues. We put together a short recommendation list to help you navigate the memory jungle.

Check List

Here is our recommendation for memory purchases, which will remain valid even for the next generation platforms:

• Stay within the market sweet spot to get a good deal: today that’s 2x 1 GB or 2x 2 GB of DDR2-800 or DDR2-1066 memory.
• Look for quick timings (smaller numbers are better), but don’t spend substantial money on slightly faster modules.
• Spend additional budget on a faster processor, a faster graphics card or a faster drive instead of fast memory, unless you need overclocking memory.
• Always get as few memory modules as possible, but equip all memory channels of a system to get maximum performance. The ideal configuration consists of two DIMMs today, and three DIMMs with Intel’s upcoming Core i7 systems.
• Go for name brand memory.

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Corsair Dominator TWIN2X4096-9136C5DF

Corsair’s Dominator memory is the state-of-the-art product line offered by the memory specialist. Launched in 2008, it has been extended from 2 GB kits to 4 GB kits and from DDR2 to DDR3 memory. You’ll recognize it by a great mixture of low latencies, high clock speeds and Corsair’s proprietary Dual Heat Exchange (DHX) cooling technology, which dissipates heat through the inside of the memory module as well as through the outside.

We looked at various types of Dominator memory, and found all of them to offer great performance, while often still having some overclocking margin despite their high stock speeds. However, Dominator comes at a price : they are among the best, but also the most expensive memory options at around $400. That said, the PC2-8500 kit, which reaches only 1066 speeds, is much more affordable at less than $200.

Product Details

We received a TWIN2X4096-9136C5DF kit for review, which represents the top-of-the-line DDR2 memory kit. It consists of two 2 GB modules, both supporting the Enhanced Performance Profile that is used by Nvidia nForce 600 chipsets and higher models to automatically set the fastest possible settings. The SPD-ROM is programmed for JEDEC default CL5-5-5-18 timings.

Performance Specifications

PC2-9136 specifications equal DDR2-1142 speeds, which represents a 571 MHz base clock speed. Corsair specified CL5-5-5-15 timings at this maximum clock speed, and requires a 2.1 V memory voltage. An EPP-capable chipset is able to automatically set these parameters, while you will have to make settings manually on Intel or AMD chipsets.

All Dominator DIMMs include the Dominator Airflow, a memory cooling device based on three 40 mm fans. The Dominator Airflow can be snapped onto almost all memory sockets, so it can also be used with non-Corsair hardware. We found the Dominator Airflow to be a nice addition to ensure stable memory operation at high clock speeds, but we consider it not a real advantage to reaching those faster memory speeds. These are typically limited by the memory ICs and the cooling solution, which is very solid in the case of the Dominator memory.

Overclocking

We wanted to see how far the new 2 GB DIMMs could go, given that this 4 GB memory kit is already rated as PC2-9136. We looked at the maximum clock speed using the specified CL5-5-5-15 timings at the default 2.1 V voltage ; the fastest stable speed was DDR2-1142 or 571 MHz base clock speed. Our next step was a voltage increase to 2.3 V, which we applied for all of the memory products to check maximum overclocking, since we consider this the maximum value that should be reliable over time. DDR2-1200 speed was possible here, but we found it to be not entirely stable. Further voltage increase helped to make the setting reliable, but this wasn’t what we wanted to do. Our goal was secure overclocking at the specified timings and voltage, so we reached a maximum of DDR2-1176 speed, which represented only a small overclock.

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Crucial CT2Kit 4 GB

Crucial hasn’t been following the “arms race” in the memory arena as aggressively as other memory makers, but the firm still offers a full lineup of memory products for mainstream users and enthusiasts. If you’re looking for Crucial enthusiast memory, we recommend checking out the Ballistix line. The memory kit we received for review is part of the standard memory line, part number CT2KIT25664AA1067, which already tells us a lot about the actual memory. Compared to most of the other products, this one is not aimed at the uber-enthusiast, but it is the only product that fully complies to the JEDEC specification for DDR2-1066 speed, as nothing faster than CL7-7-7 has been specified.

The Crucial Web site provides assistance to everyone trying to find the right product. First of all, you select the memory type, then you can remove all the parameters that you don’t need or want: memory speed, type, density, kit or single modules, DIMM type, and error checking. The alternative would be using Crucial’s RAM memory advisor, which scans your system in order to find the best memory to upgrade after providing your motherboard or PC make. Anyone who is not familiar with memory details will be happy to get this type of help.

Specifications

The CT2KIT25664AA1067 isn’t a bargain at $229.99, but as upgrade memory it is expected to work flawlessly. The “1067” tells the user that this is a 1066 speed grade, but with CL7 timings. The CT2 prefix tells us about the memory technology, which is DDR2. The kit consists of two unbuffered 2 GB modules. Unlike the other products in this roundup, the Crucial DIMMs stick to conventional DDR2 operating parameters of 1.8 V standard voltage – and they don’t even come with a heat spreader, which is really unusual these days. Heat spreaders are metal plates that dissipate heat away from the memory chips. Crucial proves that they aren’t really necessary at stock speeds or voltages.

Plain and Simple

The Crucial memory isn’t shiny, coming on an ordinary green printed circuit board (PCB) with uncovered Micron memory chips (Crucial is the retail arm of Micron). This memory doesn’t go far in terms of overclocking, it doesn’t look spectacular, and it does not come with any special features such as memory profiles, cooling tweaks or other items of interest. It’s just plain memory and it just works. Period.

Overclocking

As mentioned, the memory doesn’t take you very far, especially since we decided to stay on the safe side of the specified timings and voltage, which means CL7-7-7-24 timings and 1.8 V voltage. Compared to 2.1 V or more with some of the other products, it’s obvious that clock speed records were difficult to reach.

DDR2-1091 speed was as much as we could get, although we’ve seen other Crucial DDR2 memory, also based on Micron memory chips, reach far higher speeds once higher voltages were applied. This is also the case with our test samples: 2.0 V or 2.1 V makes a huge difference, as it will give you almost another 100 MHz maximum clock speed. However, if you want both faster timings and faster clock speed, you’ll probably have to pick another product.

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Geil Black Dragon Evo One GE24GB1066C5DC

The Black Dragon (BD) Evo One series is one of the most sophisticated DDR2 memory products you can get. It comes in a nice, beautifully designed retail box, and even the memory itself looks “different,” to say the least. The target audience is the gaming market, and Geil promises a “perfect blend of performance, high capacity and stability.” The basis of the product is two 2 GB DDR2-1066 DIMMs rated at CL5-5-5-15 timings for the 1066 speed. Geil has a 2 GB and 4 GB kit, of which we received the latter.

Extreme Parameters, Extreme Cooling

The memory sizes are all we can call standard, as the remaining parameters and the cooling solution are extraordinary. It all starts with a specified operating voltage of 2.2-2.4 V, which is considerably higher than the JEDEC default specification of 1.8 V for DDR2 memory. Most upper-class and enthusiast motherboards allow the user to select such a high voltage, but mainstream or low-cost motherboards may not, possibly resulting in this memory running unstably due to insufficient voltage.

Geil equips the BD Evo One memory with its Evo One heat sink, which utilizes Geil’s so-called MTCD cooling technology. This stands for “maximized thermal conduction and dissipation,” and consists of flat aluminum heat spreaders on both sides of the memory combined with a heat pipe installed on top. The heat pipe includes a heat sink, which is responsible for dissipating heat away from the memory. If you look at the technology description on Geil’s website, you’ll see that the memory is intended to be ventilated from the side to maximize the effect of the heat spreaders.

Overclocking

We’re not sure how well the cooling solution actually works, as it did not provide more overclocking margin than we got with other products. We first ran the memory at its default voltage, which is specified at 2.2-2.4V, then decided to go with 2.2 V first, which did not allow us to overclock anything at all. In fact, even DDR2-1080 became unstable. Our next step was going to 2.3 V, which we applied to all memory modules in this roundup to have a reasonable voltage limit, because we want the memory to be reliable on the long run. At 2.3 V, the Black Dragon Evo One RAM went up to DDR2-1140, which is an average result.

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Kingston HyperX KHX8500D2K2-4G

Kingston is one of the larger memory vendors and has long offered upgrade kits and enthusiast memory, along with related products such as flash memory devices. When we called for a 4 GB DDR2 memory kit, we received a HyperX kit with two 2 GB DDR2 DIMMs called KHX8500D2K2-4G, from which you can already tell these are PC2-8500 DIMMs (DDR2-1066 speed). The HyperX family is Kingston’s product line for enthusiasts, and there are DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 memory kits available. However, Kingston does not belong to the group of memory vendors that races for maximum clock speeds. This isn’t really a bad thing. In fact, Kingston is actually the only memory company that provides a truly solid technical specification sheet. You can get information on Kingston products on the corporate website www.kingston.com, while there is a microsite to deal with the HyperX line.

Package, Specifications

Believe it or not, we really liked the way Kingston boxed its memory. Both DIMMs fit into an anti-static plastic box with a clear cover, which is sealed with the product specifications. That’s not as fancy as a huge color box, but it’s as much as you really need to box a pair of memory modules. Both DIMMs are inserted in such a way that prospective buyers can examine the product stickers. These tell you about the part number and the voltage specification (2.2 V in the case of our test samples), but they don’t tell you anything about memory latencies. Only CL5-5-5-15 timings are supported, at 1.8 V default voltage or at 2.2 V maximum voltage. The SPD ROM is programmed to run the memory at DDR2-800 speed, 1.8 V and CL5-5-5-15 timings, which are the default values.

When we tried to find the best prices for the Kingston KHX8500 4 GB kit, we instantly found a great deal on shop.kingston.com, where the regular $150 price was discounted to $135—not bad for a 2 x 2 GB memory kit. You may also go for a product version that is based on 4 x 1 GB modules, but the 2 x 2 GB kit we reviewed was temporarily out of stock when we checked.

Overclocking

We started our overclocking attempts at the default DDR2-1066 voltage of 2.2 V, which didn’t take us much further than the default speed. However, a slight increase to 2.3 V helped to reach DDR2-1130 reliably. Any faster speed would result in the system becoming unstable.

Kingston provides an amazingly attractive price for performance within the expected range. If you can live with the fact that it doesn’t overclock much, this product provides an excellent value and receives our Recommended Buy Award.

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Mushkin Ascent XP2-8500

“Take your system to a new extreme” is Mushkin’s message on its corporate website, where the Ascent memory line is presented. But this is only the top-notch product. The enthusiast memory line consists of several choices, including the EM series (basic overclocking memory), the HP series (high performance) and the XP series (extreme performance). The latter supports highest memory clock speeds and lowest latencies. The Red Line series, which was is based on DDR2 memory, is not available in a DDR3 version.

Vapor Chamber Interface for Cooling

We didn’t receive just an ordinary memory kit. Rather, we got the new Ascent XP2-8500 series, which is an extreme performance product. This series utilizes Mushkin’s eVCI technology, which stands for enhanced vapor chamber interface. Basically, Mushkin replaces aluminum or copper as the main material for conducting heat with a vapor chamber. The chamber is filled with a coolant that evaporates once the memory chips heat it up sufficiently. Once the aluminum surface conducts the heat away from the memory, the gas cools down and return to its liquid state. Be aware that your DIMM sockets need to be more than 2 mm away from each other if you intend to install two DIMMs per memory channel, as the eVCI cooler requires more space than a standard heat sink. However, this is generally the case on most motherboards.

Specifications, Packaging, Cost

The kit consists of two 2 GB DDR2-1066 DIMMs, which are rated at CL5-5-5-15 timings at 2.0 V to 2.1 V. The modules do not come with additional features such as Nvidia’s Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP), but we found them to be inexpensive despite the sophisticated cooling solution. Unfortunately, the modules did not even come with a product sticker, which makes it really difficult to tell Mushkin Ascent DIMMs apart.

You need a Microsoft Passport account to purchase online on Mushkin’s Web site, which is something not everybody likes, but we agree that Passport, OpenID or similar solutions are a good attempt to facilitate authentication on the Internet. Once you are logged in you’ll be able to purchase this product at the current web price of $152.26, which sounds like a good deal for an enthusiast.

Overclocking

Once again, we started our overclocking attempts at the default voltage of 2.0 V, which did not allow us to reach significantly more clock speed. Then we increased the memory supply voltage to 2.3 V and tried again, but the maximum we reached wasn’t really far above the stock speed. We had to abandon our hopes at DDR2-1115, as the next step, DDR2-1124, was already unstable. More voltage didn’t help us reach higher clock speeds, either.

Although the Mushkin Ascent XP2-8500 isn’t a spectacular overclocker, it requires a low supply voltage and provides a great bang for the buck at its attractive price tag. Therefore it receives our Recommended Buy Award, along with Kingston’s product.

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OCZ Flex II XLC PC2-9200

OCZ is one of the most popular enthusiast memory brands and has always been on top of the memory speed race, along with Corsair and a few others. There are lots of interesting memory products to be found on the OCZ Web site, but we have to say that there are too many memory products and it has become rather difficult to differentiate them from each other : Gold, Titanium, Platinum, Reaper, Limited Edition, Fatal1ty, Flex XLC, Crossfire or Nvidia SLI-Ready, Performance Series, Vista Special…

Specifications

Be that as it may, we once again received an attractive product for review : the Flex II XLC series using memory capable of running DDR2-1150 speeds reliably. This equals DDR2-9200, and it is slightly more than arch rival Corsair offers with its PC2-9136 DIMMs. The memory comes in a nice, stylish and adequately cool retail box. The Flex II XLC PC2-9200 DIMMs are specified for 2.1 V operation at the maximum DDR2-1150 speed and at CL5-5-5-18 timings. A maximum of 2.15 V is possible utilizing OCZ’s enhanced voltage protection feature, which allows running the memory at faster speeds without voiding the warranty.

Liquid Cooling On Board

Flex II XLC is the second-generation memory that comes equipped with a cooling device ready for liquid cooling solutions. While the Flex XLC DIMMs had one cooling intake and one outlet for the entire DIMM, Flex II XLC provides two different cooling circuits for both sides of the memory modules. As a consequence, the coolant flowing through the device only has to cool eight memory chips instead of all 16 on both sides of the DIMM. 

While we’re confident that this solution provides maximum cooling for the memory chips, it also requires maximum space on the motherboard. You will only be able to insert more than two DIMMs if you have a board that comes with six instead of four DIMM sockets. OCZ adds all necessary adapters (1/8” and 3/8” barb adaptors) for hooking up the Flex II XLC DIMMs to your liquid cooling solution. We’re just not sure if a total of 16 interfaces—eight on the adapters to the main tubes and eight more on the DIMMs—is really a good thing, a they all increase the potential risk for leaks.

You do not have to install a liquid cooling solution to operate the Flex II XLC DIMMs—we did not do that, for the sake of keeping the comparison simple. But we didn’t try to reach maximum clock speeds by all means possible either, meaning increasing the voltage to even higher levels. Thanks to the massive heat sinks on the top of the DIMMs, you can also apply conventional airflow cooling. OCZ provides protective covers, which also act as heat sinks, if you don’t want to use any liquid cooling solution at all.

Overclocking

We achieved the specified DDR2-1150 speed applying the nominal 2.1 V voltage, but couldn’t go much higher. Once we switched to 2.3 V memory voltage it became possible to overclock these modules reliably up to DDR2-1180 speed. This is as far as we could go with the Corsair Dominator DIMMs at the same voltage, and only Chaintech’s Apogee memory managed to reach a bit more clock speed. Yet these differences are almost negligible.

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Walton Chaintech Apogee GT AU2G732-12GH001

This is the only memory product in this roundup that was labeled as DDR2-1200, while all others are rated at DDR2-1066 or a bit more. The Apogee series is available in DDR3 versions for DDR3-1066 and DDR3-1333 speeds, while the Apogee GT Blazer runs at up to DDR3-2000 speed. The DDR2 series is called Apogee GT, and it consists of multiple kits with 2 x 1 GB or 2 x 2 GB DIMMs between DDR2-800 and DDR2-1200 speeds. We received the top model, which—we’re sorry to say—disappointed, as it did not reach its specified clock speed.

Technical Details

The Apogee GT is rated for CL5-5-5-15 timings at 2.3 V operating voltage and for DDR2-1200 speeds. This information can be found on the sticker that was placed on the back side of the modules. Heat spreaders cover both sides of the memory and a large heat sink on top of the memory is supposed to get rid of the heat produced by the chips. The modules are still slim enough to install four of them into mainstream motherboards with four DDR2 DIMM sockets. Walton Chaintech boxes the product into a plastic package.

Overclocking

Surprisingly, the Apogee kit by Walton Chaintech was the one that reached the fastest clock speeds when we applied a 2.3 V voltage, as it ran reliably at almost DDR2-1200 speed, or DDR2-1188 to be more specific. However, 2.3 V isn’t only the voltage we selected for our overclocking tests, it is also the default voltage for Chaintech’s Apogee GT DDR2-1200 4 GB kit, which means that the product failed to reach its specified speed. We tried again on a P35 motherboard, as we wanted to be sure that our Asus P5Q-E (P45 chipset) wasn’t the issue, but that didn’t help either.

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Comparison Table, Test Setup

Test Setup

Overclocking Summary

The following table lists the maximum overclocking speeds we reached at a common 2.3 V memory supply voltage. Although it is possible to apply more voltage, we do not recommend doing this for permanent system operations, considering that 1.8 V is the default voltage for DDR2 memory and the stated 2.0 to 2.3 V of the memory vendors are already based on selecting memory chips that support higher clock speeds at higher voltages. Hence, 2.3 V is the maximum we’d be willing to accept. 2.4 V and up will not even give you substantially more clock speed anyway.

All enthusiast-class memory, with the exception of Chaintech’s Apogee GT series, was able to overclock from the default DDR2-1066 speed to DDR2-1115 (Mushkin) and up to DDR2-1180 (OCZ, Corsair). Crucial’s memory kit didn’t go as far, but it’s not an enthusiast product, and it doesn’t even have a heat spreader.

Clearly, there aren’t any large overclocking margins for users to take advantage of. The table shows the overclocking results of each product relative to its specified speed, and using specified timings at a common 2.3 V voltage. The Walton Chaintech Apogee GT only reached 99%, as it failed to reach its specified DDR2-1200 speed. All others provide between 2% and 7% overclocking margin, which really isn’t a lot.

Power Consumption

This time we decided to look at the power consumption numbers of our test system using the seven different DDR2 memory products. These results were tracked with the specified voltage, default timings, and DDR2-1066 speeds. This means that the Corsair Dominator, OCZ’s Flex II XLS and the Chaintech Apogee GT were operated at clock speeds below their specified maximum, as we wanted to find out the total power consumption of the memory in the first place.

Voltage Matters Most

Obviously, the memory voltage dictates the power consumption for each of the 4 GB DIMM kits. The system idle power ranges from 101.2 W with Crucial’s CT2Kit (1.8 V voltage and CL7 timings) to 107.6 W peak power for Chaintech’s Apogee GT, running at CL5 timings and 2.3 V supply voltage. This represents a 6.3% increase in system power consumption, which does not provide any advantage at all except higher electricity waste. Peak power only increases by almost 4.9%, though.

No Performance Benchmarks?

No, no performance benchmarks this time, because it does not make a lot of sense.

When running the memory modules at the same clock speeds and identical timings they’ll deliver exactly the same level of performance. If we switched to the best specified timings there still is only a negligible difference, and this only made a difference for the Crucial memory that sticks to the official JEDEC specification and CL7 timings instead of CL5. As soon as we try overclocking the memory, we’d have to overclock the entire system by increasing the front side bus speed in order to see memory clock speed increases. Gigabyte recently announced support for DDR2-1333 speeds by updating its latest motherboards with new BIOS versions, but setting most DDR2 memory products straight to DDR2-1200 or faster will only result in a blank screen.

Typically, overclocking includes all system components by increasing the system speed. Once the bus, the processor and the memory speed have increased, you’ll get a noticeable performance increase, but the impact of the memory is hard to verify. Hence, it makes the most sense to just look at possible clock speeds and instead refer to some test results we collected a few months ago for the article Tom’s Ultimate RAM Speed Tests. We used a Core 2 Duo E8500 on a Gigabyte EP35C-DS3R P35 motherboard, which has both DDR2 and DDR3 sockets, to look at memory performance when running different memory speeds as well as fast or slow timings:

Memory Performance Analysis

More Memory Performance Analysis

Please look at the article Tom’s Ultimate RAM Speed Tests for more memory performance tests on the Core 2 Duo E8500 system and an older single core Pentium 4 processor.

Conclusion

Let’s summarize what we’ve seen. While DDR2 memory kits based on 1 GB DIMMs exceeded the 600 MHz line (DDR2-1200) many months ago, 2 GB modules are still on their way there. Consequently, all of the products in this roundup are based on selected memory chips and increased voltage levels, so they can reach speeds beyond DDR2-1066. Crucial, Geil, Kingston and Mushkin stick to this limit, which is also referred to as PC2-8500 (8.5 GB/s per 32-bit module at an effective 1066 MHz speed), while Corsair, OCZ and Walton Chaintech specify PC2-9136, PC2-9200 and PC2-9600 speeds (equal to DDR2-1142, DDR2-1150 and DDR2-1200 respectively). The product from Walton Chaintech really has issues, as it did not reach the specified speed. Corsair and OCZ both have solid enthusiast products.

None of the products have overclocking margins that could reach even a mere 7%. Customers will have to run their enthusiast memory at increased voltages, which we found caused the total power consumption level of our P45-based Core 2 Duo E8500 system to increase by up to 6.3%, depending on the memory product, and using Crucial’s 1.8 V JEDEC-compliant memory as a basis—without giving you any performance advantage at all.

The Crucial memory also isn’t our product of choice though, as its $200+ price tag is way too much for a standard memory product, even though Crucial certainly is known as diligent when it comes to compatibility. The two premium enthusiast brands once again provide superb hardware ; OCZ even did so with a dual-path liquid cooling design for its Flex II XLC DIMMs, but you have to be aware that both come at a price premium to match. Depending on where you look, you’ll have to fork out $200 or more.

That leaves Walton Chaintech, which disqualified itself by not reaching what the specifications promise, Kingston and Mushkin. And it’s these last two brands that went through our testing without reaching remarkable records, but also without failing on us in any category. Power consumption and operating voltage were in line with our expectations, especially for Mushkin. Overclocking margins were small, but we guess almost everyone agrees when we say that there is not much more you can do today, and that the difference is small. Finally, their price tags of $150 turn these two products into the most attractive memory kits for upgraders or anyone else who is about to assemble a reasonable desktop PC with 4 GB of main memory.

The Recommended Buy award goes to the Kingston HyperX KHX8500D2K2/4G and Mushkin’s Ascent XP2-8500.

Memory maker GeIL has announced a new process that it claims will significantly reduce the number of memory modules that suffer from early failure. “Early failure” describes the malfunction of memory (and other electronic components) long before their expected demise.

GeIL calls the new process “Die-hard Burn-in Technology.” The process is designed to expose memory modules to enhanced stress before leaving the factory, thus (in theory at least), forcing weak chips to fail before they’re shipped to customers.

Premature component failure can be described using a “bathtub curve”

As GeIL explains “the conventional way of memory module burn-in is done by regular market-available motherboards with limited module accommodation and burn-in time of approximately20 minutes under room temperature... (further) each of the motherboard-based burn-in platforms requires manpowered monitoring. Therefore, the burn-in process… has not been fully utilized in improving the overall memory quality.”

Of course, that doesn’t explain every memory manufacturer’s procedure perfectly. For example, Corsair states that its Twin XMS modules are tested and packaged together, to ensure that they’ll work well together. Still, compared to current testing procedures, GeIL’s “Die-hard Burn-in Technology” (“DBT”) seems quite intense:

“The DBT process is conducted in the custom-made burn-in chamber – DBT-1, testing up to 1000 pieces of modules simultaneously. The modules are slotted onto custom-made boards in place of regular motherboards with GeIL’s own designed burn-in testing software and user interface. The DBT-1 is able to elevate temperature up to 100 degrees Celsius with burn-in time of as long as 24 hours aging modules to at least three months.”

GeIL’s DBT Logo will appear with memory that has endured DBT testing

We fully understand the usefulness of stressing electronic components with high temperatures and high voltages, but we have to wonder if 100 degrees Celsius, the boiling point of water, might be a little excessive. However, the most important question here seems to be “What kind of real life results will GeIL’s new technology create?” The new process could end up leading to a new breed of memory that almost never fails before its time. It could also raise prices by causing otherwise healthy memory to be discarded because the testing procedure is unrealistically intense.

Right now, all we have is speculation, and the memory experts that we contacted for their opinion were unwilling to publicly engage in speculation regarding GeIL’s new technology. One thing is certain: if it does lead to a new breed of memory, we will be impressed.

Burning-in a product isn’t a particularly new idea, and it is actually very common – whether we’re talking about high-performance cars or about PC products. However, there are only few memory makers that actually burn-in their DIMMs before shipping them to the customers. As a result, the early failure rate is at approximately 1.5% of all shipped products according to statements from GeIL. The firm also told us that their memory is at a failure rate of 0.5% within the first three months after purchase.

By implementing such a burn-in process, GeIL went on, the firm expects to lower this value to as little as 0.1% failures and RMA within the first three months after purchase. While this sounds like a lot, we know that large OEMs request even tighter quality control for memory. Anything below 0.05% should be pretty close to reality, as this equals to 0.5 DIMMs out of 1,000.

GeIL doesn’t expect cost to increase, because it wants to introduce a special memory testing chamber soon, where the firm can burn-in up to 1,000 DIMMs at the same time. As dozens or even hundreds of burn-in test systems together with the operational personnel will likely be obsolete then, GeIL expects to rather lower than increase the cost by this approach. The firm mentioned that – apart from server-class manufacturers – Kingston would be the only competitor to put all of its memory through such a burn-in process. GeIL wants to start this for SO-DIMM products first.