A-Data And Corsair
A-Data DDR3-1333+ CAS 7
Its products might have a great reputation, but A-Data’s model number system has an uncanny ability to make its parts difficult to find. Labeled as model number AD31333E002GU3K, the package we received is actually sold as part number AX3U1333PB2G7-3P, and one must visit http://oc.adata.com.tw to find that these are actually the same products. Future Core i5 users will be pleased to note that the modules in this triple-channel kit are also available as dual-channel part number AX3U1333PB2G7-2P, which just as confusingly cross-references to model number AD31333E002GU2K.
Rated at DDR3-1333 timings of 7-7-7-20 at 1.65 volts, conservative SPD values make these bootable at full speed and default voltage. A-Data does not endow this “+” series memory kit with Intel XMP technology, so users must manually configure motherboard BIOS to reach rated performance levels.
Our most recent search found A-Data’s part number AX3U1333PB2G7-3P 6 GB triple-channel memory kit at a moderate $113 Web price.
Corsair XMS3 DDR3-1600 CAS 8
Not yet available as a dual-channel kit, Corsair’s part number TR3X6G1600C8 6 GB triple-channel kit is one of only two in today’s roundup specified to run a 1,600 MHz data rate.
DDR3-1600 timings of 8-8-8-24 at 1.65 volts are also available as an Intel XMP value, allowing easier configuration in motherboards that properly support XMP technology. Though many X58 products don’t implement XMP properly, experienced builders shouldn’t have any problem with manual configuration.
Our most recent search has found part number TR3X6G1600C8 at $130, up an astounding 44% from June.
