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.
