Seven 8 GB DDR3 Memory Kits For Your AMD A75 Motherboard

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Because integrated GPUs generally employ shared system memory, RAM performance has a significant effect on gaming frame rates. We're testing seven 8 GB DDR3 kits that manufacturers tell us are a perfect match for AMD’s mainstream Llano-based APUs.

Test Settings

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Test System Configuration
APUAMD A6-3650 (Llano): 2.60 GHz, quad-core, 4 MB L2 Cache, Socket FM1
MotherboardASRock A75M, A75, version 1.02, BIOS P1.40 (07/21/2011)
APU CoolerRosewill FORT120
GraphicsIntegrated Radeon HD 6530D: 320 Shaders, 600 MHz GPU, shared system memory
Hard DriveSamsung 470 Series MZ5PA256HMDR, 256 GB SSD
SoundIntegrated HD Audio
NetworkIntegrated Gigabit Networking
PowerSeasonic X760 SS-760KM: ATX12V v2.3, EPS12V, 80 PLUS Gold
Software
OSMicrosoft Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Graphics and ChipsetAMD Catalyst 11.6

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.

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Benchmark Configuration
Stability TestMemtest86+ v1.70, single pass (~45 minutes) Max Speed at CAS 9 Min Latency at DDR3-1600, 1333, 1066
Bandwidth TestSiSoftware Sandra 20011 SP4 Bandwidth Benchmark
Aliens vs PredatorAlien vs. Predator Benchmark Tool, High Textures/Shadows, No Advanced Features, No AA, 1x AF, 1280x720
CrysisPatch 1.2.1, Benchmark tool, DirectX 10, 64-bit, CPU Test High Quality, No AA, 1280x720
F1 2010v1.01, Run with -benchmark example_benchmark.xml, High Detail Preset, No AA, 1280x720

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.

Thomas Soderstrom
Thomas Soderstrom
Thomas Soderstrom is a Senior Staff Editor at Tom's Hardware US. He tests and reviews cases, cooling, memory and motherboards.
34 Comments Comment from the forums
  • hmp_goose
    Where's the CAS7 DDR3-1333? Many of us are still trying to pin down how important timing are in the scheme of things …
    Reply
  • _Pez_
    Cool Review !! I liked it ! this review enforced my decision to choose Adata Ram-.
    Reply
  • whysobluepandabear
    hmp_gooseWhere's the CAS7 DDR3-1333? Many of us are still trying to pin down how important timing are in the scheme of things …
    They're not.


    You're better off buying value RAM with decent timings and throwing that extra $$$ into a GPU. I promise your FPS will improve more that way.



    Reply
  • Crashman
    9519239 said:
    Where's the CAS7 DDR3-1333? Many of us are still trying to pin down how important timing are in the scheme of things …
    CAS 7? Most of the modules were tested at DDR3-1333 CAS 6.

    http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/llano-apu-memory-performance,3017-10.html

    Please read the article, thanks!
    Reply
  • Rizlla
    I have been looking at those Corsair kits for an upgrade and it's good to know they are approved.
    Reply
  • beenthere
    As has been known for quite some time, there is virtually no performance gain on DDR3 RAM with lower CAS because DDR3 has plenty of bandwidth and frequency. The higher the frequency the lower the cycle time in real time, thus CAS 7 vs. CAS 9 is totally insignificant in system performance.
    Reply
  • ojas
    Is it a valid conclusion that, if the 8GB kits are good, then the corresponding 4GB and 2GB kits would be good to? Or will pricing make a difference there?
    Reply
  • ChromeTusk
    9519243 said:
    I have been looking at those Corsair kits for an upgrade and it's good to know they are approved.
    Wish I found that Corsair CAS8 kit, but I did find the CAS9 version for $50, no rebate or shipping.
    Reply
  • nforce4max
    I bought the cheaper version G.SKill kit for $59 oh well :s can't wait for prices to drop again for a little splurge ;)
    Reply
  • -Fran-
    Nice review guys!

    I got the HyperX modules the A8 and the Vengeance are on my main rig. Now, I'm still intrigued about unganged when using a 4 module MoBo. I got the A8 with 4 modules in unganged at 1600 CL9 and it runs pretty well, but i wonder how that compares to this 2 modules MoBo.

    Cheers!
    Reply