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.
