Benchmark Results: Overclocking, Latency, And Bandwidth
Some of today’s modules are actually rated at 1.65V, but others still tolerate this mild 10% increase very well. That increase also coincides with Intel’s rated memory voltage limit for Core i7 processors, which is why so many “performance” brands use this as their recommended voltage. We used it for both overclock and latency-reduction testing and began by finding the highest achievable data rate for each module set at CAS 9.
We’ve noticed in several past reviews that heat spreaders appear to hinder heat transfer slightly at 1.65V, likely because the low heat produced at this voltage doesn’t efficiently penetrate the thermal interface material, which typically consists of double-sided foil tape. Lacking heat spreaders, Crucial's DDR3-1333 CAS 9 modules once again outpace the competition. This is something that power users must consider when seeking the highest possible memory capacity and frequency in the same part.
Now to find the lowest stable timings of each module set at standard speeds using a 1T command rate.
| Best Timings at 1.65V | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1066 |
| G.Skill DDR3-1600 CAS 9 F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL | 7-8-7-15 | 6-7-6-12 | 5-6-5-10 |
| Mushkin DDR3-1600 CAS9 Blackline 996776 | 7-8-8-14 | 6-7-7-12 | 5-6-6-11 |
| Crucial DDR3-1333 CAS9 CT2KIT51264BA1339 | 8-8-7-17 | 7-6-6-14 | 5-5-5-11 |
| Patriot DDR3-1333 CAS 9 PGV38G1333ELK | 8-9-7-21 | 6-7-6-13 | 5-6-5-11 |
| Super Talent DDR3-1600 CAS 9 WP160UX8G9 | 8-9-8-14 | 6-8-6-13 | 5-6-5-11 |
Even though we received G.Skill’s high-speed (rather than low-latency) RAM, the brand still achieved the best timings at both DDR3-1600 and DDR3-1333. Power users seeking the shortest response times should be proud of this combination of capacity and latency.
G.Skill’s DDR3-1600 leads in Sandra Memory Bandwidth at its rated speed and minimum stable timings.
G.Skill’s latency win at DDR3-1333 keeps it in the lead at the processor’s standard memory speed.
Crucial managed to pull a surprising latency lead at DDR3-1066 and thus takes the Sandra Memory Bandwidth lead at the same speed.
