Introduction

High performance memory kits have evolved over the last few years, both in styling and technology. Styling has shifted to heavier heat sinks, LED light bars, and fancy RGB control software. The technology has done what it inevitably will by producing greater speeds and densities at generally lower cost as DDR4 has matured. While some would bemoan the current design trends, I believe they are beneficial in general, providing greater build flexibility and putting more control in the hands of the user. There are, of course, always exceptions.

Now, when talking about high performance memory, HP may not be a name that is on your radar. While HP is a massive system integrator with a long history, the brand has rarely dabbled in the DIY market. It was a surprise when HP unveiled the design for the V6 and V8, its new high performance memory lines, last year. The memory market is highly competitive, and HP will need to bring their "A" game in order to gain a foothold in today's market. The HP V6 kit I have for testing today is one of their mid-spec kits: 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) 3200 MHz at 16-18-18-38 and 1.35 V.

3200 MHz used to be the gold standard for Ryzen builds. The Ryzen 3000 series both reinforced that standard and shattered it at the same time. With 3200 MHz natively supported on the new Ryzen platform, what once was a goal post is now a given. With the goal post shifted to the 3600 MHz sweet spot, the focus has shifted to memory kits targeting that previously obscure spec. Are 3200 MHz kits still worth it? Let's find out!

Specifications

Packaging

The HP V6 3200 MHz packaging is a classic clamshell with a black background.


The memory sticks are held firmly and kept quite safe from all but the most careless handling.

A Closer Look

The HP V6 3200 MHz sticks feature a stamped heat spreader that maintains a minimalist profile without sacrificing any detail.


The HP V6 3200 MHz has a deep anodized aluminium heatsink with brushed silver accents.


"DDR4" is printed in white on the left, and "V6" is printed on the right.


The specifications on the HP V6 3200 MHz are a 3200 MHz XMP profile at 16-18-18-38 and 1.35 V, which is decent and achievable on almost any system. The center of each stick features a brushed silver "HP" logo.


This spec of HP V6 3200 MHz stick is single-sided.


HP is using SpecTek PPE70- 075E ICs on the V6. SpecTek is a division of Micron.


I like to weigh a stick from each kit I get as the difference in mass can be pretty drastic between kits. Mass is not the best indicator of cooling efficiency because material can matter, and of course, heat dissipation is reliant on surface area, not volume or mass. That said, it is still interesting to compare.

The HP V6 3200 MHz comes in at 32.47 g on my scale. For height, the HP V6 3200 MHz comes in at 36.97 mm with my calipers, well below the average 45–50 mm range.