PNY is once again expanding the XLR8 series, now with speeds up to DDR5-6400, designed for PC enthusiasts and gamers alike. Follow along as we test this memory kit and see how it stacks up to the competition!
Team Group takes the successful Vulcan series and makes an eco-friendly version. The Team Group T-Force Vulcan ECO uses modest primary timings of 38-38-38-78 targeting gamers and is equipped with dual XMP / EXPO 6000 MT/s profiles for both Intel and AMD users. Follow along as we benchmark and take a closer look at the ECO part of this Team Group memory.
KLEVV has brought the Bolt series to DDR5. Targeting PC gamers, the Bolt V is a low-profile memory kit that keeps the lights off, but is no slouch either! Follow along as we benchmark and compare this memory kit on both Intel and AMD systems.
Acer has taken a crack at the DDR5 market with a refreshing new take. Here we have the Acer Predator Hermes, which aims to appease both gamers and overclockers alike. This DDR5 memory kit may be the first to include a fan, because we overclockers know DDR5 can get a bit toasty! Follow along as we test and compare to see what Acer has in store for us.
XPG is back with another slice of DDR5. This time, targeting the low-profile market. XPG is looking to combine all its strengths into a small footprint. Follow along as we check out this DDR5-6000 Lance Blade memory kit to see if XPG can outshine the competition!
Patriot extends the Viper lineup with a new series under the Elite brand. Targeting builders on a budget, this 48 GB DDR5-6000 kit aims to please while keeping prices down. Follow along as we test this memory and see how it stacks up to the competition!
G.SKILL aims to keep the competition at bay with another 64 GB kit. By combining high-capacity for content creators and enthusiast-tier timings for gamers, we get this DDR5-6400 memory kit! Follow along as we put this memory through its paces and see where it lands on the charts.
Lexar is back with another RAM series for its DDR5 lineup. Paired with primary timings that will benefit both Intel and AMD, Lexar THOR memory is targeting gamers with its DDR5-6000 CL 32 XMP & EXPO profiles. Follow along as we take this memory for a test drive!
KLEVV is looking to level up your system, targeting PC enthusiasts and the XOC crowd with its CRAS V RGB DDR5-8000 memory kit. Follow along as we benchmark, compare and do some exciting overclocking!
Corsair writes a love letter to AMD with its new Dominator Titanium series. This AMD EXPO edition takes the optimization guess work out of the equation, leaving nothing but performance in its wake. Follow along as we check out this DDR5-6000 64 GB memory kit from Corsair.
Neo Forza is ready with more DDR5 options, unveiling the DDR5-6000 MK5 96 GB (2x 48 GB) high-capacity memory kit priced at a highly competitive $263. Thanks to support for both Intel XMP and AMD EXPO, this memory will run great on all platforms.
KLEVV is at it again and brings us another CRAS product. What we have here today is the CRAS V RGB DDR5-6400 memory kit marketed towards PC enthusiasts and gamers alike. Follow along as we test this memory kit and see how it stacks up to the competition!
Corsair aims to refresh the long-standing Dominator line with the Titanium series. Marketed as a premium memory kit, the Corsair Dominator Titanium reviewed today comes in a Non-Binary configuration of 2x 24 GB. Binned with an XMP profile of 7200 MT/s, Corsair is not only bringing innovative RGB lighting to the DRAM market, but it comes with speed too. Follow along as we dissect this memory kit!
G.SKILL is looking to shake things up with a new high-capacity memory kit! Equipped with a 7200 MT/s XMP profile using modest CL36-46-46-115 timings, G.SKILL is ready to please gamers, steamers and content creators chasing that performance with a side of extra system memory as well. Follow along as we test this memory and see how it stacks up to the competition!
Patriot takes DDR5 to a whole new level with the Viper Xtreme 5 series, DDR5-8000 is finally in consumer hands. For PC enthusiasts and the XOC crowd, Patriot includes three XMP profiles to get you started. With a side of some serious overclocking, follow along as we break down the benefits this memory brings to the table.
Colorful expands into the DDR5 market with the CVN memory line. Equipped with an XMP profile of 6600 MT/s and modest timings of 34-44-44-108, it's time to see what Colorful has to offer casual and enthusiast users. Follow along as we test this memory kit and see how it stacks up to the competition!
XPG launches a new wave of Lancer RGB memory kits. Using a stylish, modern design, XPG is blurring the lines between performance and enthusiast-grade memory. Follow along as we benchmark, compare and overclock to find out if this 7200 MT/s kit holds any advantages over the competition!
Team Group turns the T-Force Delta series on its head with these new DELTAα RGB kits. In today's review, we will be using the new EXPO 6000 MT/s profile that's optimized for Zen 4 using modest primary timings of 38-38-38-78. Targeting gamers and PC enthusiasts alike. Follow along as we benchmark, compare, and overclock to see what all the fuss is about!
The buzzword today is Non-Binary, and this Corsair Vengeance memory kit is ready for action! Equipped with a 5600 MT/s XMP profile, using modest CL40-40-40-76 timings, Corsair has a memory kit designed to meet the needs of both Intel and AMD users. Follow along as we test this memory and see how it stacks up to the competition!
Netac brings its new DDR5 Z RGB flagship memory to market. Equipped with a 6200 MT/s XMP profile, and "bedazzling" look, Netac is starting to shine brighter than ever! In this review, we will compare, overclock, and find out the magic within. Follow along as we test this memory and see how it stacks up to the competition!
Patriot pushes the DDR5 Viper Venom series to new heights with the newest memory kit binned to 7200 MT/s. Targeting pro-level gamers and PC enthusiasts, follow along as we benchmark, compare and overclock to find out how Patriot stacks up to the competition!
Corsair is back again with even faster memory! Designed to fit right into the Corsair ecosystem, this Vengeance RGB kit is equipped with a 7000 MT/s XMP profile and is ready to take full advantage of the new Intel Z790 motherboards.
Team Group is ready for the next generation of high performance DDR5. Using the popular T-Force Delta RGB once again, Team Group offers a DDR5-7200 kit for hardcore gamers and PC enthusiasts alike. Follow along as we benchmark, compare and overclock to see what all the fuss is about!
G.SKILL is at it again pushing the bar and raising expectations. Using the newest DRAM revision, the G.SKILL Trident Z5 DDR5-7200 brings us an enthusiast-grade memory kit marketed towards hardcore gamers and PC enthusiasts alike. With serious high frequency overclocking, follow along as we see what G.SKILL has in store!
KLEVV brings forward the CRAS XR line to the DDR5 market. Equipped with a 6200 MT/s XMP profile using modest CL40-42-42-78 timings, KLEVV is targeting gamers and PC enthusiasts alike. Follow along as we test this memory and see how it stacks up the competition!
Neo Forza is back with DDR5 and debut the new Trinity series. The 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) Trinity Black memory kit reviewed today is high-capacity aimed at content creators and streamers alike. Follow along as we dive into this review and see what Neo Forza has to offer!
G.SKILL is once again pushing the boundaries of high performance memory with the newest generation of DDR5. These new Trident Z5 kits range from 6800 MT/s to 8000 MT/s. Equipped with a 6800 MT/s XMP profile, using modest CL34-42-42-108 timings, G.SKILL is ready for those new Intel Z790 motherboards. Tag along as we check out the G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB DDR5-6800 and test our hands at some serious high frequency overclocking!
G.SKILL brings forward the Flare X line to the DDR5 market. In today's review we will be using the new EXPO 6000 MT/s profile that's optimized for Zen 4 using modest primary timings of 32-38-38-96. This kit is designed and marketed for AMD and targets the "sweet spot" that is getting all the attention. Follow along as we test this memory and see how it stacks up the competition!
Silicon Power brings the XPOWER Zenith line to DDR5! Equipped with a 5600 MT/s XMP profile, using modest CL40-40-40-76 timings, Silicon Power has a memory kit that is great starting point for both Intel and AMD platforms. Follow along as we test this memory and see how it stacks up the competition!
Corsair's Vengeance RGB takes the AMD DDR5 platform to a sweet spot. Using the new EXPO 6000 MT/s profile that's optimized for Zen 4 and tight timings of 30-36-36-76, this kit is designed to fit right into the Corsair ecosystem to provide a great end-to-end user experience.
Corsair Vengeance RGB brings a competitive DDR5 kit, with an XMP 6000 MT/s profile and modest timings of 36-36-36-76. Designed to fit right into the Corsair ecosystem, it is time to take a closer look and see what all the fuss is about!
Acer is back, ready for another round in the highly competitive DDR4 market. Under the Predator branding comes forth the Vesta RGB series, with new looks targeting the eSports gaming market. This 32 GB memory kit has an XMP profile of 3600 MT/s while rocking low primary timings of 14-15-15-35 using the infamous Samsung-B Die. Join me as we take a close look, to see what all the fuss is about.
Netac enters the DDR5 market with the Shadow II DDR5 memory. This kit sticks to the JEDEC DDR5-4800 specifications, for maximum system compatibility and budget conscious consumers. Follow along as we test this memory and see how it stacks up the competition!
Neo Forza MARS takes this high-capacity memory kit to the limits. Configured as 2x 32 GB, with a 4000 MT/s memory profile and modest primary timings of 19-23-23-46, Neo Forza is looking to grab the attention of content creators. Follow along as we dive into this review and see what Neo Forza has to offer!
Corsair is at it again, this time the company brings forward the Dominator Platinum RGB line to the DDR5 market. In today's review we will be looking at this ultra-low latency kit. With an impressive XMP profile of 6600 MT/s and accompanying timings of 32-39-39-76 to match, Corsair isn't fooling around. Tag along as we put the Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5-6600 through its paces!
XPG brings out the big guns with its Caster line aimed at the PC enthusiast community. Equipped with an XMP profile of 6400 MT/s and modest timings of 40-40-40-76, this XPG Caster memory kit is ready to be put through the paces!
TeamGroup has sent over a special media-only pre-binned T-Force Xtreem ARGB DDR4-4000 kit that is ready to be put through the paces! This 32 GB memory kit is dual-rank (2x16 GB) with amazing XMP timings of 15-15-15-35. We dive into the question of whether top-tier memory really grants more frames or it is just placebo.
Patriot takes the Viper line to new heights with its Viper Venom DDR5 modules. Binned with a 6200 MT/s XMP profile using modest CL40-40-40-76 timings, Patriot is targeting gamers and PC enthusiasts alike. Follow along as we take a closer look!
V-Color enters the DDR5 market with its XPrism RGB SCC line. This DDR5-6200 2+2 kit offers higher compatibility among Intel motherboards and edges out the competition with XMP timings of 36-39-39-76. In this review, we will compare, overclock, and thermal test to find out if v-color has something special.
Winner of the Red Dot and iF 2021 Design awards, HP gives low latency RGB DDR4 memory a new lease of life. With an XMP profile of DDR4-3600 and 14-15-15-35 timings using the infamous Samsung-B Die, it is worth a closer look. Join me as we test this HP V10 RGB memory kit in hopes of striking gold twice!
G.SKILL is testing waters with the Trident Z5 DDR5-6400, an ultra-low latency kit. With impressive timings of 32-39-39-102, G.SKILL is pulling out all the stops. Tag along as we put the Trident Z5 DDR5-6400 through its paces!
Neo Forza Faye brings to market a high-capacity kit that features a neutral, RGB-free aesthetic. With a 3200 MT/s memory profile and modest timings of 16-18-18-36, Neo Forza aims to compete in the prosumer sector. Follow along as we dive into this review and see what Neo Forza has to offer!
XPG takes DDR5 one step further with its Lancer RGB kit rated for 6000 MT/s CL40. Using a stylish, modern design, XPG is blurring the lines between performance and enthusiast-grade memory. Follow along as we thoroughly test the X.M.P profile and overclock this memory kit!
The Neo Forza DDR4-5000 Faye memory kit is DDR4 pushing into unknown territories. Are you up to the challenge? It has been said patience is a virtue. Let's see if that holds true. Follow along as we see what it takes to break personal records and beyond!
Team Group is ready for the DDR5 market with their high-performance T-Force Delta RGB 6400 MT/s kit. Sticking to a sleek design, this memory kit is ready to be put to the test. Follow along as we look into what Team Group has been cooking up in its R&D department.
XPG has partnered with ASUS to bring the well-reviewed SPECTRIX line back into the spotlight with a twist. This time, the memory is certified for Intel ASUS ROG-based motherboards. Rated for 3600 MT/s, we will be looking at exactly what this partnership means and how it could benefit you, the consumer!
addlink is a fairly young player in the DRAM market, but their Spider X4 line of memory looks very promising. Today we're reviewing the DDR4-3600 version, which sits at the sweet spot between price and performance and has tons of OC potential in it. Priced at $85 for the 16 GB kit it's super affordable, too.
Are you ready for a challenge? Neo Forza has released a dual-rank kit that is pushing the limits of what is possible with DDR4. If you want the best DDR4 has to offer, come check out the overclocking results and see if you have what it takes to run these in your system!
XPG takes DDR5 to a whole new level with its Lancer line and an XMP profile of 5200 MT/s. It is time to test the waters and see how it performs compared to contenders. We will also take a look under that heatspreader and do some overclocking.
DDR5 has finally reached the hands of the consumer, and Corsair has prepared their Vengeance lineup! With an XMP profile of 5200 MT/s, let's see how it performs alongside Intel's flagship Alder Lake i9-12900K. We will also figure out which ICs are under that heatspreader and how far this kit can be overclocked.
The XPG SPECTRIX series blurs the line between high-performance, high-octane DIMMs and the bedazzling light show powered by RGB LEDs. XPG doesn't miss a beat rounding out the experience with SK Hynix DJR ICs; this kit has overclocking has written all over it. Join me as we take a closer look at this XPG 4400 MT/s 16 GB memory kit.
Lexar continues to push into the system memory market with DDR4-3200 aimed at fulfilling the basic needs for OEM system builders and those looking for large-capacity kits that are compatible across a wide range of computers. Join me to find out if Lexar makes the cut!
CORSAIR may be getting ready to welcome DDR5, but that has not stopped the company from releasing two new DDR4 lineups. Today, we examine a VENGEANCE RGB RT kit with premium aesthetics and lighting backed by reasonable prices for those who are looking for an upgrade.
Lexar's first attempt at a brand-new line features an RGB LED light bar and high-density memory kits backed by a well-known company with a strong foundation in the flash memory market. Join me as we dive face first into this memory kit in hopes of finding gold.
With looks fit for a king and performance to match, the Trident Z Royal from G.SKILL is back, this time with the Trident Z Royal Elite featuring an updated look and even more performance. My test kit today is a 2x 8 GB, ticking at 4000 MHz CL14. Stunning looks and blazing performance await, so let’s dive in!
Featuring speeds up to 4133 MHz and capacities up to 32 GB per stick, the Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith RGB offers a broad range of performance in a sensible, modern package. The sample specification I have for testing today is a Ryzen-optimized 3600 MHz, so let’s see how it performs!
The Team Group T-Create Expert is a high-capacity memory kit available in a 3600 MHz specification with a low-profile design and 10-layer PCB for extra stability. This sensible design combined with great performance could be the perfect workstation memory kit.
The Neo Forza Faye is a performance-focused kit that features a neutral, RGB-free aesthetic. The specification I have for testing today is both high-capacity and blisteringly fast at 4400 MHz. Let's take a look at what the Neo Forza Faye has to offer!
The Neo Forza Mars offers a stylish modern design in either neutral gray or bold red, along with a sharp RGB implementation. This spec is rated for 3600 MHz, so let's see how it stacks up in our most competitive segment!
Acer is back, this time with a matching pair of new memory in their Predator line. The Predator Talos feature a hefty heatsink paired with bold white accents for a sleek, performant, and RGB-free kit. This spec of the Talos features a competitive 3600 MHz XMP profile.
Acer dives into the DDR4 market with the help of BIWIN Storage by introducing the Predator Apollo. Featuring a striking aesthetic and blazing-fast Samsung B-die ICs, the Apollo could be a strong first strike into a highly competitive market. Let's see if this kit is Predator or prey!
Thermaltake is back with another bold design! The new Thermaltake TOUGHRAM XG RGB features a sleek two-tone heatspreader with four distinct RGB diffusion zones. Of course, looks aren't everything, so let's dive in and see what kind of performance the Thermaltake TOUGHRAM XG RGB has to offer!
A cousin to the previously reviewed Team Group T-Force Dark Z and T-Force Dark Zα, the Team Group T-Force Dark Z FPS is designed to deliver maximum performance on both Intel and the new Ryzen 5000 Series CPUs. Let's find out what sets the T-Force Dark Z FPS apart from its predecessors!
Maintaining a balance between functional thermal design and flashy RGB aesthetics, the XPG SPECTRIX D50 Xtreme offers an alternative to the RGB spectacle of the SPECTRIX D60G. With speeds of up to 5000 MHz, let’s see if the XPG SPECTRIX D50 Xtreme lives up to its name!
A new take on the popular Vengeance RGB Pro, the Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro SL has the same great aesthetics and performance, but in a lower profile for improved compatibility. Is the new Vengeance RGB Pro SL as good as its big brother?
With looks fit for a king and performance to match, the Trident Z Royal from G.SKILL is back. With a 2x 16 GB specification at 4000 MHz, this kit is not only fast, but also looks glamorous on your shelf or when installed.
The Team Group T-Create Classic 10L is a high-capacity memory kit available in either 2666 MHz or 3200 MHz, with a low-profile design and a 10-layer PCB for extra stability. My sample consists of a pair of 32 GB sticks with the higher 3200 MHz specification—let's see how 64 GB of native 3200 MHz memory performs!
Thermaltake is back with a fresh look to their TOUGHRAM RGB memory. The new white edition TOUGHRAM RGB memory features the same performance and trademark profile giving consumers even more customization options. Let's dig into this 2x16 GB 3200 MHz CL16 sample and see how the new finish stacks up!
Striking a balance between functional thermal design and flashy RGB aesthetics, the XPG SPECTRIX D50 offers an alternative to the RGB spectacle of the SPECTRIX D60G. Let's see how the Ryzen-optimized XPG SPECTRIX D50 kit stacks up!
With looks fit for a king and performance to match, the Trident Z Royal from G.SKILL is back. This time featuring even better XMP specifications with impressive CL15 timings at 4000 MHz. This kit is not only fast, but also looks glamorous on your shelf or when installed.
HyperX Fury DDR4 memory kits are designed to offer cost-effective performance. Featuring a wide range of speeds and capacities, there is a HyperX Fury kit to suit almost any build. So how cost effective and performant is it? Let's find out!
A brand-new line of performance memory from none other than HP. Featuring a black aluminium heat spreader, a RGB LED light bar, and a trusted brand name, the HP V8 could be a great start for the company's move into the DIY market.
Thermaltake is back with a refresh to their TOUGHRAM memory, this time around with non-RGB options. Replacing the RGB LED diffuser is a premium cast aluminium insert that lends the TOUGHRAM an appealing two-tone look. Let's see how this non-RGB TOUGHRAM performs!
Thermaltake is back with a refresh to their TOUGHRAM RGB memory. This new revision uses SK Hynix D-die memory ICs to drive frequencies up to 4600 MHz. With the top spec kit ready for testing, it's time to see what the TOUGHRAM does with this newfound performance!
ADATA brought a new level of illumination to the memory market with the XPG SPECTRIX D60G which boasted more RGB LEDs per square millimeter than any other kit out there. Now, they've released a Ryzen optimized spec with Samsung B-die, running at 3600 MHz with tight timings of 14-15-15-35.
The Trident Z Neo is back again! This time in a pair of 32 GB kits. With a striking new take on the award winning Trident Z design and specifications that are as good as it gets for Ryzen, the Trident Z Neo just might be the ultimate Ryzen memory kit.
Today Corsair is launching a new stunning white and gold edition of their Dominator Platinum RGB memory, which has previously only been available in black. Specced at 4000 MHz, this high-end DDR4 memory kit should be a top performer on Intel. How will it fair with AMD? Lets find out!
A brand new line of performance memory from none other than HP. Featuring a black and brushed silver heat spreader, wide range of specifications, and trusted brand name, the HP V6 could be the perfect foothold for the company's move into the DIY market.
Crucial's new Ballistix Gaming Memory has something for everyone. With options for both RGB and heat-spreader color, along with a wide range of specifications, the Crucial Ballistix Gaming Memory could be a classic in the making. Only time and our benchmarking suite will tell!
TeamGroup has transformed their excellent T-Force Xtreem memory kit into a modern marvel of RGB LEDs. The new TeamGroup T-Force Xtreem ARGB boasts the same top-tier performance and brand new fully addressable RGB LED lighting. Is it the best of both worlds?
Corsair delivers the worlds fastest memory kit: the Corsair Vengeance LPX 5000 MHz. Validated for high-end MSI X570 motherboards, this groundbreaking kit promises to test the idea of what makes a good Ryzen memory kit. Can it overcome the infamous IF latency penalty?
A close sibling to the recently reviewed Team Group T-Force Dark Z, the T-Force Dark Zα is specifically tailored for AMD system compatibility. Team Group aims to maximize Ryzen performance without the need to max out any credit cards. Let's find out what makes the T-Force Dark Zα different.
With a market that is flooded with "Ryzen Optimized" memory kits, it can be hard for a particular kit to stand out. The G.SKILL Trident Z Neo does just that. With a striking new take on the award winning Trident Z design and specifications that are as good as it gets for Ryzen, the Trident Z Neo just might be the ultimate Ryzen memory kit.
Team Group presents another entry into their high-performance memory line-up with the T-Force Dark Z. An anodized red heat spreader, no RGB lighting, and an XMP profile of 3600 MHz could prove to be an attractive package to the old school crowd.
With a polished silver heat spreader and a pastel RGB LED diffuser that is available in seven different colors, the PRISM II RGB kit from V-Color certainly has flair. This premium kit has the perfect sweet spot for Ryzen performance with a 3600 MHz XMP profile and is affordably priced to boot.
Thermaltake dives into the memory game with the TOUGHRAM RGB memory kits. Speeds of up to 3600 MHz, a sleek design, and, of course, RGB LEDs. In fact, Thermaltake is introducing a whole new level of control with their own proprietary software that even includes Alexa voice control.
Memory prices are finally back in a reasonable range, and there is no shortage of affordable high-performance DDR4 kits to choose from. That's why Mushkin went old school with the new Redline DDR4 3200 MHz kit. A bright red heat spreader and eye catching profile combined with a reasonable price tag make the Mushkin Redline a great choice for the RGB LED averse that still want a little spice in their build.
The T-Force Xtreem could be the answer all the RGB holdouts have been asking for: a high-performance memory kit that doesn't have a single RGB LED. You asked and Team Group delivered once again—this time with a 4133 MHz XMP spec!
Apacer is targeting the premium memory market with the NOX RGB DDR4 Gaming Memory kit. Boasting up to 32 GB at 3200 MHz and a premium aesthetic, the Apacer NOX RGB has plenty to catch your attention. Does it have the performance to keep it?
Team Group is back with an aggressively priced memory kit: the T-Force Vulcan Z. The Vulcan Z has respectable specifications, a low-profile design, and a price that can't be beaten. How much memory can US$70 really get you?
Premium performance at a premium price, the Ballistix Elite has high aspirations. Can a simple, rugged design hold its own on a stage crowded with the latest in flashy finishes and RGB LEDs?
A-DATA has brought a new level of illumination to the memory market with the XPG SPECTRIX D60G which boasts more RGB LEDs per square millimeter than any other kit on the market. It's shiny, but does it perform?
Ballistix is now offering their Sport AT memory in speeds of up to 3200 MHz and densities of up to 16 GB per stick. At CL16, the timings are decent, too. Is "Sport" just nomenclature or can this kit truly compete?
The T-Force Xtreem could be the answer all the RGB holdouts have been asking for: a high-performance memory kit that doesn't have a single RGB LED. You asked, Team Group delivered.
Memory overclocking has a significant impact on performance of AMD Ryzen-powered machines, but the alleged complexity of memory tweaking on this platform, largely fueled by misinformation and lack of documentation, has kept some enthusiasts away from it. We want to change this.
Colorful expands their "iGame" line of products into the memory market with the iGame DDR4 3200 8GB. Old school meets new school with a red and black aluminium heat spreader and a large RGB LED light bar. It's got the looks, but will it perform?
Team Group joins the TUF Gaming Alliance with a specially branded version of their excellent T-Force Delta RGB memory. At 3200 MHz CAS 16, the T-Force Delta TUF Gaming RGB promises solid performance at a reasonable price.
With looks fit for a king and performance to match, the new Trident Z Royal line from G.SKILL promises premium in every sense. Featuring topnotch XMP specs and glamorous looks, this kit looks great on your shelf or in your benchmarks.
Featuring Team Group's iconic Night Hawk heat spreader design, an addressable RGB light bar, and incredible XMP performance, the T-Force Night Hawk Legend RGB is aiming for a top spot on your memory wish list.
The G.SKILL Trident Z sticks have been around for a while now, available in a multitude of colors and speeds, as well as with RGB. These 4000 MHz sticks are for all you non-RGB lovers out there, but with such a high speed, you best make sure your motherboard and CPU are capable.
If you got a DDR4-supporting laptop, or perhaps a mITX system that requires DDR4 SODIMMs with 2666 MHz support out of the box, you don't have that many options today. Team Group's T-Force Vulcan Gaming Series of DDR4 SODIMMs come ready for that and more.
Team Group's latest RGB DDR4 design hits our test lab, the T-Force XCALIBUR RGB DDR4. This special-edition version of the T-Force XCALIBUR sticks is rated at 3600 MHz with rather loose 18-20-20-24 timings, but comes with claims of overclocking, too.
Not to be left out, we've got Ballistix's take on the TUF Gaming Alliance memory. These Gaming-grade DDR4 sticks come in varying speeds and capacities catering to entry-level gamers and enthusiasts alike. Although we've got the TUF Gaming Alliance version here today, other visual designs to match other motherboards are on the way, making these sticks a great option for those looking for a bit more in performance, but still with a focus on price.
Patriot's turn at RGB memory has hit our test labs with the Viper white RGB 3200 MHz DDR4 kit. Compatible with most motherboard RGB controls, the Patriot Viper's fangs are ready to light up your case.
A-DATA's latest memory from their XPG line is the SPECTRIX D41, a high-clocked kit of RGB-capable DDR4 with software support for all major RGB-control technologies, which completely removes the need to buy a specific motherboard; and yes, they work on Ryzen, too.
Looking for that specially designed memory kit for your motherboard? Got one of those new ASUS TUF motherboards? We've got another option for you here from Team Group, with their no-LED Vulcan series for ASUS TUF motherboards running at 3200 MHz DDR4.
Kingston's HyperX Predator series of DDR4 RGB memory takes the traditional HyperX treatment to DDR4 and adds RGB, the HyperX way. These enthusiast-grade DDR4 DIMMs feature a pretty decent CL15 timing at their rated 2933 MHz speed, so not only do they look good, they offer low latency, too.
Corsair's latest entry into RGB memory is their Vengeance PRO series, a kit supporting iCUE, which is Corsair's RGB lighting control system. This isn't just any RGB memory, though; the Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO series is built for serious overclocking too!
Called SNIPER X, G.SKILL's new memory release is optimized for Intel's latest entry-level chipset motherboards and CPUs. These enthusiast-grade G.SKILL DDR4 modules are thematically matched to specific motherboards designs - and for all you RGB haters out there - do not include LEDs.
Ballistix has finally released their long-anticipated DDR4 Tracer memory, a line-up of high-performance LED-lit memory that has years upon years of history within enthusiast circles. We see if this latest iteration of Ballistix Tactical Tracer memory lives up to expectations.
So you've got a nice shiny mITX X299 board and need some nice new DIMMs? Look no further! I've got a kit here with a base spec of 2666 MHz (that means no XMP needed), making it the perfect match for your new i9 CPU's default speeds, or with a CPU overclock (since memory overclocking affects CPU overclocking at times on this platform).
Yet another kit by Geil has crossed my desk, and this one is also for AMD's Ryzen CPUs. This time, we've got big heatsinks and RGB lighting thrown into the mix. Although we've seen many RGB memory kits already, this one has yet another slightly different take on how RGB and memory should mash up together. Plus, it's for Ryzen, and most other kits aren't.
Geil's EVO Spear sticks are a standard-height, high-performance memory series specifically tuned for AMD Ryzen CPUs. With excellent CPU heatsink compatibility thanks to their low height, these EVO Spear sticks are ready for whatever type of Ryzen system you might build, entry-level or high-end. And yes, they work on Intel too.
ADATA brings to market yet another set of RGB DDR4 sticks with their ADATA SPECTRIX D40 RGB memory, and we take them for a spin on Intel's X299 platform. With ASUS AURA SYNC compatibility, these sticks have a fresh look right out of the box, yet with a default 2666 JEDEC profile, these are a perfect match for all of Intel's latest CPUs, especially the HEDT ones.
We step it up a notch in memory speeds thanks to G.SKILL's pricey 3866 MHz TridentZ memory. This is one capable kit, ready for ultra-high speeds with Intel's Kaby Lake CPUs right out of the box, and even has some OC headroom to spare.
Team Group's Delta RGB is one of the best memory kits we ever tested. They are the perfect match for your ASUS ROG motherboard with ASUS Aura Sync. Offering full top-to-bottom RGB LED goodness when installed into a case, these sticks provide an ultra-wide viewing angle for their Force Flow RGB LEDs, making them perhaps the best RGB option for those non-standard-layout case designs.
Team Group added some new sticks to their fleet from the T-Force product line, the Night Hawk RGB. Team Group's Night Hawk RGB sticks take everything the normal Night Hawk sticks have and make it better, and there is RGB.
Ballistix Elite DDR4 sticks have been granted a speed bump all the way up to 3466 MHz. We take the 8 GB DIMMs for a spin on Intel's Z270 platform because these sticks are still too Elite for AMD systems.
G.SKILL's at the forefront of RGB memory with their TridentZ RGB series of DDR4 modules. These sticks don't differ that much from past TridentZ modules at first glance, but built with high-quality memory ICs and G.SKILL's own RGB design, these DDR4 sticks are so very different from most other DDR4 sticks on the market..
Today, we take a look at Team Group's ROG Certified DARK series of DIMMs from their T-Force line-up of enthusiast-oriented DDR4 DIMMs. These ROG Certified DIMMs have a special secret; read on to find out what that is!
Crucial's Ballistix Elite DDR4 are on our test bench today. These 3200 MHz 4 GB DIMMs are the top speed Crucial offers right now, featuring large heatsinks and fairly respectable timings. Also included is a nice software suite that lets you monitor temperatures and adjust the LED lighting.
G.Skill has long been a bastion of affordable high-performance memory, and their Trident Z line-up is the ultimate version of what DDR4 they have on offer. Featuring a large heatsink ready for some abuse, G.Skill's Trident Z sticks now can also be had in other colors!
Team Group sent us their newly released T-Force Night Hawk 3000 MHz DDR4, which comes with a new look, and other features not common to today's DDR4. T-Force is Team Group's latest focus on bringing something a little bit different for any memory-related gear, including memory and SSDs.
Crucial released a speed bump to their DDR4 products! Today, we get get to look at their update to the Ballistix Tracer line-up with a maximum speed of 3000 MHz and amazingly decent timings of 15-16-16-35 operating at a voltage of 1.35 V. You may have thought of Crucial as a company that only offers entry-level to mid-grade DDR4 products, but cannot do so any longer!
Intel's Skylake loves high-speed DDR4. G.Skill loves making it. The G.Skill F4-3866C18D-8GTZ is one of those high-speed kits, topping out at a crazy 3866 MHz, a whole 1733 MHz above the Skylake base memory specification. Can our CPU make it that high? Does your motherboard even support such speeds? G.Skill's 3866 MHz TridentZ kit definitely pushes the limits.
With memory capacities soaring, G.Skill sent us a huge 32 GB kit out of their Ripjaws V line-up, ready to be mated with Intel's Skylake processors. This two-stick kit from G.Skill is not only huge in capacity at it is also very fast at 3200 MHz.
With a flurry (pun intended) of white products on store shelves now, one thing that has been sorely missing are white memory sticks. However, Crucial is here to save the esthetics of your white build with their Ballistix Sport 32 GB kit clad in white heatspreaders and a white PCB! Not only do they look good, their huge capacity means you'll nearly never run out of memory!
With DDR4 prices taking a dive recently, there's no time like the present to get yourself a new Z170 system, or perhaps you want to move from 8 GB to 16 GB. G.Skill's Trident Z kits and their sweet new looks and affordable pricing just might make you click that buy button.
Intel's new Skylake platform comes with DDR4 at increased memory speeds, and the first to help us investigate the benefits of high-performance DDR4 is G.Skill's latest design, the Ripjaws V. Wrapped in a new look, these ultra-fast 3600 MHz modules push the limits of your Skylake CPU.
Crucial's latest has spent some time being punished in my memory testing rig, stretched to the limits and back again. Before giving it a chance to rest, I put Crucial's Ballistix Elite DDR4 through the paces. With a big black heatsink, this kit not only looks mean; Crucial's Ballistix Elite DDR4 packs a good punch, too!
If you're into the latest tech, DDR4 is in your sights, and G.Skill is here on these pages yet again with another Ripjaws4 kit, its timings 15-16-16-35 at a blazing 3000 MHz. Great-looking, the F4-3000C15Q-16GRBB quad-channel kit is affordable, fast, and clad in blue.
Crucial is a name most of us know well. From memory to SSDs, Crucial has been a major player in the memory market for many years. Now that DDR4 is on the market, we turn to Crucial to get a look at what DDR4 has to offer.
Built with some of the highest possible speeds without being the most expensive kit, the G.SKILL Ripjaws 4 3000 MHz C15 kit is a treat for both overclockers and gamers alike. Featuring a brand-new look that includes a new heatspreader design, the G.SKILL Ripjaws 4 3000 MHz kit is ready to take your system to the limit and beyond.
I called out for some help in fighting the never-ending stream of motherboards that come my way, and G.Skill sent none other than the god of war kit, ARES F3-2400C11D-8GAB, to fight beside me. Can these G.Skil ARES F3-2400C11D-8GAB sticks turn the tide in the battle for top-level memory performance for a good price?
G.Skill sent me a fancy new memory kit with huge capabilities, both in size and for overclocking! Clocking in at a normal 1600 MHz, but with CAS 7, the G.Skill F3-1600C7Q-32GTX's sticks aren't average, and their red and black tridents are nearly the perfect match for any watercooled and overclocked build.
We take another look at Crucial's memory products, this time a set of tiny Very Low Profile, Low Voltage DIMMs at a rather standard 1600 MHz. Screened for operation at CAS 9, the Crucial Ballstix Sport VLP kit is for those looking to save a bit on power consumption, or those that have a confined case to build their system in.
I've got AVEXIR's latest high-performance Core Series 3100 MHz C12 DIMMs in for testing, and they definitely show what Avexir is capable of. Not for everyone, this blazingly fast kit will probably also make your wallet crumble to dust.
T-Topology on nearly every Z78 motherboard makes filling all four of your motherboard's memory slots an interesting option. G.Skill's new G.Skill F3-2133C9Q-16GXL kit uses four sticks, comes in red, and has great heatsink compatibility, but does using single-sided sticks hurt performance?
G.Skill's F3-2933C12D-8GTXDG kit is a weapon for the seasoned overclocker and Haswell-based systems. Clad in black and red, it is a complex kit that, once quenched and hardened, proves to be valuable to any serious overclocker.
Crucial expanded their line-up a short while ago at Computex by introducing the Ballistix Sport XT product for mainstream users and those who know how to tweak their memory. We take a look at the high-end 1866 MHz C10 model, which carry a few surprises.
I have another Kingston HyperX kit here to play with, this time one fully clad in Black. The Kingston HyperX Beast Black 2133 MHz 16 GB kit out of a pair of high-performance, high-density DIMMs is ready to rip the heart out of your PC. They sure left me beat up and confused.
Prowling the depths of extreme environments, the Kingston HyperX Predator DIMMs come out from Kingston's lab to settle within the hot jungle of your PC case. Today, we take a look at the 2400 MHz C11 2x4 GB kit, one of the few affordable higher-end kits on the market.
A rabid animal hungry for food, the Kingston HyperX Beast stampedes into the overclocking scene, ripping through our benchmarks like no other. Clocked in at 2400 MHz out of the box, these beasts are ready to take on whatever you want to feed them.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the HyperX brand, Kinston has released a limited edition line up called the HyperX Genesis 10th Anniversary Special Edition. We take a look at the top-end 16 GB 2400 MHz CL11 kit, a blazing fast kit with performance to match.
Forged deep in the depths of Poseidon's armory, G.Skill's F3-2666C11Q-16GTXD kit is a weapon for the seasoned and new overclocker. The G.Skill F3-2666C11Q-16GTXD, clad in black and red, pushes the limits of performance at a decent cost, making it a valuable weapon to any enthusiast.
Once again Corsair refreshes their Dominator line-up, and this time, they've got some big changes! Today I've got the Dominator Platinum modules for testing, and none other than the high-end 2666 MHz CL10 kit. Made for overclocking, while having a sleek and very sophisiticated look, the Dominator Platinum brings a lot to the table.
Looking to get a new high-end motherboard, and don't know what memory to pick? Does that board happen to be red and black? G.Skill takes an older brand and makes it new, this time Trident becomes TridentX, changing from black and blue to black and red, and adds something else, too.
Today we take a look at another classic memory kit on the Intel X79 Express platform, this time from Exceleram. The Rippler ERB300A is built for overclocking with its fast CL6 speeds, but will that still work with the overclocks of today?
G.Skill sent us a little surprise, in a 32 GB package. The G.Skill RipjawsX F3-2133C9Q-32GXH kit not only offers huge capacity and speed, but also a little something extra. Intended for P67/Z68, the GSkill F3-2133C9Q-32GXH maxes out the speed, but also the size those platforms offer.
Today we take a trip back through time, and visit an older product, that just might have more relevance in today's market than first meets the eye. The Patriot Viper Xtreme PX523G2000ELK kit may appear familiar and for good reason, as they were launched nearly 18 months ago, back on October 19th, 2010. Does this Viper from Patriot still have some bite on the modern X79 platform?
Several tech forums are buzzing about Samsung's lastest "Green" 30 nm DDR3, that sips the voltage, and sits on a tiny low-profile PCB. We snagged a pair to see what all the fuss is about, and boy, were we surprised!
G.Skill sent us their Ripjaws Z F3-17000CL9Q-16GBZH kit, now that Intel's latest platform has been launched, and new memory kits are needed, due to the new quad-channel configuration that the Intel X79 Express platforms offers. We put the 16 GB G.Skill 2133 MHz kit through the paces, and push it to the max.
The Crucial Ballistix Finned memory does not only look cool, but they also pack an on-board sensor so that you can actually make sure they stay cool during use and extreme overclocking. We take the 1866 MHz kit for a spin to check if it manages to make an impression or barely ding our armor.
The G.Skill Ripjaws come in various flavors and capacities, but focus more on the mainstream overclocker. With many different versions and color variants of the kit out there, one could wonder if G.Skill is not simply trying to create models to cover every memory chip they get their hands on. But, we take a look at the 1600 MHz kit and are surprised to find headroom, lots and lots of headroom.
Corsair has introduced their new line of memory called Vengeance. Available in high capacity kits up to 16 GB we got a hold of the triple-channel one with 4x 3 GB modules. That said we push the trio to the max and see if it comes back with a vengeance or fizzles into thin air quietly.
The G.Skill 8 GB 2000 MHz kit manages to offer high capacity, nicely packaged within tall and solid heatspreaders. The active cooling bracket lights up blue and we push the memory & test bench to the limit to see what this kit is capable of.
Mach Xtreme is a new player, but their complete line-up of memory, SSDs and their USB 3.0 flash drive made some real waves. We are taking a look at the Armor 1600 MHz CL8 dual channel kit, which comes equipped with Xigmatek heat spreaders. Will its shell withstand our barrage of benchmarks or are we able to chip its armor?
The Xtreem Dark series of modules are aimed at the enthusiast and casual overclocker. With compact black heat spreaders and maximum specs of 1600 MHz, they should be an attractive choice for most i3 or i5 users out there. We slap the Xtreem Dark into our testing rig and turn up the heat to see what kind of power hides below the dark hard shell of these modules.
G.Skill is offering a full range of P55 compatible memory kits, with the ECO being one of them. As the name implies, the memory aims to deliver the most performance while only requiring a mere 1.35V to run at 1600 MHz CL7-8-7.
The 633x Compact Flash from A-DATA is their fastest CF offering available today. With advertised read and write speeds of above 90 MB/s it should be an interesting performer. We take a close look and push it to the real world limits - for your reading pleasure.
The Xtreem Series from Team Group marks the company's high-end line-up of memory for the newest plattforms available. We rip apart, bench and push the memory to the limit, to see how it ticks below the surface of the thick, high quality heatspreaders.
Elixir is known for their standard JEDEC modules, usually found in budget and mid-range systems. Their 1600 MHz tri-channel kit tries to give you that same value with a hint of overclockability thrown in the mix, for those who want that magical 1600 MHz speed, while spending as little as possible.
OCZ expands the Reaper series with the HPC tri-channel kit. This one runs at 1866 MHz and offers CL8 right out of the box. The heatspreader design with heatpipe cooling looks menacing, but will it manage to keep cool under pressure when we push the memory to the limit and reap some praise?
The Trident Series from G.Skill is a very affordable kit, but manages up to 2000 MHz right out of the box. The kit also has very nice high quality heatspreaders. We push the kit to 1.65 V and way beyond that to see check for additional OC potential or if it manages to impress us with a great price / performance ratio.
The Redline Tri-Channel Kit from Mushkin manages 1600 MHz at CL6-7-6-18 right out of the box, making it one of the fastest kits at this speed on the market. We push the kit way past the red line for you in this review, reaching well over 2000 MHz with more relaxed timings.
G.Skill offers a full range of tri-channel memory kits at speeds of up to 2000 MHz. We are taking a look at their red kit rated at 1600 MHz and CL9. Even though this memory is on the lower end of the line-up, it manages to surprise with good overclockablity and the possibility of tighter timings.
The Ascent series from Mushkin represents their high-end line-up with thick eVCI heatspreaders, very tight timings and fast speeds. On top of that, the memory scales extremely well with voltage and has plenty of potential for overclockers
The Corsair Dominator Series of 4 GB kits does not only manage to deliver a great overclock but also offers exceptional performance at lower speed settings, making this a kit for almost every scenario. Its attractive price of $125 is a very affordable way to get into the 4 GB club while still being able to run serious overclocks.
A-DATA's 4 GB Vitesta Extreme Edition DDR2 memory kit offers great performance at a low price of only $75. The memory can even run CL3 at the specified 800 MHz, with a small voltage increase and scales up to DDR2-1066 at CL5.
OCZ's PC2-9200 Flex II modules can be used with both air and watercooling. They are designed for 1150 MHz DDR2 at CL 5 with 2.1V. In our testing we could easily push the modules above DDR2-1200 without an extra voltage increase.
Lexar is joining the frey of high-performance UDMA Compact Flash cards with their Professional 300x series of cards. We get to take a look at their 8 GB version with a big, pleasant suprise during benching.
PQI's newest class 6 SDHC card is aimed at those looking for a cheap and fast storage card. Being a competitively priced class 6 card it is definitely worth considering if you are looking to upgrade your camera or other write intensive devices' memory.
The new "Turbo" Compact Flash card from A-DATA raises the bar from 266x to 350x performance. It also adds Ultra DMA capability and uses SLC flash memory to attain insane speeds never seen before. If you are looking to build a solid-state HDD using CF Technology then this is one of the cards you should definitely consider.
Mushkin has also jumped the 4 GB DDR2 memory bandwagon and is offering these kits at tighter than usual latencies. This kit runs at 4-4-4-12 at 2.0 - 2.1V.
Lexar's new entry level 8 GB SDHC card is quite unique. It is both reasonably priced and offers really good performance for a "Class 2" card. Actually the card surpasses the Class 2 requirements in our testing. At around $50 quite a nice achievement.
OCZ is offering a full line-up of DDR3 memory. Their Platinum Series was always known for their great price/performance ratio and this Enhanced Bandwidth kit is no different. It offers tighter timings at 1600 MHz than the competition, at a lower price point. So can it give us some serious bang for our buck?
The G.Skill Pi Series goes a completely different route, than other high-end memory today. Instead of pushing the envelope on voltage, it gives you some crazy performance at default or close to default DDR2 voltage.
A-DATA is pushing the performance envelope with their Turbo series of CF cards. The series goes up to 16 GB and aims to give you the best possible performance - if you are willing to pay for it.
There are not many manufacturers offering such massive kits, but Winchip has made some waves before with unique offerings. Their 667 MHz 4x 4 GB kit runs at CL5. Such a large capacity kit is intended for very specific scenarios. We try to showcase some of these.
A-DATA is one of the few companies, which offer 32 GB Compact Flash cards. We take a look at the unit and also give it a go as a hard drive, as it certainly has the size for such a scenario.
The A-DATA X-Series is available in DDR2 and DDR3 flavors. Their DDR3 1600 MHz is set at a solid CL7 and comes with graphite colored heatspreaders in a very elaborate package. If 1600 MHz is not enough, you may go for the 1900 MHz version instead.
The OCZ ReaperX HPC memory series is the newest variant of the heatpipe cooled memory available from the manufacturer. Its new design improves on the cooling with dual heatpipes and finer fins to keep the parts cool. In our testing we saw excellent performance going all the way to DDR2-736 at 3-3-3-12.
Crucial has updated their successful Tracer line-up with the Ballistix Tracer 4 GB Dual Channel kit. Despite stock ratings at 800 MHz with CL4 timings at 2.2V this kit is capable of reaching 1120 MHz stable at CL5 and 2.2V. In addition, the Ballistix Tracer Reds were completely stable at stock speed and timings with only 1.8V, making this a great kit for those with limited voltage options. That said, the entirely red LED accented theme and great performance from these high density 2GB modules is sure to please.
Cellshock has begun offering their high-end DDR3 memory modules with blue heatspreaders. Their new 1866 MHz CL8 is a speed demon in disguise and has plenty of reserves, pushing our P35 board to the limit. It manages CL7 at the advertised rating and should also be able to break the 2 GHz barrier at CL8.
Aeneon is entering the DDR3 market with their X-Tune brand. This series is aimed at the gamers and their first offering is set at 1333 MHz with CL8. It comes with very nice looking black heatspreaders and a unique, blue PCB
The Ballistix DDR3 1600 MHz CL8 Kit is Crucial's only enthusiast DDR3 offering at the moment and as such it has been placed right in the middle of the MHz and CL rating spectrum. The memory kit does actually manage speeds of almost 2 GHz and tighter timings at the stock speed of 1600 MHz.
Cellshock is a newer brand which offers uncompromising quality. This can already be felt and seen when you take a close look at the massive heatspreaders which use real thermal paste and are secured by hex screws. The 1066 MHz kit features black spreaders, while top top of the line 1150 MHz offering utilizes red ones.
GeIL broke into the market with the Golden Dragon Series in the past and have now "resurrected" the dragon in form of the Black Dragon DDR2 line. The memory features a gorgeous looking PCB with a golden dragon head with bright red LEDs as the eyes. The entry level CL4 variant looks quite promising and performs just as well.
Crucial's Newegg Lanfest 2K7 Special Edition memory kit is an extreme overclocking kit at its best. With stellar looks and the potential to simply shatter the rated specifications, this kit definitely won't fail to please the overclocking needs of any PC enthusiast and at a great price to boot.
OCZ's new DDR3 1800 memory kit is geared towards early adopters, overclockers and enthusiasts that always want to have the latest and the greatest. We tested the 2 GB kit and were surprised how well balanced overclocking is. You are free to run aggressive CL5 timings at lower clocks or go full out, up to 1850 MHz.
A-DATA is joining the band wagon of 1200 MHz memory with their Extreme Edition memory. Many manufacturers have displayed memory at these speeds at Computex this year. The kits are available in 1 or 2 GB variants and come with the new, cleaner heatspreader. This Extreme Edition memory is the first to manage 1200 MHz at default voltage with no problems at all.
DDR3 P35 boards and the new memory standard were a big topic at CeBIT and all major memory manufacturers showed DDR3 up and running at Computex. One of these companies is Winchip with their DDR3 1600 MHz CL8-8-8-15 memory. We take a first look at the new memory to let you know, what it holds in store.
Mushkin is well known for the solid memory kits they make. Today we have the Mushkin XP2-6400 2 GB on our test bench. These modules are specced to run at DDR2-800 at CL4. With a price of $150 for 2 GB this kit is sure not the cheapest, but it comes with Micron D9 memory chips. In our testing we saw very nice voltage scaling up to DDR2-1136 at CL5.
Winchip is a well known brand in Asia and is now entering the European market with their memory products. The company has a long history in the OEM sector, while the heatspreader of their PC2-9600 memory looks quite unigue. The 2 GB memory kit, which costs $199, can manage an impressive 1240 MHz at CL5-5-5-15 on our testbed.
Today we take a look at the Ballistix Tracer PC2-6400 2GB kit from Crucial Technology. For those who haven't heard of the Tracer range, these modules feature eye catching blue backlighting and activity LEDs, making this RAM an excellent choice for making your PC really stand out! With most modern games using more and more memory and at the same time needing loads of bandwidth, this memory would be great for high-end gaming systems.
Mushkin's XP2-8500 4 GB DDR2 memory is the only kit on the market that can run DDR2-1066 in a 4 GB configuration. While other manufacturers have to use CL6 @ 800 MHz, Mushkin can use CL5 @ 1066, at around 2.30 V. Having 4 GB of system memory may soon be the recommended configuration when running the memory-hungry Windows Vista. The only drawback of this memory is its price: $679.
OCZ's XTC Memory Cooler is a plug-on cooling module for your motherboard's memory modules. With people pumping more and more voltage through their memory, temperature becomes a concern and often limits the maximum overclock. In our testing we saw about 20°C decrease in memory temperature and increased overclocking capability.
The A-DATA Vitesta DDR2 1066+ 2 GB memory kit is an excellent choice for overclockers who are looking to maximize their clock rates and performance. Even though it is specified to run at CL5, we had no problems running at CL4 above DDR2-1000 - CL3 is possible as well at reduced clock rates. What makes this versatile memory kit even more attractive is its fair price of $365.
When deciding on components for a new system, users are often worried about incompatibilities with the memory of their choice. OCZ has teamed up with ATI to bring you CrossFire certified memory. This means that you can install this memory on any CrossFire certified motherboard and it is guaranteed to work. In our testing the modules performed very well over a wide range of timings from CL3 to CL5. To distinguish this memory from their other products OCZ colored the heatspreader in a beautiful ATI red which looks mighty good.
The G.SKILL F2-6400CL6D-4GBMQ are one of the first 2x 2 GB DDR2 memory kits that let you run high frequencies, DDR2-800 in this case. In our review we will point out the difficulties you will experience when installing 4 GB of memory on 32-bit platforms. Is this $500 memory kit the solution to a smooth Windows Vista experience?
Crucial has always been highly thought of by all serious overclockers. They have catered well for the enthusiast market with their Ballistix and Ballistix Tracer range of memory. Today we take a look at the Crucial Ballistix PC2-5300 2 GB kit, which has given us some stunning benchmark results! Reaching speeds of over 1 GHz, and breaking the 10,000 MB/s barrier in Everest Read.
Even though the OCZ PC2-8800 Gold are designed "for gamers" they still offer features that you would usually see only on high-end overclockers' memory. Being able to run at a default of 1100 MHz DDR2 is very impressive, even though it requires around 2.4V to do that. In our testing we could get this $450 memory kit to DDR2-726 at CL3 and DDR2-1178 at CL6. This shows that this kit has something for everybody, no matter if you overclock just a little, or need insane FSB speeds.
With the XP2-6400 Mushkin has released their second generation of DDR2-800 memory. The memory comes with default timings of 4-4-3-10, which is a good deal better than most of the competition. The elegant black heatspreaders add to the look of this memory. But this memory is not only about looks. The timings can be tightened down to 3-2-2-4. Relaxing them has an even better surprise for you - we reached DDR2-1104 at CL5.
AData is well-known in the overclocking scene as a high-quality memory brand which offers good overclocking on all their memory modules. We have their Vitesta DDR2-800 kit on the testbench and were impressed that it could be overclocked to DDR2-900 without any problems. Even though the default timings of 5-5-5-15 are a bit slow, they can be tightened down to 3-2-2-4 when running lower clocks. Another plus is that this memory will work great even at stock voltage of 1.8V.
A few weeks ago I got me a new notebook from Lenovo, the Thinkpad X60s. Soon I realized that the default memory configuration of 512 MB is not enough. Since the official memory upgrades are rather expensive I thought I'd give G.SKILL notebook memory a try. These modules come for about half the price of the original memory and offer rock stable performance for your memory hungry applications.
The F2-4200PHU2-1GBNT are G.SKILL's latest budget DDR2 memory kit. Even though they lack heatspreaders they offer excellent overclocking. Our sample would go from the advertised DDR2-4200 up to a blazing DDR2-5800. What makes this kit even more attractive is that you can tighten the timings to 3-3-2-4. All this comes at a very competitive price of only $75 for a 2x512 MB dual channel kit.
G.SKILL presented their new 2GB F1-4000BIU2-2GBHV DDR memory kit at Cebit. If you are looking for a well overclocking 2GB memory kit you should definitely take a look. Even though it comes with CL3 timings, it will also run at CL2 and CL2.5. It can do all its overclocking magic at only 2.6V so this may be a good choice for users of budget motherboards which do not offer allow voltage adjustments in the BIOS.
OCZ has been a technology leader in the overclocker's memory business for quite a while now. Their new DDR2 PC2-6400 Platinum XTC kit comes with stock timings of 4-5-4-15 which we could tighten down to 3-3-2-4 and still get some serious overclocking out of the memory.
Mushkin has been making performance memory for enthusiasts for a long time. Today we have their new DDR2 XP2-5300 memory on the testbench. This 2 GB kit comes with tight timings of 3-3-3. It can even run at impressive 1000 MHz when the timings are relaxed to 5-5-5. The elegant black heatspreaders add to the excellent impression this memory left.
G.SKILL is well known in the community for making high-quality memory products which perform good and are not too expensive. The F1-32000PHU2-2GBNS 2GB DDR-400 kit is going for around $160 - one of the best prices for a 2 GB kit right now. For such a bargain price you would usually expect slow CL3 timings on memory. However, G.SKILL specifies this memory as 2.5-3-3-6 at only 2.6V.
OCZ is one of the most well known manufacturer of enthusiast memory. Recently they have introduced their XTC line of heatspreaders which are engineered to keep temperatures of the memory down, even when overclocking. The PC2-4200 Gold XTC offer superb overclocking, even at stock voltage. We found that the default timings of 4-4-4-12 can be tightened a good deal without losing much overclocking headroom.
G.SKILL is known for their well performing memory, which doesn't cost an arm and a leg. We have their latest 2GB kit on the testbench and were surprised by the good results. For $200 you get a 2 GB kit which performs very close to Samsung TCCD. Our best result was 272 MHz at only 2.8V. Impressive for a 2GB kit.
Modern games require more and more memory. One gigabyte of system memory has pretty much become today's standard. Once you turn up the eye candy you are much better off having 2 GB. OCZ is using their new XTC honey-comb heatspreaders on these modules which offer much better thermal properties than the traditional solid heatspreaders. For 1024 MB modules the overclocking works quite well too, we reached up to 240 MHz without any voltage increase.
OCZ is well known for being constantly on the lookout for new ways to improve performance of their enthusiast memories. The 3200 Gold GX XTC are using OCZ's completely reingeneered heatspreaders which feature a pattern of honeycomb holes for improved heat transfer. Being able to run tight latencies of 2-2-2-5 1T is a great way to improve system performance. In our tests we could run at DDR476 with those timings.
Mushkin has been well known for producing top-notch overclocker's memory. Now they have released a 2 GB kit which features their brand-new reengineered heatspreaders. Even though it uses 6 ns rated memory chips from Infineon we could overclock them to 280 MHz, a great result for a 2 GB kit.
The G.SKILL F1-4000USU2-2GBHZ unite overclocking and 2GB. They almost overclock like the best 1 GB Dual-Channel kits, but offer double the amount of capacity. We reached 275 MHz (DDR550) at low 2.6V. If you want the smoothness of 2 GB and also overclocking, they can be yours for about $245, which is an excellent price.
G.SKILL uses Samsung TCCD or TCC5 chips on these DDR memory modules. The timings of 2.5-4-4-8 are pretty much what you would expect from modules using these chips. During our overclocking tests we could get DDR600 speeds out of the sticks, at a rather small voltage of 2.8V. The best about this memory? It's the price. You can find a 2x 512MB kit for around $170 online.
Unlike all other memory manufacturers who merely buy DDR-chips and solder them on PCBs of other manufacturers, Crucial builds their own memory chips and PCB. On the Tracer PC4000 you will also find unique leds for a good look. Although Crucial/Micron is not very known for overlocking RAM we will do an xtreme overclocking test with high voltages and try to determine if they are a good alternative to sticks with Samsung TCCDs or low latency modules like Winbond UTT BH-5/CH-5.
OCZ has released the PC4800 Elite Edition in reply to user's claims that their 4800 Platinum modules used Samsung TCC5 chips instead of TCCD. OCZ guarantees that only Samsung TCCD chips are used on the PC-4800 Platinum Elite, but at a higher cost. These modules are specified to run both 2-2-2-5 and 2.5-4-4-10 timings. At the CL2.5 setting up to a whopping DDR600.
OCZ has geared their DDR2 Value Pro towards "mainstream desktop users". We had the DDR2 PC2-4200 Value Pro modules on our testbench and were surprised by how far we could overclock this memory. Close to DDR2-750 at stock voltage is certainly not mainstream. Timings could also be tightened from 4-4-4-8 to 3-3-2-4. Great results, especially if you consider the price of $120 for a 2x512MB kit.
After the success of the old "BH-5" PC3500 LVL2, Mushkin tries to continue the success story with the new Redline XP4000. They select the best Winbond UTT CH-5 and use them on these modules to have a big clearance above the specifications. The modules offer 250 MHz with tightest timings of 2-2-2, but require active cooling. We test these sticks at up to 3.5V and see how far they go.
If you ask an overclocker "Best memory chips ever?" you will most probably get the reply "Winbond BH5". Unfortunately Winbond stopped production some time in 2003 and supply of these chips was running dry pretty fast. Now Winbond is back with their BH5 UTT and OCZ has built the PC-3500 Gold Gamer Extreme modules with it. The modules run at aggressive timings of 2-2-2-5 and offer a lifetime warranty for up to 3.1V memory voltage.
OCZ is known as a memory manufacturer who produces high-end enthusiast memory. The recently released Titanium Line is more focused on stability of operation, than for overclockers. It features OCZ's Lifetime PowerSwap Warranty which is a unique feature to the Titanium Series. If your memory breaks at any time, you call up OCZ and they will send out a replacement via Fedex on the same day. Once you got your system up and running you ship the defective memory back to them within two weeks.
Right now, DDR2 is only available to the Intel Platform. The biggest drawback people are complaining about, is that DDR2 is running at slower timings than traditional DDR. That is why OCZ, who have always been designing products with the enthusiast in mind, came up with a memory that can run at 667 MHz but at tighter timings than the standard JEDEC Spec. The maximum clock we could get out of the memory at 2.4V was DDR726 at Timings of 4-2-2-8.
TwinMOS is returning the legendary Winbond BH-5 chips to the market. We could run these competetively priced modules at speeds of over DDR500.
