| 6GB Kingston HyperX 2000MHz DDR3 Memory Kit |  |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Memory | |
| Written by Olin Coles | |
| Friday, 02 April 2010 | |
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Kingston HyperX 2000MHz DDR3 ConclusionAlthough the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, please be advised that every author perceives these factors differently at various points in time. While we each do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, there are often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer changes which occur after publication that could render our rating obsolete. Please do not base any purchase solely on our conclusion, as it represents our product rating for the sample received which may differ from retail versions. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate. Our performance rating considers how effective the Kingston HyperX 2000MHz CL8 system memory kit KHX2000C8D3T1K3/6GX performs in operations against direct competitor DDR3 triple-channel RAM storage products. For reference, Kingston specifies the KHX2000C8D3T1K3 modules to perform at two XMP eXtreme Memory Profiles: 1867MHz @ CL7-8-7-20-1, and 2002MHz @ CL8-8-8-24-1. This memory kit competes directly with the Corsair Dominator-GT 2000MHz kit, which has slightly different timings and a command rate of 2 instead of 1 for Kingston's HyperX kit. In most of the synthetic benchmark tests there was very little difference in performance, if any at all. The Kingston HyperX kit did produce faster CPU and GPU-bound frame rates in Far Cry 2, and also topped our Everest Memory Benchmark results.
The anodized deep-blue colored Kingston HyperX memory modules are attractive enough to add some appeal inside the computer case, and help an otherwise mundane hardware component stand-out in your computer system. Since 1.65V causes only a moderate amount of heat on the module, the attached heat-spreader is more than enough and excessive cooling measures are pointless. Considering this, I personally think that Kingston has combined equal parts function and fashion, and deliver an appealing product with no sacrifice in performance. As with past Kingston HyperX series memory, the module construction is solid. Backed by a Kingston 'Lifetime' warranty protecting consumers for all of their memory kits, you can't really go wrong. The permanently secured tall-fin heat-spreader helps protect the DRAM IC modules, so all that remains for concern is static discharge damage. Even then, the warranty has you covered. If any Kingston system memory product does fail during the limited lifetime warranty, end-users can contact Kingston Technology via the company support website. Fortunately, there's also a toll-free telephone number for support or customer service questions (800-435-0640). Since the Kingston KHX2000C8D3T1K3/6GX offers two memory profiles, overclockers can either use the 1867MHz setting as a starting point for tweaking this processor, or they can go all-out and use the 2002MHz without additional headroom. In our tests, the Kingston HyperX DDR3 kit matched-up extremely well with the Intel Core i7-980X Extreme Edition processor installed on our ASUS P6X58D-Premium test motherboard. Using this PC for our overclocking tests, it was extremely simple to isolate CPU overclocking and reach 4.0GHz while also taking advantage of the 2002MHz CL8-8-8-24-1 XMP profile. As of April 2010, there are several versions of the Kingston HyperX 2000MHz memory kit. The 6GB/2000MHz HyperX kit we've tested for this article (KHX2000C8D3T1K3/6GX) included the modules without a fan on NewEgg, however the KHX2000C8D3T1FK3/6GX kit includes the HyperX triple-channel fan for $240. If you're working with a 32-bit Operating System, then 6GB is more than you'll need and a 3GB is perfect. Kingston offers the KHX2000C8D3T1K3/3GX kit with the same performance specifications and lower price for $125. If all you're looking for is some overclocking headroom, then the $214 CL9 2000MHz 6GB kit (KHX2000C9AD3T1K3/6GX) might be ideal. For a few dollars more, you can get the same kit with the RAM fan. The great thing about high-speed system memory is that it never really becomes obsolete. The high-speed DDR2-1066 I purchased over three years ago is still top-shelf even by today's standard. Likewise, Kingston's lifetime product warranty ensures that this will be the last RAM upgrade you'll need for quite a while. Anyone using a 32-bit O/S should consider the 3GB (3x 1GB) kit, because almost half of a 6GB kit would go unmapped and wasted. Likewise, the average 64-bit user is usually better-off utilizing a 6GB kit than packing 12GB of system memory into the computer. The Kingston HyperX DDR3 triple-channel memory kits offer the best of both worlds: high speeds and relatively low latency. For PC hardware enthusiasts, this memory kit could mean the difference between joining the 4.0GHz overclock club or being like everyone else. Pros:
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Comments
Be careful!
Page 2-11 of the P6X58D Premium User Manual says "Due to Intel CPU spec, X.M.P. and DDR3-1600 are supported for one DIMM per channel only." I assume this limitation also applies to higher speed memory. Since "Intel CPU spec" is cited, it may apply to other X58 boards as well.