System Benchmark Tests

In this section, each memory kit is tested for system performance using several different benchmark tools. The objective of these tests is to show both theoretical and realistic performance differences between DDR3 memory kits, using the manufacturer specified speed and timing. In each test, ask yourself if high speed or low latency prevailed.

Using the Cache and Memory Benchmark tool within Lavalys EVEREST, we tested memory Read, Write, and Copy performance. In terms of read performance, Everest rates the Corsair Dominator-GT and Kingston HyperX 2000MHz kits highest and the OCZ 1333MHz CL7 kit lowest. Write performance favors the Kingston HyperX and Corsair Dominator-GT kits evenly, as higher speeds prevail. In the memory copy test, the Kingston HyperX 2000MHz kit shined brightest with a clear lead over the others.

Using the Memories test suite in PCMark Vantage, each triple-channel kit was benchmarked using several different scenarios. CPU Image manipulation favored the low latency OCZ 1333MHz CL7 kit, followed closely by the Corsair Dominator-GT and Kingston HyperX 2000MHz kits. Using the 1867MHz XMP setting for the Kingston HyperX DDR3 kit, CPU Image manipulation performance was only slightly the same kit with higher speeds. The same performance trends held true for the DV-WMV9 video transcoding test, and also the VC-1 to WMV9 transcoding test.

GPU Image manipulation is primarily a graphics processor-dependant test, but it's still relative to game performance (if system memory could impact this task). The higher-speed memory kits offer better performance in this benchmark, but all four kits performed nearly identical. The final chart shows the overall PCMark Vantage memory score, giving favor towards high speeds and low latency.

Test Summary

Here's what these benchmark tests have indicated so far:

• Lowest-latency triple-channel memory kits are best for multimedia encoding, where speed has little impact. They also improve CPU-dependant tasks, such as image manipulation.
• Highest-speed triple-channel memory kits are best suited for memory-specific applications, which include large file/application fetches. Some video games may also see miniscule improvements.

Memory Tested

• OCZ Platinum 6GB 1333MHz CL7-7-7-20-1 DDR3 OCZ3P1333LV6GK
• Kingston HyperX 2000MHz CL8-8-8-24-1 DDR3 Memory Kit KHX2000C8D3T1K3
• Corsair Dominator-GT 2000MHz CL7-8-7-20-2 DDR3 Memory Kit CMG6GX3M3A2000C7

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