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Other than the typical jumps in frequency speeds, RAM didn’t change too much in 2010. Intel’s X58 chipset is still the only one that works with triplechannel memory, while every other Intel and AMD chipset features a dualchannel configuration. The increase in RAM frequencies has led to greater heat, so there’s a greater need for cooling, including tall finned heat spreaders and fans for many memory modules faster than 1,800MHz.


Winner: 8GB Patriot Viper Xtreme Series DDR3-2000MHz (PX538G2000ELK)
$249.99; www.patriotmemory.com
Patriot’s Viper Xtreme series features an extruded aluminum shield that’s built around 6 grams of copper to efficiently cool the modules. Stock timings are 9-10- 9-27 at 1.65V. Patriot indicates that the 8GB DDR3-2000 kit has been optimized for performance on P55 chipsets. The modules are Intel XMP-ready, so you can easily overclock the memory using recommended settings and voltages.

We also like that this kit is comparatively affordable for an enthusiastlevel 8GB set that consists of two 4GB modules. And because the 8GB only takes up space in two slots, you have space to add more memory in the future. In CPU’s test of the 6GB triple-channel version, we experienced above average results in 3DMark Vantage, MainConcept, and WinRAR benchmark tests. The Viper Xtreme Series timings also give you flexibility when overclocking.


First Runner-Up: 12GB Corsair Dominator GT DDR3-2000 (CMT12GX3M3A2000C9)
$403.99; www.corsair.com
This 12GB kit consists of three 4GB modules and was one of the most popular choices for memory in our Dream PC issue. The Corsair Dominator GT triple-channel DDR3 memory runs at 2000MHz and includes Corsair’s Airflow fan to cool the modules, so you won’t need to invest in any third-party memory cooling. The red and black modules feature Corsair’s DHX (Dual-path Heat Xchange) design with tall finned heat spreaders to cool the fast memory.

The 12GB Corsair Dominator GT DDR3-2000 kit features timings of 9-10-9-27, and you can use one of the Intel XMP settings to overclock the memory or configure your own settings. We also like that the Corsair Dominator GT module’s fins are removable, so you can add extended fins, or connect a liquidcooler such as Corsair’s Hydro Series H30 memory cooler, to customize the modules to meet your overclocking needs. Corsair offers a limited lifetime warranty on the 12GB Corsair Dominator GT DDR3-2000 kit.


Second Runner-Up: 6GB Kingston HyperX T1 DDR3-1866 (KHX1866C9D3T1K3/6GX)
$142.99; www.kingston.com
The HyperX T1 series is the top of the line for Kingston, and this 6GB kit includes three 2GB DDR3 modules that can run at up to 1,866MHz. The affordable kit features impressive latency timings of 9-9-9-27, and you can program a CAS latency of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. The extra-tall HyperX T1 heat spreaders (the modules measure 2.4 inches high) give Kingston the ability to push memory frequencies and timings. Each module of the 6GB HyperX T1 DDR3-1866 kit features a PCB made of 16 128MB 8-bit chips. The kit is Intel XMP-ready and comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Kingston.

2010 Storage Devices You Care The Most About

Source of Information : Computer Power User (CPU) January 2011