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Pricing, Value, And The Wrap-Up

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Putting the price difference in a bar graph makes it easier to visualize.

The most expensive modules in today’s DDR3-2000 6 GB memory kit comparison cost around 80% more than the cheapest, yet all products achieved similar timings. The difference in overclocking capability was more pronounced however, and that sets us up for a comparison of overclocking value. This comparison’s slowest memory sets the baseline.

Though second-from-last in overclocking capability, ultra-low-pricing makes Super Talent’s CAS-9 rated DDR3-2000 a top value. Adding excellent low-latency capability at various speeds, it would probably qualify as a winner, if only availability were better.

Second-place value Kingston HyperX DDR3-2000 CAS 8 came in dead-last in overclocking at DDR3-2030, yet once again we see the impact of an ultra-low price. Availability of these is fairly good, so performance enthusiasts on moderate budgets should be pleased.

Patriot’s Viper memory fell in the middle of most tests, yet the brand did stand out with lowest-stable DDR3-2000 timings of 7-7-6-18. Its price also comes in around the middle, making it a mid-range value.

Second-place overclocker Corsair Dominator GT falls to fourth in value, but fans will note that it’s the most affordable kit to reach DDR3-2100.

Anyone who wants to go only 14 MHz faster will pay dearly, as the top two memory kits have the hardest-to-justify value. G.Skill edges out OCZ by reaching the same clock speed at a lower price, making it a good choice for anyone who wants the fastest parts available.

Note that none of today’s modules hit DDR3-2133, yet several brands are now advertising this speed. Unfortunately, getting there typically requires setting fairly lofty voltage levels, such as a CPU Uncore of 1.75 V, and we simply didn’t want to risk damaging the CPU before testing could be completed. These types of requirements cast doubt in our minds about the practical capabilities of currently-advertised faster-rated parts, and we have no reason to believe available DDR3-2133 modules are quantifiably better than the fastest DDR3-2000 sets in today’s test.

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fla56 09/06/2009 16:22
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this review is a lot of effort but it hasn't shown the most important point -how much difference any of these very very expensive memories actually make to real world performance

that's something sensible folk will pay money for...

Criss-AC 21/08/2009 22:03
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In addition to fla56: and also how drastical is the difference between these modules and the ones I own (they run at 1,600 MHz): Corsair Core i7 Dominator, model number TR3X6G1600C8D. Will it REALLY make a huge difference if I switch to DDR3-2000?

BenSheriff 08/09/2009 02:20
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Great reveiw , i would also like to see some video links up of how ddr3 compared to people using ddr2 , could see how much it actuly quicking up youre system.

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