| Kingston HyperX 2GB DDR3-1800 Dual Channel Memory Kit
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Conclusion:
The testing portion of the review showed that upgrading from a 1600MHz kit to 1800MHz kit might not be the best investment you could make in your computer system. The HyperX 1800MHz kit outperformed a handful of other kits running at 1600MHz, but not by much. Even with the Kingston HyperX 2GB DDR3-1800 dual channel memory kit overclocked past specification at 1920MHz it did not result in overwhelmingly better scores in the programs used in the review.
The XMP feature of the memory kit was not tested because the motherboard used in the review did not support it. Manually setting the memory to 1800MHz with 8-8-8-24 timings and 1.9V was simple enough with the BIOS of the 790i motherboard used, and overclocking a bit beyond that was rather easy. The system was stable with the memory running at up to 1920MHz, and the timings and voltage did not have to be adjusted.
Searching the Internet for the Kingston HyperX 2GB DDR3-1800 dual channel memory kit comes up with a few sellers with prices starting around $180 before shipping or tax (presently out of stock at Newegg.com). The part number as reviewed is KHX14400D3K2/2GX, but an alternate part number, KHX14400D3K2/2GXR, represents the same kit with the "R" suffix standing for Retail. While DDR3 still can't quite compete with DDR2 when it comes to price, $180 is a rather good price for 1800MHz DDR3. Comparing this 1800MHz kit to 1600MHz (or even 1333MHz) kits shows that you are going to pay a bit of a premium for having the high speed operation all but guaranteed.
While slower kits showed that they could be overclocked to perform nearly as well as this HyperX 2GB DDR3-1800 dual channel memory kit, if you are looking for plug and play performance at 1800MHz (and above), this kit is worth considering. Given the performance, XMP profiles, and room for overclocking, the Kingston HyperX 2GB DDR3-1800 dual channel memory kit earns the Bigbruin.com "Recommended" award.
Pros:
» Tight timings at high speed (8-8-8-24 @ 1800MHz)
» Intel XMP profiles make getting up to speed easy with the right motherboard
» Overclocked to 1920MHz with stock voltage and timings
» Lifetime warranty
Cons:
» Price to performance ratio not that appealing
Special thanks to Kingston for providing the Kingston HyperX 2GB DDR3-1800 Dual Channel Memory Kit to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
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