Conclusion:

The Kingston HyperX Beast 16GB 2133MHz DDR3 memory kit was able to run completely stable with CL10 timings at 2133MHz and 1.6V. The benchmarks show that performance gains can be realized as a result, although they are rather small (2-9%). For those looking to run at lower clock speeds (perhaps with plans for big overclocks later) there is an XMP profile onboard to run at 1600MHz with 9-9-9-27-2 timings at 1.5V, and testing also revealed that it is possible to run this kit at 1866MHz with 9-9-9-24-1 timings at 1.5V.



At the time of this review, Amazon.com is selling the 2x8 (16GB) Kingston HyperX Beast 2133MHz memory kit for about $156 (US). This puts the Kingston HyperX at approximately a 10% premium to the lowest price competitors at similar timings and clock frequencies but we obviously can't testify to the stability or performance of those competing kits. Kingston's pricing is quite fair considering the additional headroom that we have identified that these modules have (CL10 timings at 1.6 volts).

With that said, the Kingston HyperX Beast 16GB 2133MHz memory kit earns the Bigbruin.com "Recommended" award. Priced within 10% of its competitors and achieving 2-9% performance gains thanks to the ability to operate at tighter timings.



Pros:

» Capable of running at stock freqency (2133MHz) with tighter (CL10) timings at 1.6 volts
» XMP profiles for 1600MHz and 2133MHz operation
» Aesthetically pleasing black heatspreaders

Cons:

» Fails to POST with just a slight overclock, even with relaxed timings and extra voltage
» May not clear all aftermarket CPU coolers due to height of heatspreader

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