G.SKILL DDR3-1600 2x1GB Dual Channel Memory Kit

Introduction:

   G.Skill is just one of those cool memory makers that has made some low cost, yet extremely formidable memory kits. My first GSkill DDR and DDR2 memory kits were no exception. Each version came in two different revisions with one kit costing just a little more. In both cases, the modules ran absolutely flawless and surprisingly overclocked really well. My choices were mainly attributed to various GSkill techs posting their test results on forums. For some reason, it just seemed like a more active approach that appealed to me.

While there are plenty of excellent DDR2 memory kits still out there costing a mere $55 to $90 depending on the kits, DDR3 is eventually going to become the staple memory of choice unlike Microsoft's Vista. There still isn't a large amount of DDR3 available just yet. But, as it continues to show its performance capabilities with the upcoming arrival of more DDR3 supporting motherboards, more and more kits will help drive down the cost.

G.Skill has once again been gracious in sending us one of their more extreme memory kits. The G.Skill DDR3-1600 2x1GB Dual Channel Memory Kit is aimed at offering the more serious enthusiast some very capable memory that will be able to keep up with the most serious of overclocked processors and still be quite capable when even faster processors arrive. You read correct. Processors will undoubtedly continue to increase in frequency and will soon surpass the 1333MHz Front Side Bus. Most DDR3 kits to reach the shelves thus far are 1066MHz and higher. This means Core 2 Duo users with the 1066 or 1333 FSB processors finally have memory modules to match. As you'll see, 1600MHz DDR3 has a lot to offer faster cores.

Specifications:

A Closer Look:

After looking over G.Skill's latest web site, I noticed that they have their own official Forum now. While it's not a substitute for official technical support, it is a really cool feature for users who have questions that can most likely be answered by any number of forum readers in most cases. This means you won't have to sit by your email waiting to hear back in the event you need some help with their memory products. They aren't the only ones to do so as others have their such as Patriot Memory, but it's quickly becoming a good thing to have. One thing about forums is that there are plenty of educated and experienced users who most likely have the answers to your questions. However, if your memory kit ever has some sort of issue that can't be fixed with an adjustment or two, G.Skill's warranty is always honored.

Front

Back

The new kit comes in a nice presentable little package that displays a cool shimmering effect. Right away the package with the G.Skill logo catches your eye and you know it's going to something good. The back of the package reveals a few benefits as well as the product sticker with all of the really useful information like just how fast your memory kit and system potentially may go. 

Nice Presentation

The Package

The new DDR3 series have been given new and different color heat spreaders. The colors coincide with memory timings rather than frequencies. The lower latency kits have a deep blue color which should make choosing easier if you require the lower timing modules for the best performance. The light blue and blood red heat spreaders carry slightly higher timings most likely because they are built with different modules. The light blue modules are familiar to this test bench since it was one of the best priced per performance kits available.

Front

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The current top G.Skill DDR3-1600 kit has been given jet black aluminum heat spreaders with some nice character. All the spreaders share the same diamond cut G.Skill design which looks really cool. The quality of the cuts adds a really neat look to the spreaders that reflects any light. So, if your system has blue or red LEDs, they can easily reflect lights which add a nice effect especially in a case with a window. The only thing cooler than these kinds of spreaders, is these spreaders with some red LEDs or something. Hey, we can dream a little.

Cut Logo

Cut Edges

The DDR3-1600 kit comes with some choice modules providing 1600MHz frequencies with 7-7-7-18 timings and requiring a conservative 1.9 volts. Lower frequency kits anywhere close to these frequencies would require considerably more voltage and probably not match timings. These are built with some of the top choice Micron ICs which currently don't come cheap. The one thing that I can say in their defense is that every DDR3 kit with these upper echelon ICs have been very successful performers offering up some impressive benchmark results especially at their extreme rated frequencies. If you recently purchased a new Intel Core 2 series processor and motherboard which are proven overclocking components, it really is almost a shame to not overclock your system and these kinds of modules fly.

Front

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Another thing worth noting, is that these modules are also quite capable of tighter timings at slower frequencies. For instance, this memory kit should be able to support 6-6-6 timings from about 1066 to roughly 1500MHz. And it should also be able to handle some really aggressive timings close to the 5-5-5 range at around 1066MHz to 1250MHz spectrum. The only kit to even come close so far has come from Mushkin which allowed for 5-6-5-18 timings and were simply flawless under stress. Previous kits in the 1600MHz range weren't tested for these lower timings simply because the kit is intended for out right high frequency performance. This doesn't mean you couldn't pick these up and use them at 1066 or 1333MHz to match your Core 2 series processors.

Spec Stickers

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