Sisoft Sandra:

Overclocking:

    I'm not really into overclocking, as I feel it's rather pointless with today's current hardware. Most of the software currently available doesn't even use the full potential of today's current hardware, so, seriously, what is the point? The timings on the KHX13000D3LLK2/2G are tight and not too many adjustments can be done. I was able to get the stock timings to 1704MHz stable, with a voltage jump from 1.9v to 2.0. I wouldn't suggest anything much higher than that.

    Kingston also offers a DDR3 1800 kit that is timed at 8-8-8-24 CL8, so I loosened up the 1625 kit to the timings of the 1800 kit and was able to get the RAM to 2010@2.0 volts, but not stable. I'm sure with some minor voltage adjustments, this speed or higher can be achieved and be stable. The stable setting I did achieve for that was 1940@2.0 volts. Of course, like I said, with some more fine tuning and adjustments higher goals can be reached, but when do you stop? Do you stop after you burn out the RAM from too much voltage and cry to the manufacture for a replacement? So when overclocking, it should be done at the stock voltage and not much higher than that; otherwise, the risk of damage WILL occur.

Conclusion:

    If you are looking to make that jump to a DDR3 setup, then I would suggest investing in the Kingston KHX13000D3LLK2/2G kit, even if it's just for the simple fact that 1333MHz and above will surpass the performance of the top-of-the-line DDR2 modules currently out. The low latency of the KHX13000D3LLK2/2G kit will yield great efficiency, but don't expect massive overclocking at the stock timings; but then, who cares? It's a DDR3 module at 1625MHz!

    This kit is truly recommended for the computer enthusiast looking for that little extra edge, or who just likes to keep up with cutting-edge technology. The only real drawback is the price, but those true enthusiasts out there don't mind the price when it comes down to owning newly released gear. The KHX13000D3LLK2/2G is solid, stable, and performed fantastically at all the settings I was able to achieve. I would like to thank Kingston for sending this kit out for VH to review.

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