Closer Look:

2x1GB CAS Latency 9 (9-9-9-27)

The Kingston kit arrives in similar fashion to previous HyperX memory, sporting an all new look. The previous heat spreaders were solid blue with the logo on a single side. This new kit comes in sporting a new heat spreader letting you know that it's a DDR3 kit.

Opened Package

Each new blue spreader has diamond cut borders on the top of the spreaders on each side. The Hyper X logo is also diamond cut in to the center of each spreader. These cuts make for a very reflective surface. LEDs and case lighting reflect off of each quite nicely which should appeal to modders and avid users who like a spruced up system.

Nice Spreader Design

The spec stickers offer up only the model number and voltage requirements. Actual timing data isn't present, so you'll have to check Kingston's website if you want to manually set memory timings. The stickers are probably more for internal use and product support. Usually, these stickers have more useful information like the timings and voltages for the user.

DDR3

This particular KHX12800D3K2/2G kit also comes in a KHX12800D3K2/4G (4GB) flavor. Vista 64-bit users will naturally appreciate the use of the entire 4GB capacity rather than 3GB standard to XP Pro. This doesn't mean XP Pro users should shy away from the larger kit. You may want the expansion later on if 2GB isn't enough.

Product Stickers

The kit requires 1.9 volts for stock operations. This means the memory needs at least 1.9v to maintain 1600 MHz using 9-9-9-27 timings. Users should naturally also be able to under clock the memory and use lower timings. For example, just manually set the memory frequency to 1333 MHz and lower timings in the BIOS. Past experience suggests this kit could maintain 7-7-7-24 at 1333 MHz, but that's no guarantee. It really depends on the cooperation between the kit and motherboard.

Another View

Now, 9-9-9-27 memory timings aren't aggressive by any means. Budget oriented kits tend to use these higher timings, but that doesn't mean performance is going to be all that different. You'll mostly notice it in testing software more than things like games. Can this memory handle 8-8-8-24 timings? That's a performance test question that can be answered.

HyperX Three!

Looking over CPUZ, the memory appears to be built around 1066 MHz ICs. This means the modules are built with the best 1066 Bins to achieve higher 1600 MHz frequencies. This is also not an uncommon feature in the memory sector. Many a memory maker have used top notch quality ICs from to achieve proven higher frequencies. The modules are SPD programmed to 1600 MHz which shouldn't be an issue for HyperX at all.

I'm definitely looking forward to faster memory kits built around faster 1333 MHz versus 1066 ICs. This will mean good news in the motherboard sector since some chipsets have been having issues keeping up with overclocked modules. It shouldn't be too long since some of our sources have been working faster kits with them already.

Let's Install The Memory!

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