Virtual-Hideout | Kingston 2x1GB PC2-9200 & PC2-9600 DDR2 Memory Review

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Kingston 2x1GB PC2-9200 & PC2-9600 DDR2 Memory Review

Date Published:
02-03-2007

Written By:
Diceman

Edited By:
Diceman

Provided By:
Kingston Technology

Where to Buy:
Kingston Technology

Discuss Article:
VH Forum link

Pages: 1 2 3

Kingston PC2-9600:

CPU Info

Memory Info

Memory SPD Info

As you can see, I have to overclock the system a bit more to get from the 1150MHz up to 1200MHz. This of course will effect the test results a little bit.

Test Hardware:

Intel E6400 Core 2 Duo CPU
ASUS P5B Deluxe
2x1GB Kingston PC2-9200
2x1GB Kingston PC2-9600
XFX 7800GT Graphics Card
OCZ 700w GameXStream PSU

Testing the Kingston was done using a combination of software based programs like SiSoft Sandra and Prime95, and also the professional hardware based product; RST Pro 2. The RST Pro 2 is a unique PCI based product that will heavily test the deep down dirty secrets of your memory modules and reveal even the most miniscule defect. For all the specifications, check their site here.

Ultra-X RST Pro 2

Using a product like the RST Pro 2 is much better than simply running a couple quick benchmarks and thinking it's all good to go. This hardware will seriously test your memory like nothing else on the market. It's also used my many memory manufacturers to test their memory before it leaves the factory.

Test Results:

PC2-9200:

Kingston PC2-9200
6150MB/sec

Kingston PC2-9200
11ns (linear)

PC2-9600:

Kingston PC2-9600
6431MB/sec

Kingston PC2-9600
72ns (random)

Overclocking:

Overclocking was pretty much non-existent with these kits. I'd have to state the obvious about the fact that they're already running what most people would strive to overclock a normal DDR2 kit to already. When you're talking about running 1150MHz or 1200MHz at stock settings, there really isn't any favorable gain there to hope to attain. I've tried the 1150MHz kit at 1200Mhz and it wouldn't do it. I tried the 1200Mhz kit at 1250Mhz and it wouldn't do it. At least not for me on my hardware. Could you get more out of these kits? Perhaps. But why? Getting 50Mhz or even 100Mhz more out of your memory isn't going to make ANY noticeable difference. So bottom line is these kits aren't for overclocking, they'll scorch your FSB right out the box!

Conclusion:

Well I really don't know what else to say. This review would compare to taking a Ferrari for a spin and going "Yep! It's fast alright!". We're talking about some of the fastest memory on the market today. 1150Mhz and 1200Mhz right out of the box from a name you can trust; Kingston Technology. I had no problems running these kits in my ASUS P5B Deluxe along with an easily overclockable Core 2 Duo CPU. However in order to run this level of hardware, you'll need some high end hardware to go with it.

If you're a gamer looking to upgrade from that 800mhz DDR2, and you've got the motherboard/cpu combo to run above specs, then either one of these new kits from Kingston Technology will do you proud. What's nice too is these kits are able to run these scorching speeds at just 5-5-5-15 timings. We've all seen the 6-6-6-18 or 5-6-6-18 stuff out there previously by other manufacturers. Kingston waited a little longer so they could do it right.

As a last note, keep in mind that these kits will in fact run at slower speeds. For instance if you're planning an upgrade, or upgrading piece by piece and you're only able to run 800MHz DDR2 right now, these kits will do it.

The real target of these kits is the hardcore gamer looking to squeeze out every last drip of performance from their high end machine. If that's you, you can't live without these!

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