Game Performance:

Game performance was on par as far as other memory modules that have been tested, with a little bit extra performance edging out over the comparable modules. This is, of course, attributed to the faster access timings. Frame rates were some what higher and the games loaded quicker more noticeably. The system remained perfectly stable which is what you should expect from such a top notch paired motherboard and memory. The two definitely worked well together.
 

Overclocking:

As with all overclocking, the system experienced a pretty decent performance gain keeping the processor multiplier at default and increasing the memory frequency. Most games gained about 15 frames per second more than stock frequencies. Memory bandwidth naturally improved greatly even with the memory timings remaining set to 7-7-7 at most. So, 1480MHz with 7-7-7 memory timings is still really good and should indicate that higher frequencies can be reached. If you're on a capable Core 2 Duo, you should be pleasantly pleased.

Since these modules are so close to CAS 6 timings across, I just had to see if it were possible before overclocking the memory. The memory timings were adjusted accordingly in the BIOS and the voltage raised to 1.8 volts. The system wasn't completely error free even with these voltages. Increasing them to 1.85V or even 1.9V may afford you a perfect 6-6-6 memory setting. Higher voltages are a bit too zealous for me since I like my modules to be in a perfect working order over the perfect memory timings. However, the modules will remain perfectly stable from 800 to 1300MHz using 6-6-6-18 timings which is a very nice bonus if don't need its rated frequency. From 1300 to 1400MHz, the memory will operate perfectly using 6-7-6-18 timings.
 

After testing was completed based on specs, the memory timings were now set lower just to see what extra performance the non-overclocking users would expect. From 800 to 1150MHz using both AUTO and 1.7 to 1.85V memory voltage settings, the memory would operate perfectly at 5-6-5-18 without issue. Anything higher and the system became no matter what settings were applied. At these timings, the Mushkin HP3-10666 Memory Kit comes very close to what are considered higher DDR2 timings. This means just a bit more performance can be gained from the already low latency modules at stock performance for either 800MHz Pentium D and 1066MHz Core 2 Duo users.

These lower timings do increase stock performance just passing our beloved DDR2 kit standard when matched to the processor's 1066 FSB. This is the nice thing about DDR3. Since the memory can scale so much higher than DDR2, it can match the processor's overclocked FSB and produces so much more bandwidth over its predecessor. Unless you are out to buy the cheapest stock value kit around, this should be the DDR3 memory of choice. Pricing hasn't been determined as of yet, but I suspect it will be somewhere just over the value kits which cost around $300 or so. If you're itching to upgrade, it might be worth waiting just a little while longer till more and more DDR3 kits hit the shelves to get that price down. If you're PC's performance is hurting and you really need a good upgrade, pick the Mushkin DDR3 HP3-10666 2GB Kit and an ASUS P5K3 Deluxe or Blitz Extreme Motherboard.

Mushkin Power

Nice Contrast

Conclusion:

Well, what started out as a standardized memory test turned out to have a few surprises that we had to experience. When anyone selects their modules, it's often based on two major factors: price and performance. You wouldn't want to just pick out any kind of memory without some knowledge that it is very reliable and has the performance capabilities to back it up. The Mushkin HP3-10666 2GB DDR3 Memory Kit is the finest, low level latency kit I've had the pleasure of testing. The kit is flawless at stock timings, voltages, and frequencies across the entire spectrum. Both the ASUS P5K3 Deluxe and Blitz Extreme provided excellent results in terms of stability and compatibility with the memory kit. With a memory kit offering these low memory timings at 1333MHz, it's very important that the modules be thoroughly tested and pretty much hand picked to ensure they are capable of the specs. Performance will offer you results better than the comparable rated kits. Currently, this is the lowest rated kit offering 6-7-6-18 2T timings which is mostly why the modules are capable of surpassing its competition. But, this isn't all it offers!

Users with the lower rated 1066MHz Core 2 Duo and even 800MHz Core Duo processors who have picked up the latest DDR3 supporting motherboards, can also find some extra performance from these modules. Testing the modules at 800 and 1066MHz, revealed the modules can operate at 5-6-5-18 using a Command Rate of 1T. This is entirely excellent for any user who doesn't need to overclock their processors. However, if you do want to play a little with these timing ranges, you have extra head room up to about 1150MHz, before you have to resort to stock specifications.

Pros:    

• Low Memory Timings.

• Capable of even lower timings at lower frequencies.

• Decent overclocking.

• Very reliable as well as great stock performance.

• Good looking heat spreaders.   

Cons:   

• Most likely pricey.
  

If you're looking for some excellent DDR3 memory modules rated to 1333MHz offering the lowest memory timings among the current competition, then absolutely consider the Mushkin DDR3 HP3-10666 2GB Memory Kit. It may be Mushkin's entry to the DDR3 market, but it's one very aggressive entry level memory kit. It offers top notch stability and reliability with excellent low level latencies. Whether your a stock user or not, the kit will more than suffice even among the most picky of memory users. As for INTEL based users, you will definitely appreciate the scalability of the Mushkin memory kit. This is definitely the current level latency memory kit of choice. We'd like to thank Mushkin for providing us with this great new DDR3 kit.

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