Conclusion:
As I look at more and more PC3-12800 memory kits I realize just how even the playing field really is with this technology. Regardless of specifications, it is difficult to quantify a significant performance difference in benchmarks and other tests. In every day use it would be next to impossible to tell the difference between any 2GB kit I have evaluated so far.
Despite the Kingston HyperX 2GB DDR3-1600 dual channel memory kit having fairly loose timings (9-9-9-27), it manages to keep pace with other kits rated much more aggressively (7-7-7-18). The performance at 1600MHz and higher was just fine, the only issue I had was that getting there was not as easy as with other kits. Of the five kits used in this review, the one from Kingston was the only one to lack an XMP profile in SPD.
While I was unsure if I would care to use XMP profiles when first introduced to them, I now appreciate the time and effort they save when running at these speeds. Getting this HyperX kit to run at 1600MHz wasn't a problem, but instead of one click in the BIOS, I had to spend a few minutes manually overclocking the processor and configuring all memory settings one by one. Kingston has intentionally left performance profiles out in order to keep the cost of this product down, but they do offer them on other DDR3 kits. If you have decided to go with Kingston, you will most likely find a kit with a configuration to suit your needs.
Speaking of the cost, a search of PriceGrabber turns up nothing for the Kingston HyperX 2GB DDR3-1600 dual channel memory kit, but going straight to
Newegg.com finds it for about $220 (US). While this price may have been appealing just a few months ago, DDR3 prices have really started to come down lately. Similar kits at the same speed and with better timings are readily available for $60 to $100 less, making it hard to justify the premium price tag for these modules.
Kingston seems to have launched this product as something of a hybrid between their truly extreme performance HyperX line and their more affordable ValueRAM line up. The styling and speed may say HyperX, but the relaxed timings and slightly lower price says ValueRAM. While I already said the price was rather high, it is lower than a similar Kingston HyperX kit rated for 1625MHz with 7-7-7-20 timings. For about $260 (again from
Newegg.com), you get modules with much more aggressive timings, but unfortunately with a price tag close to double what you could pay for other brands.
Pros:
» Performed well in benchmarks, games, and every day use
» Room for overclocking
» Lifetime warranty
Cons:
» High price
» Loose timings
» No XMP or EPP 2.0 profiles in SPD
» Rather high operating voltage
Special thanks to
Kingston for providing the Kingston HyperX 2GB DDR3-1600 Dual Channel Memory Kit to Bigbruin.com for review!
