Introduction:
The F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ kit is a new product from G.Skill featuring a new Powerchip IC. The sticks boast an impressive speed and timing set for a 4GB kit while carrying an even more impressive price tag. The kit aims to bring value and performance together in a trend we're seeing more and more of these days as DRAM prices continue to fall. The only question I have for you as I lead you into this review is this...is DDR3 really worth it?
The Memory:
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Specifications:
Capacity: 4GB (2GB x 2)
Speed: 1000MHz DDR2 (PC2-8000)
Latency: CL 5-5-5-15 (EPP Ready)
Voltage: 2.0~2.1 Volts
PCB: 6 Layers PCB
Warranty: Lifetime
Price: $49.99 @ Newegg
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Test Setup:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300
Abit IP35 Pro - stock
G.Skill F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ
BFG GeForce 7950GT 512MB
OCZ PowerStream 600w
CoolTechnica AQX MP-05 SP LE, Swiftech MCW60, Black Ice Pro III, Swiftech MCP655, 7/16" ID
Dominator triple fan cooler over memory.
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The Results:
Each piece is separated by timings and voltages. I started with 4-4-3-12 and ended with 5-5-3-15 to achieve maximum MHz.
The voltages listed are what was selected in BIOS.
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Timings: 4-4-3-12
2.0v - 433MHz (866MHz DDR)
SuperPi 32M | Everest Read Bandwidth | Everest Write Bandwidth | Everest Latency
2.1v - 436MHz (872MHz DDR)
SuperPi 32M | Everest Read Bandwidth | Everest Write Bandwidth | Everest Latency
Timings: 5-4-3-12
2.0v - 482MHz (964MHz DDR)
SuperPi 32M | Everest Read Bandwidth | Everest Write Bandwidth | Everest Latency
2.1v - ~2MHz gain...tRAS too tight to go any higher.
Timings: 5-5-3-15
2.0v - 550MHz (1100MHz DDR)
SuperPi 32M | Everest Read Bandwidth | Everest Write Bandwidth | Everest Latency
2.1v - 560MHz (1120MHz DDR)
SuperPi 32M | Everest Read Bandwidth | Everest Write Bandwidth | Everest Latency
2.2v - 565MHz (1130MHz DDR)
SuperPi 32M | Everest Read Bandwidth | Everest Write Bandwidth | Everest Latency
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Conclusion:
Overall an excellent set of memory both for the user on a budget, as well as the enthusiast. These sticks proved to be excellent overclockers, even though they may not be breaking any records any time soon. They also ran extremely cool, and could definitely be run without a fan even at 2.2v without getting hot to the touch.
The sticks are very picky regarding certain timings, and not so picky at all when it comes to others. They love loose tWTR, tRAS and tRFC especially, while tRP, tRTP, and even tRRD can get fairly tight while maintaining stability and overclocking headroom.
To sum it up, a fun kit of memory to play with, very stable with cool operating temperature, and fast; able to be ran at over 1100MHz DDR with 5-5-3 timings! Combine that with the fact that you're getting 4GB of memory for a $189 (now $49.99!) dollar price tag, and you can't help but get a smile on your face.
Thanks to G.Skill for the review sample. Thanks to you for reading.
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