TheOverclocker Issue 18 | Page 29

Summary Benchmarks Instead of performing traditional benchmarks, we have chosen to focus on pushing the memory frequency. We used the Hyper PI benchmark as a stability test. Frequency Timings Voltage Settings 2504 9-11-10-28 1.65 125 strap, 2133 divider 2296 8-11-10-28 1.65 125 strap, 2000 divider 2248 8-10-10-28 1.65 125 strap, 2000 divider 2082 8-9-9-28 1.65 100 strap, 2000 divider timings we were only able to achieve 2082 MHz, resulting in a significant performance hit in benchmarks. Throughout our testing we tried increasing the vdimm but this didn’t have any noticeable impact on frequency’s or primary timings but did help with tightening the sub timing’s. OUT TAKE While this kit is obviously an amazing performer, not all users are going to be able to take advantage of the frequencies on offer due to IMC limitations. Many X79 users are experiencing ram walls ranging anywhere from 2350 MHz with most CPUs not capable of piercing the 2500 MHz barrier. Unfortunately this will mean users either have to buy and sell costly CPUs until they find a suitable IMC or settle for lower frequencies, knowing the modules can do much more. [ PRO ] There is no doubt this is a pricey kit of memory, but quality costs money and this kit exudes that exactly. I think it’s safe to say GSkill are finally in the same league as Corsair in the high performance memory market. These sticks are slightly disappointing when tightening the timings, but tight timings and low frequency for benchmarking are a thing of the past, X79 is all about raw frequency. We believe the Ripjaws-Z 2400 MHz 9-11-10-28 are as good as any kit on the market today. Would you buy it? If we were building a super-rig with no cost limitations these would be our first pick, but budget conscious users might need to look elsewhere. The Score 9/10 2012 | Issue 18 The OverClocker 29