G.SKILL's F3-12800CL7D-2GB
We took a look at some Corsair DDR3 over here and noted that, endemic to all modules, higher-than-DDR2 latencies nullified much of the gain attributed the modules' 1,800MHz clocking.
First up is G.SKILL's F3-12800CL7D-2GB - a 2GiB (2x 1GiB) matched pack that's stated to operate at 1,600MHz with 7-7-7-18 timings with 1.9V, which is 0.4V (27 per cent) above JEDEC defaults.
The modules are manufactured by a company that has 'great skill in the memory world,' evidently.
Now, the 1,600MHz operating speed pushes the G.SKILL set firmly into the enthusiast territory, sure, but most DDR3-equipped motherboards will let you run system RAM at that frequency, especially if using any of the 1,333MHz FSB Intel CPUs that are currently available in both 65nm and 45nm incarnations.
We're impressed that G.SKILL is specifying reasonably low - for DDR3, anyway - latencies of 7-7-7-18 for the 1,600MHz speed. Being enthusiast-oriented sticks, you'll need a board that can pump at least 1.9V through the aluminium heatspreader-clad modules, and most Intel and all NVIDIA boards should let you do that.
Installing a pair into an nForce 790i Ultra SLI motherboard and firing up CPU-Z shows the following information:
The timings table indicates an SPD of 7-8-8-21 at 1,333MHz, at a JEDEC-approved 1.5V, but the modules ran at 7-7-7-20 1T (1,333MHz) when installed into our test motherboard that was populated by a 1,600MHz FSB CPU. However, since the modules don't have an SPD input for 1,600MHz or support auto-configuration via EPP 2.0, the frequency, voltage, and latencies need to be set manually, and here they are, pumped to 1.9V.
The G.SKILL offering is a no-nonsense 1,600MHz-rated DDR3 pack that operates with reasonable timings. The design of the modules is minimalist compared to some, keeping costs (£165) in check, but users will need to set the frequencies and timings, though.
A lifetime warranty is offered with the set. You'll need to buy from a vendor you trust, because the warranty mainly rests with them. G.SKILL can be contacted directly to resolve issues, but this course of action would require that the modules be shipped back to Taiwan.
Official specifications
2GiB pack comprising of a matched pair1,600MHz operating speed with 7-7-7-18 latencies at 1.9V
Aluminium heatspreaders
240-pin (incompatible with DDR2, however.)
Lifetime warranty (limited)
£165 (as at 16/05/08)