The modules
The HyperX KHX16000D3ULT1K3/6GX memory are the flagship modules from Kingston's range, and are the second set to be qualified at 2,000MHz on a Core i7 platform, after the slightly more-relaxed KHX16000D3K3/3GX series, currently only available as a 3GB kit.
Adopting the tall heatspreaders found on the company's high-end T1-series DDR2/DDR3 modules, the HyperX look pretty funky.
A close-up shot of the sticker infers a 2,000MHz operating frequency but makes no mention of the latencies. Digging a little deeper, we find these Ultra modules run with 8-8-8 timings, so not quite as aggressive as the Corsair CL7 kit, who also etails a CL8 kit for $479.99, including AIRFLOW fan.
Being optimised for Core i7, the RAM runs at 1.65V, and the sticker clearly denotes that it's a pack of three modules, available in either 3GB or 6GB flavours - our sample is the latter.
The aluminium heatspreaders aren't quite as chunky as the DOMINATOR GT's, although build quality is equally good. Bear in mind that only a few X58 boards will manage to hit 2,000MHz with utter stability, and we'd recommend either the Gigabyte EX58-UD5 or ASUS P6T Deluxe.
Here are the trio of modules, just waiting to be put to the task. Unlike Corsair, Kingston doesn't ship the pack with any extra cooling: simply slot in and setup the BIOS - that's the plan.
Kingston backs up the modules with a limited lifetime warranty, but it's not transferable should the RAM be sold on.
At the time of writing, the modules are available on pre-order for around £311 ($430). Our recent look at pricing showed that a 6GB DDR3-1,333 kit from Crucial can be procured for around £85, so ultra-high-speed RAM needs to provide tangible performance benefits if it's to be worthy of consideration.