Kingston HyperX 12GB 1600MHz DDR3 Triple Channel Memory Kit Review

Large Program Files

Working with 2GB and larger files are a pain when you don’t have the memory resources to handle it. For example, opening, closing, and saving projects takes more time with less than optimal amounts of memory. With this kit, four Virtual Machine (VM) windows could be opened quickly. If you aren’t sure what your system can do, download a demo of VMWare and give it a shot.

Other benefits can be realized when working with huge, high-res 4GB panoramic photos. It’s not so bad when you have a 6GB Triple Channel memory kit. But, when working with two different files, the system starts to take extra time trying to keep both active as possible. Having a the extra memory allows the system to cache both for quick reference, viewing, and editing.

For a quick demo of what monster amounts of memory can do, you can check out this video from our YouTube Channel where Kingston gives us a demo of their 16GB and 24GB kit.

Overclocking Six Modules

The reality of the 12GB kit is that it’s not intended for overclocking. It’s more of a pro-user product and typically professionals are into stability rather than overclocking performance. However, there are a few of you that just can’t take no for an answer so we gave it a shot.

Like previous generation CPUs and Chipsets, when all the DIMM slots are occupied, overclocking pretty much goes out the window. There’s just not much room for the integrated memory controller and system BUS to crank things up. The most that could be squeezed from the 6x2GB 1600MHz memory kit, was 1680MHz at 9-9-9-27 at 1.68 Volts. On the same note, the system wasn’t stable when attempting 8-8-8-24 timings even when over volting a bit.

If you really want to overclock, you’re going to have to sacrifice the quantity of memory in the kit and take some modules out. Naturally, 6GB will go a lot farther with 1.7V approaching 1750MHz or higher. Again, that’s because the memory controller can do more when fewer DIMM slots are occupied.

Final Thoughts

Truth be told, these oversized memory kit benefit true power users and professionals more so than anyone else. These folks understand the benefits of 12GB or greater amounts of memory. If you want it for bragging rights, well then, go for it. But, that’s all it will do for you out of the gate.

Memory kits this size and larger do benefit programs that use large data intensive files like video or renderings. It truly is the only way to go if you want flawless performance that still allows multitasking. Plus, the Kingston HyperX 1600MHz 12GB Kit is faster than the commonly found 1333MHz Kits. The $40 price difference between the two kits makes the 1600MHz worth the extra expenditure.

The Kingston HyperX 12GB 1600MHz DDR3 Triple Channel Kit (KHX1600C9D3K6/12GX) should hit the streets at around $399US or less and is available now. If that’s not enough memory, you can stay tuned for our 16GB DDR3 Kit review coming up soon!

Pros