Page 2: Stability, Testing, Overclocking, Conclusion
Stability
ASE Labs views stability a bit differently from most publications. At ASE Labs, RAM is only stable if it passes Memtest86+ and a plethora of memory intensive applications for a few hours like mprime and doing continuous compiling of specific programs. Just because the memory POSTs and runs doesn't mean that it is stable. Linux users may find memory errors by having errors in compiling (very common) to errors in tar as well as segfaults. Windows users can expect program faults and BSODs. Memory stability is very important. When we say that a specific specification of RAM is stable, we mean it!
Using an Asus P5N-T Deluxe, the RAM refused to worked correctly at the rated 1066MHz 5-5-5-15 at any voltage. It was a suggestion by Kingston to try moving the RAM to the black slots. This made the RAM work flawlessly at the rated speed and voltage (2.2v). Why the board refuses to work correctly with the other dual channel banks is beyond reason. Someone purchasing the P5N-T would have probably felt much frustration at this. What if they purchased 4 stick of RAM? It isn't Kingston's fault that the board doesn't work correctly. Either way, once the quirkiness passed, the modules were completely stable.
Testing
Previous memory articles have shown that benchmarking memory is not a proper thing to do since the system will be running at different speeds on different components. At ASE Labs, we believe that a baseline should be kept consistent with testing and it is improper to give overclocked memory scores in comparison with anything. If the components elsewhere in the system are running at different speeds, the test is invalid.
Overclocking
What we do focus on for memory reviews is overclocking. Needless to say, there wasn't much expectation of a high overclock from this kit due to the speed that it was rated for. 1066MHz is extremely fast for a 4GB kit of DDR2. No matter what was tried, the modules would not run at a command rate of 1T. At the normal timings of 5-5-5-15-2T, the maximum stable overclock was 1084MHz at the same 2.2v. This is a fairly minor overclock, but the memory is speedy to begin with.
Conclusion
This 4GB kit is retailing for just under $100. Even though DDR3 prices have fallen to about the same price as the same speed DDR2, the majority of systems still use DDR2 (including all AMD systems, for now). The KHX8500D2T1K2/4G provides excellent looks with performance to match. DDR2 is still mainstream and Kingston manages to deliver with this latest kit.
While most enthusiasts have jumped to the Core i7 platform along with DDR3, the majority of builds just under the bleeding edge are using DDR2. This kit would be a perfect fit for a new DDR2 build. Make sure you seriously consider a 64-bit OS to go along with memory over 3GB.
ASE Labs would like to thank the team at Kingston for making this review possible.
ASE Labs views stability a bit differently from most publications. At ASE Labs, RAM is only stable if it passes Memtest86+ and a plethora of memory intensive applications for a few hours like mprime and doing continuous compiling of specific programs. Just because the memory POSTs and runs doesn't mean that it is stable. Linux users may find memory errors by having errors in compiling (very common) to errors in tar as well as segfaults. Windows users can expect program faults and BSODs. Memory stability is very important. When we say that a specific specification of RAM is stable, we mean it!
Using an Asus P5N-T Deluxe, the RAM refused to worked correctly at the rated 1066MHz 5-5-5-15 at any voltage. It was a suggestion by Kingston to try moving the RAM to the black slots. This made the RAM work flawlessly at the rated speed and voltage (2.2v). Why the board refuses to work correctly with the other dual channel banks is beyond reason. Someone purchasing the P5N-T would have probably felt much frustration at this. What if they purchased 4 stick of RAM? It isn't Kingston's fault that the board doesn't work correctly. Either way, once the quirkiness passed, the modules were completely stable.
Testing
Previous memory articles have shown that benchmarking memory is not a proper thing to do since the system will be running at different speeds on different components. At ASE Labs, we believe that a baseline should be kept consistent with testing and it is improper to give overclocked memory scores in comparison with anything. If the components elsewhere in the system are running at different speeds, the test is invalid.
Overclocking
What we do focus on for memory reviews is overclocking. Needless to say, there wasn't much expectation of a high overclock from this kit due to the speed that it was rated for. 1066MHz is extremely fast for a 4GB kit of DDR2. No matter what was tried, the modules would not run at a command rate of 1T. At the normal timings of 5-5-5-15-2T, the maximum stable overclock was 1084MHz at the same 2.2v. This is a fairly minor overclock, but the memory is speedy to begin with.
Conclusion
This 4GB kit is retailing for just under $100. Even though DDR3 prices have fallen to about the same price as the same speed DDR2, the majority of systems still use DDR2 (including all AMD systems, for now). The KHX8500D2T1K2/4G provides excellent looks with performance to match. DDR2 is still mainstream and Kingston manages to deliver with this latest kit.
While most enthusiasts have jumped to the Core i7 platform along with DDR3, the majority of builds just under the bleeding edge are using DDR2. This kit would be a perfect fit for a new DDR2 build. Make sure you seriously consider a 64-bit OS to go along with memory over 3GB.
ASE Labs would like to thank the team at Kingston for making this review possible.