GSkill high-capacity memory modules

These days, the prices for DDR2 memory have reached the record low. As a result, while assembling even value computers they already fit 2 GB of memory capacity in it. However, the same memory capacity is installed in computers of a higher performance where higher quality modules are used, with the frequency matching the FSB of the CPU used. The cause of that is that currently the most popular operating systems are 32-bit Windows XP and Vista which can't operate with the memory capacity higher than 3 GB (or 4 GB with Windows XP + SP1).

Since all the modern platforms use the 2-channel memory access, then in assembling the system only the even number of modules is used. Therefore, the only possible option is use of 2 GB modules or two 512 MB modules. However, this option does not suit to enthusiasts and overclockers since greater number of modules raises the chances for their incompatibility. In this case, we mean the operation at increased frequencies and/or at timings lowered relatively to the nominal. We also note that 512 MB modules are not popular among the common users because they cost just a few dollars cheaper than 1 GB modules.

Therefore, we conclude that to make the most of the computer with the memory capacity higher than 4 GB the 64-bit operating system is needed. Systems like these do exist, but does the user really need such a high memory capacity? From the times the first personal computers emerged they have suffered from the acute shortage of the memory because it used to be too expensive. Some persons in the IT industry even stated that 640 K would quite suffice for the average user, but the users themselves witnessed how installation of another memory module gave a substantial system performance boost.

The author remembers the times when being a student he used to work at a small business and after the working day he used to pick up memory modules from three computers to play Doom 2 with comfort.

Subsequently, the prices for memory went up and down, but its average price bar stayed set too high according to today's standards. In the end, programmers had to optimize their products for a fixed memory capacity. Some sort of a balance was achieved in 2007 when the cost of memory dropped so that even 2 GB was regarded an optimum capacity, and many users installed 4 GB into the 32-bit operating system and did not bother that the system "saw" only 3 GB. In the end, the upper bar of optimization was set to about 2 GB, and the vast majority of applications were developed based on this parameter.

There is another point related to the ratio in the number of programs for 32- and 64-bit operating systems. Since there are much more computers with 32-bit operating systems installed, the developers aimed solely at this market. A typical example is computer games among which only Crysis and a special version of Far Cry are able operating in the native 64-bit mode. In fact, that is an indicator of the developer company's level, and only really powerful groups of highly-skilled specialists can find the time to create a 64-bit version. But the vast majority of other programmers are drawing square wheels and vague textures. Therefore, a 64-bit operating systems is not necessary for the home-based computer with its typical set of software.

The situation is absolutely different with professional users who run dedicated software suites and for whom the operating speed of the software is directly related to the overall performance. There is a lot of examples - architects, engineers, programmers, designers, video and audio data editors. These users work with the most advanced equipment, therefore all the slots in their workstations are filled with memory modules of the highest capacity.

And it's they for whom GSkill has prepared a 16 GB 4-channel DDR2-800 memory kit (F2-6400CL6Q-16GBMQ). In our tests, there will be one more GSkill kit of 4 GB capacity (F2-8500CL5D-4GBPI). It is aimed mainly at enthusiasts. There are many distinguishing traits: a powerful cooling system which favors the better heat transfer from overclocked memory chips. In fact, the overclocking is "official": GSkill warrants a lifelong operation of the modules set to DDR2-1066 at 2.1V. Here are the modules themselves:

They sell in quite a huge box containing a logo of the company (one more allowance for the enthusiasts).

The box and the modules have stickers containing information on the nominal latency timings (5-5-5-15) and voltage (2.1 V).

This information is confirmed by the CPU-Z utility:

However, while assembling and setting up the system the user may have to set these parameters manually (again, not a problem for enthusiasts). Here is an example of setting the memory by default for the motherboard Gigabyte EP35-DS4:

So, we set the required values of latency timings and Vmem and tested the memory in the maximum allowable mode:

We were not much delighted about the further increase of the frequency: we were able to attain merely the DDR2-1120 MHz.

In fact, this is the only 4 GB memory kit in our test lab, so we can't yet make any judgments as to how good the overclocking results are. Besides, the rise of frequency is possible only through raising the operating timings, which makes the possible boost come to naught. We are moving to the second, 16 GB memory kit. Its package is smaller and is not moderate:

Inside, there are two transparent plastic boxes, each containing two 4 GB modules.

The box and the modules have stickers containing information on the nominal latency timings (6-6-6-18).

The CPU-Z utility displays the following information:

At the same time, the test motherboard set all the parameters meeting the SPD precisely. As regards the overclocking, it is simply not there: the modules were unable to overcome the DDR2-900 frequency neither together nor separately, nor through raise of the Vmem voltage with the forced blowing. However, we were absolutely not surprised because no one will ever overclock modules of such a capacity. We remind it once again that the kit is aimed at professionals who are after 100% stability of the workstation. The thought that the result of many hours of data processing may be lost because of excessive overclocking of a component makes these users chill with horror.

We are now moving right to the tests. At this stage, the most problem was because of the software. There were no issues with the operating system: currently, available are 64-bit operating systems by Microsoft as well as varied versions of 64-bit Linux. There were issues with 64-bit programs whose numbers were extremely small. There were much fewer software suites for which a measurement methodology could be designed.

We used the following test setup:

Let's first take a look at the results of synthetic benchmarks.

Now, tests of application suites and games.

Frankly, we were somehow disappointed by the test results because we found no application whose speed would directly depend on the memory capacity. In fact, that does not mean that there are no such programs: various server applications, databases and development environments process huge amounts of data, and greater memory capacity is able raising the performance. We also don't rule out that the speed of our test programs also depend on the memory capacity: quite possibly, we put an insufficient load upon them. Indeed, while 4 GB is quite enough for processing a data volume, it would be rather naive to expect that extra 12 GB memory would result in a multiple acceleration of data processing. Therefore, the issue is still open, and we are trying to find huge test files. And the last but least point: the speed of some programs may in greater extent depend on the memory bandwidth rather than the capacity. In particular, our tests show that a 4 GB DDR2-1066 memory kit runs as fast as a 16 GB DDR2-800 kit.

We now formulate the conclusions regarding GSkill memory kits. First, the 4 GB F2-8500CL5D-4GBPI kit left a nice impression which was somehow spoiled by the relatively low overclocking capability. In some cases, it makes sense for enthusiasts to purchase a 2 GB kit which would run at higher frequencies (over DDR2-1200) and provide a higher bandwidth.

Secondly, the 16 GB F2-6400CL6Q-16GBMQ kit left no impression. Again, we say that perhaps we can't yet "cook" it. So, its only advantage is that it is 4-channel. That is, all the modules are selected and tested as a single kit, and GSkill warrants their operation with the declared parameters. Perhaps, for professionals that is more important than latency timings and overclocking capability.