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Today we are throwing the A-DATA XPG + Series DDR3-1600+ memory on the test bed to see what these new Core i7 triple-channel memory modules can do. Although they are nothing fancy to look at, the pricing seems fair given the rather impressive specifications, and with so many plus symbols in the name we are expecting good things... This year we have seen the demand for the next generation DRAM memory spike considerably. DDR3 memory provides improved power efficiency and performance when compared to DDR2, so it was simply a matter of time before it took over. With such an increase in demand this year, it is believed by year end that DDR3 will have captured as much as 30% of the market.  Furthermore, it is also believed that early next year DDR3 could and will most likely replace DDR2 as the dominant memory standard. Again this was always going to happen, it was simply a matter of time. With 30% less power consumption when compared to its predecessor, and roughly twice the bandwidth, DDR3 is clearly the way of the future. The main driving force behind this increased demand has been the increased support by not only desktop computers but also laptops and servers. As the demand increases and the DDR3 market share grows, prices will fall and ultimately this is what just about everyone has been waiting for. Currently DDR3 memory is fetching between $1.50 - $1.70 US per 1Gb (gigabit), while DDR2 is priced at just $1.00 per 1Gb. So while DDR3 still holds a fair price premium over DDR2 memory, the gap is closing. Those of you looking to build a new high-end computer today or in the near future, will likely go for the more expensive DDR3 option. This is because the latest AMD and Intel platforms exclusively support DDR3 memory, providing the consumer with limited options. Intel’s latest platform, the Core i7, has really been pushing DDR3 memory hard, as it requires three modules working in a triple-channel configuration. The Core i7 processors are not all that fussy when it comes to DDR3 memory, and low-latency DDR3-1333 will see most users, particularly gamers, get the most out of their system. However DDR3-1600 memory does offer greater bandwidths that can improve performance in certain applications. Therefore, if this faster memory can be purchased for a similar price to that of DDR3-1333, then we feel it’s worth getting. Today we are checking out a memory kit that fits the bill, the A-DATA XPG + Series DDR3-1600+, which as the name suggests is designed to work at 1600MHz. A-DATA describes their XPG Gaming Series as their “very best cutting edge memory, that delivers the perfect blend of performance, durability and stability with low power consumption. XPG Gaming Series features highest reliability and fulfills exceptional requirements for high-end modules at a very attractive, low price.” |
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