Recently I wrote an Intel Core i7 memory performance guide that looked at the various performance impacts certain memory configurations had on the Core i7 platform. One of the conclusions that I came to based on the testing was that in terms of value, users are going to be better off with lower clocked lower latency memory rather than the high-speed 1600MHz and 2000MHz kits that are now getting around. Here is a quote from that conclusion…

“Currently a 6GB DDR3-1600 (8-8-8-21) memory kit is going to set you back at least $250, whereas a DDR3-1066 (7-7-7-20) kit can be had for ~$150. Given the small performance difference between these two, we feel you would be mad to pick up the more expensive option. That said, most users will just be fine running a 3GB triple-channel kit, which can be had for less than $100. This could be good news for those "budget" Core i7 920 builds.”

Soon after discovering all the ins and outs of Core i7 memory performance, we were presented with a new triple-channel memory kit from G.Skill which went by the model name “F3-12800CL9T-3GBNQ”. This 6GB kit featured three modules that were designed to work at 1600MHz using CAS 9-9-9-24 timings. When backing these modules off to just 1333MHz with tighter timings, we found that there was almost no reduction in performance.

Although we were pleased with the pricing of this high-end memory, we did not feel that it was the best value DDR3 memory kit being offered by G.Skill and as such requested a sample of their “F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK” memory kit. This memory is around $20 US cheaper, yet operates at much better timings when run at 1333MHz. While there is not a huge difference between these two kits, we believe the slightly cheaper F3-10666CL7T-6GBPK kit should actually deliver slightly better performance.