G.Skill F3-12800CL8T-6GBHK Tri-Channel DDR3

G.Skill F3-12800CL8T-6GBHK

Manufacturer: G.Skill
UK Price (as reviewed): TBC
US Price (as reviewed): $209.99

Specification

• Kit: 3 x 240-pin DDR3 Double Sided DIMM
  
• Module Size: 6GB Triple Channel Kit (3 x 2GB)
  
• Module Code: F3-12800CL8T-6GBHK
  
• Rated Speed: 1,600MHz
  
• Rated Timings: 8-8-8-24
  
• Rated Voltage: 1.6-1.65V
  
• Memory Chips: Samsung HCF0
  
• XMP: Yes

Just a few days ago we took a look at the Corsair DHX+ triple-channel DDR3 kit for Core i7 CPUs and today it's G.Skill's turn. Matched to the Corsair modules at 1,600MHz CAS-8, they feature a standard profile package with blue "HK" heatspreaders compared to the more elaborate DHX+ heatsinks on the Corsair.


The HK design incorporates a standard profile heatspreader and differs only slightly from the PK and NQ series in its construction and that it's a dark blue instead of sky blue or red. It may lack the extra fins of the Pi series or Thermaltake fan aided heatpipes of the GT1s, but because these DIMMs are designed for just 1.60-1.65V, they don't need much in the way of cooling.


The heatspreaders have been cut from a single slab of aluminium, anodised and brushed on the surface underneath, before the elevated surfaces were cut and textured. The effect is very well done, affording a professional finish that looks great. Top down, where it'll be seen once installed in a case, the memory has no particular identifiable feature other than circles from top to bottom.

The company still uses the same boring green PCB like all its products; it's not colour matched blue like Corsair or OCZ do with their premium parts.


G.Skill's modules are based on the Samsung HCF0 ICs, unlike the Corsair modules which used Elpida. We're quite familiar with the HCF0s from our previous DDR3 reviews, and with enough voltage these should do 1,900MHz, although the limitation is getting that voltage without killing the CPU, and finding a Core i7 that can generate this kind of frequency.