Intel Lynnfield Memory Performance Analysis

Featured Memory

G.Skill Perfect Storm F3-17600CL8D-4GBPS

• 2,200MHz
  
• 4GB (2x2GB)
  
• 8-8-8-24
  
• 1.65V
  
• XMP
  
• UK Price: £237.61 (inc. VAT)

As some of the fastest DDR3 currently sold on the planet, G.Skill's Perfect Storm 2,200MHz 4GB CL8 kit is also only available in very limited quantities. It does this speed at just 1.65V, and even comes with an XMP profile for ease of use; although you'll likely have to add more voltage to the CPU and VTT. The simple black heatsinks can also be cooled by the included fan attachment, but it can run at the rated speeds without it.

G.Skill RipJaw F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM

• 1,600MHz
  
• 4GB (2x2GB)
  
• 8-8-8-24
  
• 1.6V
  
• XMP
  
• UK Price: £74.55 (inc. VAT)

G.Skill's latest heatsink is the RipJaw, and this set of CL8 at 1,600MHz comes in a fetching metallic blue. In fact, G.Skill differentiates its RipJaw timings generally by colour: CL9 = Red, CL8 = Blue CL7 = Black for 1,600MHz DIMMs, however the 2,000MHz part is confusingly different, so check before you buy.

Kingston HyperX KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX

• 1,600MHz
  
• 4GB (2x2GB)
  
• 8-8-8-24
  
• 1.65V
  
• UK Price: £82.76 (inc. VAT)

Kingston's HyperX has some smart, sharp heatspreaders that are again traditionally blue. This 1,600MHz kit is CL8 at 1.65V like much of the competition.