A Closer Look

With these updated Trident Z sticks out of the box and all together, you can now get a good idea of what G.Skill is after with their second iteration. Rather than having red tops and dual-colored heatpsreaders, we now have a heatspreader of one color and with white tops, designed to match the numerous white/black motherboards on the market today. There are other color options available as well.


What we end up with is a dark gray metallic cover on the sides and a white top, but the shape and overall design remains the same as with past Trident Z sticks.


There is the G.Skill logo across the white plastic top and the Trident Z logo on the opposite side, with the DIMM's label beneath. The label lists all pertinent specifications.


The white plastic bar across the top has the G.Skill logo on its surface so that it is proudly displayed when you install the sticks. There are also several fins protruding from the top to catch airflow and help cool the sticks when things get toasty.


As is customary for me, I explored the ends of the PCBs that stick out from under the heatspreaders to look for any identifying bits of information. I did manage to find some good stuff here, such as the build date.


I also located some golden "SB" letters next to a print that declares the stick's capacity and speed, which is nice should the heatspreaders be removed for watercooling or the label rubs off. While looking at both ends, I also noticed the thickness of the heatspreader; it's fairly thick and each side of the heatspreader interlocks with the other.