Now that the benchmarks are done and the testing is complete, there is a fair bit to say about these G.Skill Trident Z sticks. First of all, for a high-priced top-level kit, it only seems fair to expect the best benchmark results, but that isn't exactly what happened here. Here, we have a set of default memory speeds, some 3000 MHz speeds and some 3200 MHz speeds, and these 3200 MHz sticks have what is arguably the best primary timings of all three. So why didn't this kit get the best benchmark results? The answer is of course in the sub-timings.

Sub-timings are a difficult area to navigate. If you are someone who overclocks memory in great detail, what is going on is pretty basic, but if you do not, you might not be aware of such things and the benchmark results might, as such, say something different from what is really going on to you. Sub-timings are one of those things that differentiate brands that use the exact same memory chips and the same PCBs, but end up with different results. They can also have a significant impact on performance, and in far greater a way than primary timings do. They also are sometimes dictated by the memory stick's SPD table, and sometimes by the board itself, leading to a complicated set of criteria I am sure many do not consider, and places like stores and memory manufacturers don't seem too eager to disclose such things readily. This is a big part of why it isn't smart to mix kits from different sets or brands even if they seem to be the same; sub-timings can change from kit revision to kit revision, never mind that the actual memory chips can change as well. Deciphering what is going on is NOT for the inexperienced.

All of that said, G.Skill's Trident Z series of sticks are sticks meant to be overclocked and pushed hard. That's why they have heavy heatsinks and come in a variety of colors; this is to ensure that your thematic or overclocked system gets everything it needs, both in looks and in overclocking potential. This makes these sticks a bit different from the previously tested Crucial DIMMs which are intended for users looking for high performance they can "set and forget". G.Skill's Trident Z sticks are meant for those looking to push the limits, those willing to take the time to tweak settings and voltages to get the most they can, and at that, few sticks can compare. That's why they cost a bit more too. Yet if you want to get the most out of these sticks, manual tuning may be needed. Bought a set and need some help setting it up? Let me know in the forums!!