Test System

Testing Rated Speeds

With the launch of Intel's Z170 chipset and both the 6700K and 6600K, we've been introduced to dual-channel DDR4, something that hadn't been a part of the consumer marketplace before. While bringing new technology into the mainstream focus, Intel's Z170 also offers better DDR4 utilization with high-speed dual-channel DDR4 matching 2133 MHz quad-channel DDR4 in bandwidth in some instances, but at far lower latency. So if you've heard DDR3 is faster than DDR4, well, that might not apply anymore. To me, such has been obvious from the start since my own testing showed that X99 Express obviously failed to fully utilize DDR4. Quad-channel just simply adds so much bandwidth that very few things need all that bandwidth on offer, and although the latency of DDR4 might have seemed fairly high compared to DDR3, changes in CPU designs prevent truly accurate comparisons to be made. There simply hadn't been a platform that uses both DDR3 and DDR4 with the same CPUs until now. Then there are all those users who will gladly proclaim that DDR3-1600 is more than ample for most uses, quick to write-off any high-end kits that might cost a few dollars more. To me, such has always reflected the size of a person's wallet more than their knowledge about hardware. DRR3-1600 does offer enough for many uses, but if you want the best, DDR3-1600 is not it.

So, of course, with the Ripjaws V kit clocking in at a staggering 3600 MHz, the first thought that comes to mind is that many users are simply going to say "Oh, that's too expensive", "DDR3 is faster", or even "2133 MHz DDR4 is more than enough!", none of which has ever been a part of how I look at things. If you want the best, you get it, and price doesn't matter. Sure, the increases in performance are small, but they still exist, so if you are on a budget, you might as well close this review right now. These sticks aren't for you.


However, if you like to run benchmarks, run multiple video cards, or like to have the best on offer because it helps you sleep at night, this kit is most definitely something you should consider. Yet, along that same line of thought, if you've purchased one of the less expensive Intel Z170 motherboards, tossing this expensive high-speed kit into such a board is only going to lead to problems and frustrations. When I first got this kit, it did not and would not work at its rated speeds, and since I've been lucky enough to have a few CPUs to play with, and quite a large number of boards, I tried countless configurations before I had to resign and ask board OEMs for updated BIOSes. As you can tell from the screen grab above, I did eventually get it working, thanks to help from G.Skill. So before you try enabling XMP or using manual settings, be sure to update to the most recent BIOS for your board or you might not have much fun. This is also part of the reason my board reviews have been a bit slow to come out. BIOSes for many products simply aren't ready for the abuse I am about to put them through.