RAM. The word used so much in the computing world. We all want more, often not understanding its purpose. For the most part, speed is overlooked and users favour the cheapest generic RAM kit they find. That’s except for the hardcore enthusiast who overclocks anything and everything to the point of destruction. The person that can’t sleep because another few megahertz can be had out of their CPU. Is that you? Then you’re in for a treat. Today we have G.SKILL’s Pi series RAM. Selling in 6GB and 12GB varieties, it is for use on the X58 chipset and runs at 1600MHZ out of the box. Latencies for both kits are 7-8-7- 24 at only 1.5V.
While the transition from DDR2 to DDR3 has been more gradual for the vast amount of mainstream PC users, enthusiasts have been quick to jump on the bandwagon. Boasting lower voltages and higher speeds as well as being the only option for current platforms such as the X58 chipset and P55/H55 chipsets, DDR3 has a lot going for it. The main difference as mentioned is the speed. For the overclocker, DDR3 is a dream to overclock but as always the risk of overvolting RAM still remains prominent, more so on the X58 chipset now the memory controller is onboard the CPU.
Pi. Why the name I hear you say? First of all, the Pi series all have their own type of memory heat sinks as you’ll see on the packaging page. They’re designed to keep the RAM as cool as possible whilst still looking the business. Then the name. Pi is a indefinite number with no ending. We have no idea what number is next and it often varies from the last. This is metaphorical of the Pi Series RAM and its overclocking abilities. All RAM kits overclock differently and are unpredictable when it comes to overclocking. Good choice of name, little explanation. We hope that G.SKILL put up some more information on their website regarding this as it’s definitely an interesting choice of name and one that’s had a lot of thought put into it.
The 1600MHZ Pi series kit is currently unavailable in the U.K and Hardwarespot are one of the few to have their hands on such limited kit. Another thing to bear in mind with this kit is that it’s rated at 1.5 volts. Thus you should be able to shoot 1.65 volts through it without doing the memory controller on the CPU any damage. That leaves plenty of headroom and hopefully high clocks will proceed. Not to mention these have the prestigious G.SKILL branding. They’re one of the most respected memory manufacturers in the industry and known for their quality products and excellent customer support.
Here’s what G.SKILL’s mission statement is:
We are here to provide superior memory products, with satisfactory services in order to keep pace with our customers’ growing needs, and help them by adding value to their purchases. We pledge we will continue to do so and enable both sides to obtain significant competitive advantages in the market segments.
Let’s see if this RAM meets the hype!