ADATA XPG Z1 16GB 2400MHz DDR4 Memory Kit Review

1. Introduction & Closer Look2. Configuring the BIOS3. System Configuration4. Tests: Memory Metrics5. Tests: Computational Benchmark6. Tests: Gaming Benchmark7. Overclocking: Frequencies8. Overclocking: Performance9. Closing Thoughts10. View All Pages

The ADATA XPG Z1 16GB 2400MHz DDR4 memory kit that we tested showed particularly strong overclocking potential, and solid all-round performance.

Despite a 20% speed deficit compared to G.Skill's 3GHz Ripjaws4 kit, the 2.4GHz ADATA memory was able to maintain its competitiveness in a variety of tests. This just goes to show that a number of general usage, consumer workloads do not show tangible benefits from vastly increased memory frequencies.

The overclocking potential shown by our kit was excellent. We had the Hynix MFR-based sticks running at 3000MHz, with tightened timings, by using a 15mV voltage boost. We actually hit 3200MHz at one point, but that frequency was not stable.

Obviously results will vary from kit to kit, hence why I am wary about putting an overly large emphasis on the overclocking potential with a sample size of one. But our frequency-boosting experience shows that there could be some positive overclocks to be had, even if you choose to take a chance with parts segregated as slower speed at the binning process.

Overall design of the memory is good. Bright red heatsinks are easy to match with any number of gaming motherboards, and ADATA ensures that they aren't so ridiculously oversized that they cause continuous CPU cooler interference. A black PCB is another design choice that will be welcomed by system builders concerned with appearance.

Priced at £199.99 from OverclockersUK, ADATA's XPG Z1 16GB set is one of the more expensive 2400MHz kits on sale. The £200 border region is treading awfully close to 2666MHz territory. But with the potential for sizeable frequency gains, if you get lucky with the silicon lottery, there's no harm in taking a punt with ADATA's XPG Z1 16GB 2400MHz DDR4 memory kit.

Pros:

• Positive motherboard compatibility with 2400MHz XMP 2.0 setting.
• Attractive design, with black PCB.
• Heatspreaders short enough to cause little CPU cooler interference.
• Potential for high overclocks.

Cons:

• Similar price to 2666MHz kits.
• Looser timings than many competing 2400MHz kits, and more expensive.

KitGuru says: If you're willing to gamble on the premise of strong overclocking potential, ADATA's 2400MHz XPG Z1 kit is worth the punt. Otherwise, you are likely to be tempted by a faster out-of-the-box kit for an almost identical asking fee.

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