G.Skill TridentX 2933MHz F3-2933C12D-8GTXDG 8GB Memory Kit Review

1. Introduction2. G.Skill Trident X 2933MHz Memory3. Configuring the BIOS & Overclocking4. System Configuration5. SiSoft Sandra6. MaxxMem27. Super Pi8. WinRar9. Closing Thoughts10. View All Pages

If you're after some of the fastest memory that money can buy, there are few kits that will please you more than G.Skill's 2933MHz TridentX. Out-of-the-box performance isn't going to blow you away, but with some time and effort, as well as some luck from the Haswell CPU lottery, G.Skill's TridentX 2933MHz modules can be tweaked to deliver promising results.

Real world out-of-the-box performance using the 2933MHz XMP configuration is impressive, as proven by the WinRAR and Super Pi benchmarks. The TridentX kit proved that it offers a substantial performance increase over 2133MHz memory that possesses tighter timings.

Bandwidth performance of the G.Skill TridentX 2933MHz memory kit was quite startling. The Patriot memory kit continuously outperformed G.Skill's significantly higher bandwidth option with looser timings. As a stark contrast, latency performance showed G.Skill's memory to have a distinct lead over the slower Patriot memory which utilises tighter timings.

It would seem that a limitation or less-than-ideal set of configurations provided by our test system's motherboard are responsible for the poor bandwidth scores. This gives a clear indication that plenty of knowledge and patience is required to get the best possible performance from the G.Skill TridentX 2933MHz memory kit. G.Skill hasn't built this set of DDR3 memory with plug-and-play users in mind.

Worth noting is the ability to pair G.Skill's TridentX 2933MHz memory kit with a motherboard willing to accept the sticks. Of the seven Z87 boards that we currently tested at KitGuru, ASRock's Z87 Extreme9/ac is the only one capable of booting successfully with the TridentX's XMP settings.

Given the extreme overclocker target audience, the limited XMP support isn't a huge issue. Hardcore gamers or enthusiasts would be wise to think carefully about their motherboard choice before rushing out to purchase this kit.

Priced at $369.99 from Newegg, and not currently available in the UK, G.Skill's TridentX 2933MHz F3-2933C12D-8GTXDG 8GB memory kit targets extreme overclockers who are looking to break world records. With this in mind, the price is unlikely to be of much concern. To enthusiasts and hardcore gamers wanting fast memory for their high-end systems, there are cheaper options to be had.

Given the target audience, G.Skill's TridentX 2933MHz F3-2933C12D-8GTXDG 8GB memory kit is certainly worth buying, especially for hardcore overclockers who are preparing to break world records. Plug-and-play users should look elsewhere for a cheaper option which may offer better out-of-the-box performance.

Pros:

• Very high out-of-the-box frequency.
• XMP support.
• Attractive styling.
• High-performance heatsink and fan for overclocking.

Cons:

• Very pricey.
• No good for plug-and-play users.
• Limited XMP motherboard compatibility.

KitGuru says: A blazingly-fast memory kit from G.Skill which has the ability to operate at near record-breaking frequencies. Just make sure you have plenty of patience and the correct motherboard to get the most out of these modules.

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