Kingston HyperX Predator 2800MHz 8GB Memory Kit Review

1. Introduction2. Kingston HyperX Predator 2800MHz Memory3. Configuring the BIOS4. System Configuration5. SiSoft Sandra6. MaxxMem27. Cinebench R11.5 64 bit8. Super Pi9. Overclocking10. Closing Thoughts11. View All Pages

Kingston ships the HyperX Predator memory modules in an easy-to-open package. The kit's product name and specifications are located on the front side of the packaging.

The Kingston HyperX Predator 2800MHz memory modules are covered by a tall blue heatsink which is not too dissimilar to the company's T1 heatspreader. Kingston has chosen to use a green PCB which is inferior to its black alternative in terms of aesthetic appearance.

Giving a capacity of four gigabytes per DIMM for our 8GB 2800MHz kit, eight memory chips are located on one side of the PCB, with a spacer occupying the other.

The configuration, rated speed, and performance (as we will show later in the review) of Kingston's HyperX Predator kit screams out Hynix MFR-based memory chips in a single-sided configuration. MFR memory from SK Hynix is known for its excellent ability to offer strong scaling of frequency with increased voltage. Our Kingston representative confirmed that the kit uses Hynix M-die memory chips.

Measuring in at 54mm-tall, the potential for interference with CPU coolers is high when using the HyperX Predator modules. I would typically criticise the Kingston memory for using heatsinks which would generally be considered needlessly oversized. But in this case, Kingston's use of 54mm-tall metal heatsinks is entirely justified.

The type of person who buys Kingston's 2800MHz memory kit will be pushing DRAM voltages to a level where the chips require an effective cooling solution. For an air-based system, the memory's heatsink is obliged to rise to the task of dissipating the chips' over-volted heat output.

And for extreme users whose first task will be to remove the heatsinks, Kingston uses a heatspreader design which pieces together two separate metal plates. Theoretically, this type of implementation should make it easier to remove the heatspreader and replace it with sub-zero cooling equipment.

Given the rapid switch of colours that motherboard vendors implemented in tandem with the release of their Z87 products, matching the light blue heatsinks of the HyperX Predator memory may be more difficult than it would first seem.

In fact, a quick look at OverclockersUK's Z87 motherboard section reveals that none of the high-end, overclocking-geared boards even feature blue as part of their colour scheme.

I can understand Kingston wanting to retain their long-term brand image with the high-rise blue heatsinks, but perhaps black or another colour would have been the more appropriate choice at this point in time. Even inverting the current ratio and positioning of blue and black may have been a good idea.

Arguments for and against the kit's colour scheme can be made. In the end the scheme's likeability comes down to individual preference. But I can confidently say that colour-coordination will be one of the main buying points to many enthusiast users purchasing a memory kit. Overclockers, on the other hand, are unlikely to care about appearance.

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