G.Skill TridentZ 3200MHz DDR4 16GB (2x8GB) Review

Final Thoughts

Pricing

The G.Skill TridentZ 3200MHZ dual channel kit is currently available in the UK from OneStopPCShop for £125.31 and US customers can purchase the memory from Newegg for $124.99. This is a decent price when you take into consideration G.Skill’s reputation, the premium heatspreaders, and 3200MHz frequency. However, unless you’re an extreme overclocker or someone who can utilize the extra memory speed, you might be better off buying a 3000MHz quad channel kit instead. For example, UK retailer eBuyer.com, sells the Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (4x4GB) C15 memory for £104.68. Granted, it’s nowhere near as premium looking or unique as the G.Skill kit, but it’s a better value proposition for the mainstream consumer. Clearly, G.Skill’s TridentZ range is targeted at elite X99 or Z170 overlockers wanting the absolute maximum memory speeds and strict selection of premium ICs.  

Summary 

In terms of aesthetic design, G.Skill deserve a huge amount of credit for creating the best-looking memory modules I’ve seen in a long time. The understated yet classy G.Skill branding and brushed aluminium finish is utterly sublime. I also love how each side of the modules adopts a different shade which contrasts superbly well and looks like a premium piece of hardware. Additionally, the red horizontal accent adds some visual flair without being too garish or looking unprofessional. It’s not perfect though, as the red and black colour scheme is overdone and I’d like to see the interchangeable colour strips. This section is plastic so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility. In the pricing section, I might have seemed a little harsh when describing the memory’s value, and it’s all honesty, given the luxury design, I’d probably pay the extra.

The memory kit performed exceedingly well using the default 3200MHz XMP setting and remained completely stable during the extensive benchmarking procedure. Furthermore, the stock results are very impressive and genuinely competes against quad channel kits surprising well. Despite this, the modules really come into their own once overclocked and able to attain a significant performance boost.

Speaking of overclocking, it was a relatively painless experience to attain 3320MHz with tight 16-16-16-38 timings. Theoretically, there is room for a greater frequency boost but this required pretty loose timings for a minimal frequency gain. The overclock on our X99 test bench balanced a high frequency and low latency remarkably well. Honestly, I’m fairly confident, it’s possible to achieve around 3400MHz on a Z170 system, and felt like the overclocking potential was being restricted by the motherboard. Nevertheless, a 120MHz boost is good, especially when you take into account the tight timings. Also, I applied an extra 0.2v to reach 3320MHz as a precautionary measure to maintain stability. Once, the benchmarks were completed, I dialed the voltage back to 1.35v and found it to be completely stable. Overall, the TridentZ series, from my experience, employs a very strict binning process and even the 3200MHz kit has a good amount of headroom for overclocking. If you’re seriously considering these, please overclock them to reach their full potential!

One other factor to take into consideration is the module height which measures a total of 40mm. As a result, some larger air coolers might have compatibility issues in dual fan mode. For example, the be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 3 has a memory clearance of, ironically enough, 40mm. This will be extremely tight and I’m not entirely sure if a CPU cooler like this would be the best option with G.Skill’s TridentZ’s series. On the other hand, the Noctua NH-D15 and NH-D15S utilize a small cutout to slide over the memory and enhance compatibility. In most scenarios, I expect the sort of consumer using 3200MHz premium memory to have a custom loop or closed loop liquid cooler. Otherwise, why invest in gorgeous memory, if it’s going to be obscured by the cooler?

In conclusion, G.Skill have created another groundbreaking memory product which provides all the horsepower needed for extreme usage scenarios. While it’s not the cheapest kit on the market, I would thoroughly recommend it if you enjoying overclocking, or admire the stunning visual design. Sadly, memory can be quite a mundane albeit functional piece of hardware, but manufacturers like G.Skill showcases how to approach product design. The package really is that good and G.Skill should be very proud of the TridentZ series.

Pros

• Arguably, the best looking DDR4 memory available
• Doesn’t require loose timings to remain stable
• Extremely fast 3200MHz XMP 2.0 profile
• Great overclocking headroom
• Lifetime warranty and impeccable customer service
• Low latency
• Premium ICs
• Stock 1.35v is well within DDR4 safe limits

Cons

• 3200MHz frequency comes at a price premium
• 40mm height can cause problems with large air coolers

“The G.Skill TridentZ DDR4 3200MHz dual channel memory kit is a visual masterpiece while offering mesmerizing performance to suit the extreme market.”

G.Skill TridentZ 3200MHz DDR4 16GB (2x8GB) Dual Channel Memory Kit Review

Thank you G.Skill for providing us with this sample.