Mushkin Redline DDR4 3000MHz 16GB (4x4GB) Review

John Williamson / 9 years ago

Final Thoughts

Price

At the time of review, this particular memory kit is available for $120.99 including shipping from RAMExperts. This offers exceptional memory bandwidth due to the quad channel configuration. However, DDR4 prices have plummeted in recent months and there’s a great deal of competition from other vendors. For example, the G.SKILL Ripjaws V utilizes an identical frequency, voltage and timings while being cheaper. Therefore, it’s exceedingly difficult to stand out from the competition. That doesn’t necessarily mean the Redline isn’t good value, but it’s always important to take alternative options into consideration.

Overview

The modules’ striking heatspreader design looks fantastic due to the luscious red colour scheme and gorgeous silver highlights. This compliments a red and black gaming motherboard superbly. Unlike many memory kits, the slightly lighter red tone produces an unusual contrast with the DIMM slots and evokes a unique feel. It’s not perfect though because the green PCB is irritating but you’re unlikely to notice this once the memory has been installed.

When it comes to performance, the Redline maintains excellent memory bandwidth figures with its stock 3000MHz XMP profile. Additionally, the modules offer marvellous performance without compromising on latency. As a result, the memory kit is extremely balanced and competes against similar specification kits rather well.

Overclocking the memory wasn’t a straight forward task because it didn’t respond well to incremental voltage increases. Additionally, loosening the timings had zero impact on overclocking headroom which meant the maximum recorded figure was fairly limiting. Nevertheless, the 129MHz overclock did exhibit clear advantages compared to the stock results and managed some of the best scores on record. Admittedly, I would have preferred to see the kit surpass 3200MHz, but in the grand scheme of things, this isn’t a massive problem. As always, you might receive a retail version which easily manages 3200MHz. Also, many consumers simply dial in the XMP profile and leave it on the default values. Overall, the performance in every imaginable situation is excellent and the perfect accompaniment to a high-end Z170 or X99 PC.

Pros

3000MHz XMP profile with 15-15-15-35 timings
Attractive heatspreader design
Excellent stability
Great value
Hand tested
Marvellous performance
Lifetime warranty
Respectable voltage rating
Two-tone colour

Cons

Green PCB
Only available in the US at the time of writing

Neutral

Limited overclocking but shouldn’t affect most people using the standard XMP profile

“The Mushkin Redline DDR4 3000MHz 16GB (4x4GB) quad channel memory kit is a suitable choice for any PC enthusiast demanding extreme performance at an affordable price point. Furthermore, the CAS15 latency, 3000MHz speed and interesting styling makes it one of best DDR4 packages on the US market.”

Editors-Choice