Modern systems, whether Intel or AMD, are very sensitive to the speed of RAM. But experiments show that high-performance DDR4 modules ...
Modern systems, whether Intel or AMD, are very sensitive to the speed of RAM.
But experiments show that high-performance DDR4 modules with frequencies of 3800, 4000 MHz with a significant difference in price, compared with 3000, 3200 MHz, give not such a big gain in speed.
Therefore, DDR4 memory options with frequencies of about 3200 MHz are the golden mean, if you want to add system performance and not spend too much.
Therefore, DDR4 memory options with frequencies of about 3200 MHz are the golden mean, if you want to add system performance and not spend too much.
Introducing Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 Memory Kit
Relatively recently, last year, Kingston great updated the HyperX FURY DDR4 family of RAM.
Recall that HyperX FURY is a more affordable product than HyperX Predator. A kind of option for prudent enthusiasts, gamers, for whom not only advanced features but also price play a significant role.
The HyperX FURY DDR4 range includes models with frequencies from 2400 to 3733 MHz with a module capacity of 4, 8, 16, 32 GB.
All Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 memory modules are made in the same style as black radiators.
Options with integrated RGB backlighting are also available.
The Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 set presented in the test is a memory with a frequency of 3200 MHz, equipped with RGB-backlight and consisting of two modules of 8 GB each.
A similar kit without backlight has the index HX432C16FB3K2 / 16.
Memory Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 comes in a blister. In addition to the modules themselves, you can find a branded sticker and a quick guide in the kit.
Compared with their counterparts without backlighting, these slats, due to the presence of additional diffusers, were higher. The dimensions are 41.2 mm high versus 34.1 mm for HyperX FURY DDR4 memory without backlight.
HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 slightly higher than standard DDR4 modules
In most cases, this does not matter, but if the system uses a large cooler with a “wide” heatsink, such as Aardwolf Performa 10X, then there may be problems installing the module in the first (closest to the processor) slot.
Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 has two predefined XMP profiles: 3000 MHz with timings 15-17-17-36, voltage 1.35 V and 3200 MHz with slightly higher timings 16-18-18-1836, voltage 1, 35 V.
RGB backlight
Under a translucent diffuser that stretches along with the entire module, a series of RGB LEDs is placed.
To control the backlight Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB provides a proprietary application HyperX INGENUITY.
HyperX NGENUITY
It is noteworthy that at the time of this writing, it was available only in beta and was distributed exclusively through the Microsoft Store application market.
A series of different dynamic effects is provided with speed, brightness, colour selection, etc.
In addition, HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB can be synchronized with other computer components through the backlight system of the motherboard (ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion 2.0, etc.).
Synchronizing the backlight memory in the ASUS Aura Sync system
The backlight looks high quality.
Note an interesting detail. On both sides of the boards are infrared transmitters and receivers (marked in the photo below). With their help, the luminescence and module effects are coordinated among themselves for complete synchronous operation.
Connect
Test Platform Configurations:
Intel platform
- Processor: Intel Core i5-9400F
- Motherboard: ASUS TUF Z390-PRO GAMING
- RAM: 2 × 8 GB DDR4 (Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16)
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64 bit
AMD platform
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 2700 (ZEN + architecture)
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix X470-F Gaming
- RAM: 2 × 8 GB DDR4 (Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16)
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64 bit
When you turn on the system for the first time after installing the modules, the memory starts at a frequency of 2400 MHz with timings 17-17-17-39 and a voltage of 1.2 V.
Choosing one of the predefined XMP profiles, you can run Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 in the 3000 MHz mode with timings 15-17-17-36, voltage 1.35 V, or 3200 MHz with slightly higher timings 16-18- 18-36, voltage 1.35 V.
Select predefined XMP profiles
It should be noted that for the Intel Core i5-9400F processor, the native memory frequency is up to 2666 MHz, and for AMD Ryzen 7 2700 - up to 2933 MHz.
Therefore, in both cases, the memory at higher frequencies is not guaranteed.
But this is in theory, and in practice, the eighth and ninth-generation Intel Core processors usually work without problems with a much higher RAM frequency, for example, 4000 MHz or even more (the capabilities of the DDR4 modules themselves are already a limiting factor).
With AMD systems, the situation is more complicated.
Processors AMD Ryzen architectures ZEN (Ryzen 1000 series) and ZEN + (Ryzen 2000 series) are much more "picky" to the RAM. They require more scrupulous attention to timings, other parameters and have far less high-frequency RAM potential, as is the case with Intel.
The situation has improved significantly in the Ryzen 3000 series processors (ZEN 2 architecture), but, anyway, on Intel platforms, it is better to reveal the maximum RAM capabilities.
Be that as it may, in the case of the platform based on the Intel Core i5-9400F, and in the case of the platform based on the AMD Ryzen 7 2700, the systems worked stably with the 3200 MHz XMP profile with latencies of 16-18-18-18 voltage 1.35 V.
It is curious at the same time that the Intel Core i5-9400F system started up with the memory parameter Command Rate 2T, and the system with AMD Ryzen 7 2700 even with a lower (this is good) Command Rate 1T.
Memory options when choosing an XMP profile in AMD (left) and Intel (right)
Overclocking Experiments
The Thaiphoon Burner app indicates that our Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 modules are based on Hynix DJR (D-die) memory chips.
Features Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 according to Thaiphoon Burner
Peer-to-peer memory modules (memory chips are located on one side).
This is very interesting, judging by the information from the hardwareluxx.de forum, where statistics are collected on the types of microcircuits and the names of RAM modules based on them, in many Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 modules with a frequency of about 3200 MHz, including HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16, Hynix CJR (C-Die) chips are used.
According to rumours, the Hynix D-die is a more modern version of the Hynix C-die with slightly better settings.
The presence of Hynix DJR (D-die) chips in our modules, rather than Hynix CJR (C-Die), is probably related to the production date.
We got a "completely fresh" memory, released in January 2020, for our test.
In experiments related to memory overclocking, it is not out of place to have temperature sensors on the modules. Unfortunately, there are no such sensors in HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16. At least they did not appear in the latest AIDA64 diagnostic application.
Let's see how the HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 modules showed themselves in overclocking.
During the experiments, we did not set a goal to find some extreme modes for overclocking. It was interesting how the memory would behave when using safe levels of RAM supply voltage and the DRAM controller, and a reasonable balance of frequency and timings.
To check the stability of the work, we used the memory test application, the built-in memory benchmark in AIDA64, and launched 3DMark gaming benchmarks.
Overclocking based on Intel Core i5-9400F
Leaving the same timings 16-18-18-36 as for the XMP 3200 mode, and reducing the Command Rate to 1T, we managed to start the modules at a frequency of 3333 MHz with the same voltage of 1.35 V.
Further steps to increase the frequency required an increase in timings and games with RAM voltage, as well as VCCIO and VCCSA voltages.
Intel Results:
- 3333 MHz, 16-18-18-36-1T, 1.35 V;
- 3466 MHz, 17-19-19-36-2T, 1.39 V;
- 3600 MHz, 18-20-20-39-2T, 1.42 V;
- 3866 MHz, 19-21-21-42-2T, 1.44 V;
- 4000 MHz, 19-22-22-43-2T, 1.45 V.
They did not experiment further. Surely the memory would start at a frequency of more than 4000 MHz, but this would require an even greater increase in timings.
Overclocking based on AMD Ryzen 7 2700
We managed to subdue the frequency 3333 MHz at the same timings as for the XMP 3200 mode. To do this, we only had to increase the voltage a little to 1.37.
Further, with increasing frequencies, we had to increase the timings
AMD Results:
- 3333 MHz, 16-18-18-36-1T, 1.37 V;
- 3466 MHz, 16-19-20-36-1T, 1.375 V;
- 3533 MHz, 16-19-20-36-1T, 1.4 V;
- 3600 MHz, 16-19-20-36-1T, 1.41 V;
- 3733 MHz, 16-21-22-38-1T, 1.43 V.
If you used the processor architecture ZEN 2 (Ryzen 3000 processors), the results would probably be a little better. As for the architecture processor ZEN +, it turned out quite worthy.
General observation for both platforms.
An increase in frequency above 3333 MHz is accompanied by a forced increase in timings. Even a significant (within reason) increase in the supply voltage and the controller does not allow setting relatively low timings at higher frequencies.
According to subjective feelings, the memory heatsinks heat up moderately, including when the voltage rises to 1.45 V (a rather high voltage level).
conclusions
According to the test results, even in the case of computers based on AMD Ryzen processors of the previous generation ZEN +, you don’t really need to worry that the system will start up “in the 3200 MHz memory mode”.
There are certain reserves for overclocking.
The frequency of 3333 MHz is achieved while maintaining the "native" timings. If desired, you can achieve quite high frequencies, but then the timings will be already relatively large.
On the whole, we would call the overclocking potential average. The Hynix DJR (D-die) chips used here are not the option that enthusiasts and fans like to “squeeze all the juices out of the system” usually chase after them.
Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 is perfect for users who do not plan any deep experiments.
Installed, launched the pre-installed XMP profile with a frequency of 3200 MHz and enjoy the trouble-free stable operation of the system.
Do not forget that when choosing Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16, you get a device from a well-known brand that is provided with a long-term “lifetime” guarantee and a reasonable price, given the presence of backlighting.
If you compare Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 with the same modules, but without backlight (HX432C16FB3K2 / 16), the difference is quite noticeable (about $ 15).
The backlight itself is very decent and functional, here you can see for yourself what is more important for you ...
| Features Kingston HyperX FURY DDR4 RGB HX432C16FB3AK2 / 16 | |
| Declared frequency: | 3200 MHz |
| XMP1 Profile: | 3000 MHz, 15-17-17-36, 1.35 V |
| XMP2 Profile: | 3200 MHz, 16-18-18-36, 1.35 V |
| The volume of one memory bar: | 8 GB |
| Memory Modules Included: | 2 × 8 GB (16 GB total) |
| Chip radiators: | Yes |
| Memory chips: | Hynix DJR (D-die) |
| Extra features: | controlled RGB |
| The supplier: | Kingston Representative Office in Ukraine |
| Price: | $ 107 |
Rating:
+ radiators on memory chips
+ peer-to-peer layout
+ adequate cost, given the presence of RGB-backlight
+ warranty "for the entire service life."
+ functional RGB backlight
- in rare cases, the increased height of the modules can lead to difficulties when installing the overall processor cooling system
- no built-in temperature sensors
