Introduction

Last week we reviewed the HyperX DDR2-800 PC6400 1Gb Kits from Kingston, and we were impressed by its performance and stability when running on a Nvidia chipset based Intel system. Today we take a look at their DDR-500 PC4000 1Gb kits. From what I've heard they are extremely good. We shall see.

With so much emphasis on DDR2 and AMD's recent launch of their AM2 processors, comsumers are a little confused whether to go all out and upgrade to DDR2. I have to say, DDR2 technology will be become mainstream within 12-18 months times, and a lot of manufacturers nowadays are pushing consumers to buy technology based on DDR2.

However, several hardware websites have noticed DDR2 performance on AM2 processors have been less than impressive. Poor latency issues and the lack of good memory controllers are to blame here ... sure, these problems will be fixed ... but when? It looks like AMD have been rushed into releasing technology based on DDR2 without proper thought. So, is it worth jumping on the DDR2 bandwagon? In my honest opinion ... No, not just yet. Unless you plan to purchase a system based on an Intel processor, then you will require DDR2 memory. I believe there's still a few years lifespan on DDR1 technology.

Currently, AMD's Socket-939 and technology based on their older sockets are still widely available, and it will be a while before DDR2 takes off. Extreme gamers and enthusiasts like me, do prefer high performance and compatibility that you will get from DDR1 technology. For these reasons, many memory producers will still cater for this market. So there's nothing to fear right now. In fact my HydroBox II project which will begin at the end of August, will be based on DDR1 techology.

No need to give you an introduction on Kingston Technology, as you all know by now ... who they are and what they do. You can read our review for Kingston HyperX DDR2-800 PC6400 1Gb kit ... HERE.

OK, a little about these 1Gb kits from Kingston. HyperX memory modules are designed specifically with performance and stability in mind. They offer faster memory timings (low latency spec rated at 3-4-4-8) and are able to run at higher voltages for overclocking. To combat the excess heat produced when overclocking, they also include heat spreaders for better cooling.

Like I said before, the enthusiast market is a tough one to crack. There are already a number of manufacturers out there, which have already established themselves as the choice for the enthusiast, and just to name a few there's ... OCZ, Mushkin, Corsair and even Crucial.

Can Kingston's HyperX DDR500 PC4000 1Gb kit ... turn heads? We will have to see.