G.Skill Ripjaws V 16GB DDR4 3200MHz Memory Review

Introduction

G.SKILL is one of the move respected names in the computer industry. Established in 1989 by enthusiasts, they have become one the leading memory module manufacturers. They also have one the most extensive range of computer memory products available. They have 13 different series of desktop memory alone.

G.SKILL’s first entry into DDR4 market was the Ripjaws 4 series, which now offers speeds from 2133MHz all the way up to an impressive 3600Mhz. The Ripjaws V offers even more performance over the Ripjaws V line and a more subdued look. They feature 42mm high medium profile black, blue, sliver, gunmetal or red aluminum heat spreaders. There are 4GB x 2 (8GB total) through 16GB x 4 (64GB total) configurations are available.

The 16GB 3200MHz dual-channel kit we are reviewing today is in the upper middle of the memory speed scale for the Ripjaws V line. They feature red heat spreaders and a G.SKILL decal on each side of the modules. The Ripjaws V certainly look sharp and promise big performance. We reviewed the 3000MHz version of this same kit some time ago and came away impressed. The faster kit promises even better performance and with DDR4 memory prices have gone down quite a bit, even better value.

G.SKILL’s take on the Ripjaws V

Feel the Rush of Ripjaws V

As the latest addition to the classic Ripjaws family, the Ripjaws V series is the newest dual-channel DDR4 memory designed for maximum compatibility and cutting-edge performance with the 6th generation Intel® Core™ processor on the Z170 series chipset. Built with the finest components, tested under the most rigorous conditions, and offered in five color options, Ripjaws V is the perfect choice for building a new performance system or for a simple memory upgrade.

Blazing Fast Transfer Speed

Available in a wide range of frequency options from standard DDR4-2133MHz to a blistering DDR4-3733MHz in dual channels, Ripjaws V lets you enjoy a faster computing experience for gaming, video & image editing, rendering, and data processing.

Rigorously Tested for Compatibility and Reliability

Each and every Ripjaws V DDR4 memory kit is tested with G.SKILL’s rigorous validation process on all major performance motherboard brands to ensure the best-in-class reliability and compatibility across the widest selection of motherboards.

Color It Up

Not only is the Ripjaws V designed with a sleek new look, but also available in five different colors: Blazing Red, Steel Blue, Radiant Silver, Gunmetal Gray, and Classic Black. Whether you’re a modder seeking matching hues or looking to build a stunning new system, Ripjaws V is a superb selection.

42mm Module Height

Continuing the tradition of aftermarket CPU cooler compatibility, Ripjaws V is designed with a 42mm module height suitable for most oversized CPU heatsinks.

Up to 64GB Ultra High Capacity

Ripjaws V offers various capacity configurations, not only with modules of 4GB and 8GB, but also in ultra-high 16GB capacities for up to 64GB (16GBx4). The possibilities are endless!

Power Efficient

Designed with a low voltage of 1.2V~1.35V at DDR4 standard, this lowers the memory voltage requirement by 20% from DDR3 memory kits! Now your system can perform even faster without becoming an expensive appliance heater.

XMP 2.0 Support

Just set and go. Programmed with the latest Intel XMP 2.0 profiles, the only thing between you and extreme performance is a simple setting.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

All G.SKILL memory products come with a limited lifetime warranty and the G.SKILL technical team is always ready to provide consumers with complete technical support via online forum, Facebook, telephone, and email.

Let’s take a closer look on the next page.

Packaging and Specifications

Packaging

The memory kit is packaged in a hinged plastic tray. The memory is also completely visible. A stylish insert card is visible behind the memory. Included in the package is a G.Skill case sticker. The packaging is reusable.

Around back we see a description of the Ripjaws V series and warranty information. There is also a label denoting which modules are included in the package, as well as technical support contact information.

Specifications

A Closer Look

This particular G.SKILL Ripjaws V set feature red aluminum heat spreaders. The heatspreader design has a sculpted look that is not flashy.

A decal is affixed to both sides of the heat spreaders. The decal has a graphical background, with the G.SKILL and Ripjaws logos. The entire Ripjaws V series feature black PCB’s.

Standing at 42mm tall, the Ripjaws V are relatively short compared to some other kits in this speed class.

G.Skill attaches a label to each memory module that contains all important information regarding that exact module.

On to Testing

System Configuration, Installation, and Performance Testing

Testing Setup

Testing Hardware

• Gigabyte Z170X-UD5 TH Motherboard
• Intel Core i7 6700K Processor
• Kingston HyperX 3K 480GB Solid State Drive
• Custom Water Cooling
• Spotswood Small Tech Bench
• XFX PRO850W XXX Edition 850w Silver Power Supply
• PowerColor Radeon R9 285 TurboDuo Graphics Card

Testing Software:

• Microsoft Windows 10 Home
• AIDA64 Engineer Edition
• Passmark Performance Test
• SiSoft Sandra
• 7-Zip
• Super Pi Modded 1.5
• Fritz Chess
• Unigine Heaven
• 3DMark – Firestrike

Configuring the Bios

Configuring the RAM for my Intel Z170 based system is as simple. With XMP profile 1 selected, so the BIOS automatically configured the correct speed of 3200MHz and with timings of 14-14-14-32-2T.

Benchmark Results

AIDA64 Engineer Edition

“FinalWire Ltd. today announced the immediate availability of AIDA64 Extreme Edition 1.50 software, a streamlined diagnostic and benchmarking tool for home users; and the immediate availability of AIDA64 Business Edition 1.50 software, an essential network management solution for small and medium scale enterprises. The new AIDA64 update implements AVX-optimized benchmarks for the upcoming Intel Sandy Bridge processors, adds a brand new video encoding benchmark, and supports the latest AMD and nVIDIA graphics processors.”

Passmark Performance Test – Memory Mark – Threaded

“Fast, easy to use, PC speed testing and benchmarking. PassMark PerformanceTest ™ allows you to objectively benchmark a PC using a variety of different speed tests and compare the results to other computers.”

SiSoft Sandra

“SiSoftware Sandra provides a robust package of diagnostic tools for testing your system and teasing out its problems–or potential headaches.”

7-Zip

“This form allows you to measure the performance of your computer.The benchmark shows a rating in MIPS (million instructions per second). The rating value is calculated from the measured speed, and it is normalized with results of Intel Core 2 CPU with multi-threading option switched off. So if you have modern CPU from Intel or AMD, rating values in single-thread mode must be close to real CPU frequency. There are two tests, compression with LZMA method and decompression with LZMA method. Once the total passes reaches 100, the score is taken.”

Super Pi Modded 1.5

“In August 1995, the calculation of pi up to 4,294,960,000 decimal digits was succeeded by using a supercomputer at the University of Tokyo. The program was written by D.Takahashi in collaboration with Dr.Y.Kanada at the computer center. This record should be the current world record. (Details are shown in the windows help.) This record-breaking program was ported to personal computer environment such as Windows NT and Windows 95. In order to calculate 33.55 million digits, it takes within 3 days with a Pentium 90 MHz, 40 MB main memory and 340 MB available storage.”

Fritz Chess

“Fritz Chess is a benchmark in which a fictitious game of chess is played. As each move has to be calculated by the computer, it is an excellent test of CPU muscle.”

Game testing continued on next page.

Performance Testing Continued and Overclocking

Game Benchmark Results

Heaven

“Heaven Benchmark immerses a user into a magical steampunk world of shiny brass, wood and gears. Nested on flying islands, a tiny village with its cozy, sun-heated cobblestone streets, an elaborately crafted dirigible above the expanse of fluffy clouds, and a majestic dragon on the central square gives a true sense of adventure. An interactive experience with fly-by and walk-through modes allows for exploring all corners of this world powered by the cutting-edge UNIGINE Engine that leverages the most advanced capabilities of graphics APIs and turns this benchmark into a visual masterpiece.”

3DMark – Firestrike

“The new 3DMark includes everything you need to benchmark your hardware. With three all new tests you can bench everything from smartphones and tablets, to notebooks and home PCs, to the latest high-end, multi-GPU gaming desktops. And it’s not just for Windows. With 3DMark you can compare your scores with Android and iOS devices too. It’s the most powerful and flexible 3DMark we’ve ever created.”

Fire Strike is a showcase DirectX 11 benchmark designed for today’s high-performance gaming PCs. It is our most ambitious and technical benchmark ever, featuring real-time graphics rendered with detail and complexity far beyond what is found in other benchmarks and games today.”

Overclocking

G.SKILL memory is legendary in the overclocking world, so be things were expected. I started off by simply changed the memory multiplier from 32 to 33.33. The system booted into Windows and was completely stable. That is pretty good, but at Pro Clockers we always want more.

I then raised the voltage to 1.4v and increased the multiplier to 36. At this post and the Ripaws were running at 3600MHz and almost completely stable. A slight adjustments of the  timings to 16-20-20-45-2T and it was good to go.

I ultimately tried to go even further, getting all the way to 3733Mhz, but it was never completely stable. More voltage might have helped, but 1.4v is already more than most people would feel comfortable with.

Final thoughts and conclusion are up next

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Everything we liked about the Ripjaws V 3000MHz kit is here with the 3200MHz kit, just at a higher speed. The red heatspreaders still look good and decals applied to the heatspreaders add a touch of class. They would great installed in any motherboard with red accents. At 42mm tall, the modules should clear most aftermarket air coolers. Additional black, blue, sliver, and gunmetal colors that should allow color matching to almost any build.

Like the 3000MHZ kit, when it came to overclocking, the Ripjaws V 3200 MHz, were definitely no slouch either. They do seem a bit finicky with the timings, preferring increased voltage over loosened timings. A combination if both is needed to the best results. For those that may not be comfortable running their memory at 1.4V on a daily basis, 3466MHz is still an easy option. For those who want to go all out, 3733MHz or even higher is a possibility.

At the time of testing, I was able to find this kit Newegg and Amazon around $105.99. Like all of G.SKILL’s memory, they feature a lifetime warranty. The Ripjaws V has a great combination of price, performance, and cosmetics.

Likes

• Lifetime Warranty
• Unique Looks
• Low Profile
• Fantastic Overclocking Ability

Dislikes

• None