G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series DDR3 2400 Mhz F3-2400C11D-8GXM Review

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 12 different series  of desktop memory alone. The Ripjaws X series offers speeds from 1333MHz all the way up to an impressive 2400Mhz. They feature medium profile blue, black, or red aluminum heat spreaders with a total memory module height of 40 mm. Not all heat spreader colors are available in all speeds and latency configurations. Their 40mm height should clear most aftermarket air cooler, but it is best to check first, before you purchase either. They are available in single, dual, or quad channel kits and capacity configurations from 2GB to 32GB. The 8GB 2400MHz dual channel kit I am reviewing today is at the high end of the memory speed scale for the Ripjaws X line. They feature blue heat spreaders and a typical for G.SKILL full length decal on each side of the modules. The Ripjaws X certainly look and sound the part, but will they “rip” through competition? There is only one way to find out, so here we go.

G.SKILL’s take on the Ripjaws X

The Ripjaws classic has returned! This time, the G.SKILL RipjawsX Series is raising the bar for computing experience and performance expectations across the board. Equipped with XMP profiles and dual-channel capable, your Intel and AMD systems will easily tear through all your games and programs

Stylish Heat Spreader Design, Keep It Cool
Sporting a sleek and stylish heat spreader, heat dissipation is maximized by increasing surface area for cool air to pass over while your system is gaming or computing. The hollow teeth-like heat spreader fins is made from aluminum and designed to allow maximize air flow for maximum cooling efficiency.

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 X 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

• Warranty: Lifetime
• Size: 8GB (2 x 4GB)
• Performance Profile: XMP Profile #1
• Fan Included: No
• Heat Spreader: Blue Aluminum
• Memory Configuration: Dual Channel
• Memory Type: DDR3
• Package – Memory Pin: 240
• Package – Memory Format: DIMM
• Tested Voltage: 1.65
• SPD Voltage: 1.5
• Speed Rating: PC3-19200 (2400MHz)
• SPD Speed: 1333MHz
• SPD Latency: 9-9-9-24
• Tested Speed: 2400MHz
• Tested Latency: 11-13-13-31

Closer Look

This particular G.SKILL Ripjaws X series feature a blue aluminum heat spreaders. The heater spreader design is aggressive, without being over the top.

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 X series feature black PCB’s.

Standing at 40mm tall, the Ripjaws X 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.

Configuring The Bios

Configuring the RAM for my Intel based system is as simple as setting the XMP 1 profile in the BIOS. Once selected, the BIOS automatically configured the correct speed of 2400MHz and with timings of 11-13-13-31-2T.

Testing and Performance

System Configuration

Testing Hardware

• EVGA Z87 Stinger Motherboard
• Intel Core i5 4670K Processor
• G.SKILL Ripjaws X 8GB 2400MHz
• ADATA XPG XS900 128GB Solid State Drive
• Corsair H100 AIO CPU Cooler
• Corsair Vengeance C70 Case
• XFX PRO850W XXX Edition 850w Silver Power Supply
• EVGA Nvidia GTX 760 Graphic Card

Overclocking

I decided to start at a 2600MHz overclock at the stock voltage of 1.65. The test system booted into Windows and was not able to pass all tests. I loosened the tRAS timing from 31 to 33. At that point, it was more stable, but not quite stable enough. I loosened the timings further, but stablity did not improve. I then increased the voltage from 1.65V to 1.675v and the system was finally fully stable. I decided to push the memory further, but anything about 2600MHz required an additional voltage increase to 1.7v. I finally settled with a clock of 2633MHz and timings of 11-13-13-33-2T. Any additional overclock required even higher levels of voltage then I felt comfortable with.

Benchmarking

AIDA64 Extreme 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.”

Read

*higher is better

Write

*higher is better

Copy

*higher is better

Latency

*lower is better

Super Pi

“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.”

MaxxMEM 2

“Is the *little brother of MaxxPI², it contains the same memory benchmark routine as MaxxPI² does. So your reaced results will be comparable to Memory / Latency benchmarks done by MaxxPI².”

Final Thoughts and Conclusion 

While overclocking was not fantastic, the RipJaws X was still very fast, matching or exceeding most of my expectations, even at 2400HMz. Adding an additional 233MHz to the memory clock and overclocking the CPU only served to strengthen its performance further. They do seem to prefer increased voltage over loosened timings while overclocking. Some may not be comfortable running their memory at 1.7V on a daily basis.

The blue heat spreaders are look aggressive and decals applied to the heat spreaders add a touch of class. I think Ripjaws X would be a good match to almost any system with blue accents, such as ASRock’s recently released Extreme Series Z97 motherboards. They module specification label applied to each module allows for easy identification and is a welcome addition. At 40mm tall, the modules should clear most aftermarket air coolers.

At the time of testing, I was able to find this particular kit for $91.99 at Amazon while the 16GB kit sells for $183.99 at Amazon as well. This is definitely a competitive price. Like all of G.SKILL’s memory, they feature a lifetime warranty. The Ripjaws X has a good combination of price, performance, and cosmetics.

Likes

• Very fast at stock speeds
• Competitive price
• Lifetime Warranty

Dislikes

• Limited overclocking potential