Core i7 Multi-GPU SLI Crossfire Game performance review - 3 - Memory subsystem and some proper cooling

Memory -- OCZ PC3 16000 - Platinum Edition (2000 MHz 9-9-9)

So while Intel's supplied Qimonda memory with their reference kit not only had to be returned after a couple of days, it really was a set of JEDEC specific memory. We wanted something with a little extra bite. So we asked OCZ to submit a high performance kit. Luckily for us they are announcing several triple channel memory kits. High frequency memory really is what X58 | Core I7 can and should use. And if anything, DDR3 memory will finally be ignited by the release of Core i7. The memory we received is just astounding as it's one of the best high-frequency kits you'll be able to purchase. It's rated at 2000 MHz and the DIMMs just scream high performance loud and clear.

These modules contain a can of performance for the Intel Nehalem and AMD Deneb processors, which have on-chip memory controllers. See, Deneb could get memory bandwidth of close to 32GB/sec, and Nehalem could get close to 48GB/sec, both much faster than the current 11GB/sec ceiling imposed by your current FSB and chipset.

For X58 this is a perfect memory kit to test with and to make sure we secure the highest available memory bandwidth. It's really good as we reached 16 GB memory bandwidth easily, giving the mainboard and it's processor the extra bite that it needs, we can easily say it's the fastest kit we've tested to date.

Specifications

• 2000MHz DDR3
• CL 9-9-9-28
• (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
• Available in 1GB modules and 2GB dual channel kits
• Unbuffered
• Platinum Z3 XTC Heatspreader**
• Lifetime Warranty
• 1.8 Volts

Noctua NH-C12P heapipe cooler with Nehalem mounting system

Back in June at Computex 2008 we met with Noctua where the guys have been showing me a new cooler and mounting kit in development for Nehalem processors. So last week we received an email from them asking if we wanted to use their Core i7 cooler in this review. And of course we gladly accepted. See Noctua is among the highest ranking manufacturers who create heatpipe based cooling, which is silent yet also offers high-performance. Yes, you get the best of both worlds, excellent cooling versus good looks and fine noise levels.

Noctua submitted their NH-C12P cooler and a new Core i7 (LGA 1366) mounting kit. Let's have a peek shall we?

The NH-C12P cooler sports no less than 6 heat pipes and the acoustically sound NF-P12 120mm fan. The 6 heatpipes enter the same side of the base and travel fully through it before being pressed shut. The joints between the fins and the pipes is direct and soldered properly.

The package contains both LGA775 and AM2 mounting systems, a packet containing retention springs, sound dampers, fan brackets, low noise adapters and a tube of Noctua's own NT-H1 thermal paste. Now if you already purchased this product, you are eligible to get a Core i7 (Socket 1366) mounting kit for free. Very classy. In our ASUS P6T DeluXe article, we'll show you some performance results and go a little deeper into this cooler.

Let's talk for a minute about SLI and CrossfireX -- the multi-GPU gaming experience.