Full speed ahead! 8GB of 2400MHz quad channel madness

Subject: Memory | April 10, 2012 - 05:55 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: kingston, 2400MHz, quad channel, xmp

Kingston's new quad channel 8GB kit is advertised to run at 2400MHz via XMP, which should mean that as long as your motherboard supports that speed you should be able to set that speed in your BIOS, no tweaking needed.  Bjorn3D tried it out and it worked with no problems at all, though no matter what they tried when manually overclocking the DIMMs, they could not surpass the 2.4GHz mark.  That is certainly a point in Kingston's favour but there is also one major problem with these DIMMs and that would be price.  At the price of $208.00 that Bjorn3D found these chips for sale at you could pick up 16GB of 2133MHz RAM from Corsair and have enough change left in your pocket for dinner.

"Today we take a look at an 8GB high performance memory offering from Kingston. These modules run at a blazing fast speed of 2400MHz while offering full stability in quad channel."

Here are some more Memory articles from around the web:

Memory

• GSkill RipjawsX 32GB 2133MHz @ Guru of 3D
• GeIL 16 GB Quad-Channel DDR3-1600 and DDR3-1867 Kits Roundup @ X-bit Labs
• Corsair Vengeance 16GB Quad Channel 1600 MHz Memory Review @ HCW
• Exceleram Rippler ERB300A 4 GB PC3-12800 CAS 6 1.65 V DDR3 @ techPowerUp
• Kingston HyperX Genesis 16GB 2133MHz Quad Channel Kit Review @ NikKTech
• Topower 8GB Black Edition 1333mhz @ Kitguru
• G.Skill Ripjaws X F3 2133C9Q-32GXH Review @ OCC
• VisionTek Ultimate Performance Red Label PC3-17000 4x4GB Quad-Channel Memory Kit Review @ Hi Tech Legion
• Intel Core i7 3820 / X79 Platform - How much Memory is Ideal? @ PCSTATS

Take a pictorial tour of Kingston's SSD facility

Subject: General Tech | April 10, 2012 - 11:48 AM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: kingston, fab, tour, ssd

Tweaktown was invited put on a bunny suit and take a tour of Kingston's SSD manufacturing facility in Taiwan.  Starting from a pile of surface mount transistors which are automatically soldered and inspected before being baked at up to 270C once all the components have been mounted to the PCB, they snapped pictures of as much of the process as they could.  From there it is off to the testing facility where Kingston ensures that all the drives that came off of a particular run are up to the expected standards.  TweakTown does mention a burn-in machine, but unfortunately they were told not to post them as Kingston wanted to keep at least a few trade secrets from getting out.  It could also be that they don't want the world to know that they cloned Al several times and use his SSD killing expertise as the final test before releasing a drive to the channel to be sold.

"We were exclusively invited into the Kingston factory where few media have been and got shown the process of making an SSD from start to finish. Due to media restrictions, we were not allowed to produce a video of the tour, but we were allowed to take photos. Obviously Kingston is a market leader in memory and SSD products and there is plenty of sensitive machinery and such - and we needed to respect that and their rules."

Here is some more Tech News from around the web:

Tech Talk

• The TR Podcast 109: Dude, where's my Apple tax?
• Former Intel employee pleads guilty to stealing secrets before joining AMD @ The Inquirer
• GCC 4.7 Compiler Performance On AMD FX-8150 Bulldozer @ Phoronix
• ClearOS,the Missing Link LAN Server @ Linux.com
• Ubuntu 12.04 LTS KVM Virtualization Battles 8.04.4, 10.04.4 LTS @ Phoronix
• Tegra T37/AP37 pops up on the Nvidia roadmaps @ SemiAccurate
• Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V Review @ TechReviewSource
• Weekly Giveaway #26: Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H (Intel Z77) Motherboard @ eTeknix

CES Storage Roundup Part 1 - Toshiba, Kingston

Subject: Storage, Shows and Expos | January 11, 2012 - 09:26 PM | Allyn Malventano
Tagged: toshiba, ssd, memory, kingston, flash, CES

While roaming Vegas, we came across lots of storage goodies. Here are a few:

Toshiba

Toshiba was showing a 19nm flash memory wafer and all of their products containing them.

They seem to be taking their SATA SSD lines less seriously, as there were none on display. While there were no SSD's to speak of, there were USB devices:

There was also plenty of SDHC, including their own SD WiFi card - used to upload photos as they are taken.

They were also showing an SDXC card. While the shown card was a functioning 64GB unit, the SDXC format is capable of taking to cards up to 1TB in capacity.

Kingston

We saw some cool stuff over at the Kingston booth:

If you look inside that case, you'll see they are now making an mSATA SSD:

They also showed their ever expanding line of USB 2.0 and 3.0 devices:

...and this really tiny model, which packs 8GB of storage into something barely big enough to unplug without the use of needle nose pliers:

Stay Tuned!

...more storage stuff is coming soon!

PC Perspective's CES 2012 coverage is sponsored by MSI Computer.

Follow all of our coverage of the show at http://pcper.com/ces!

Kingston Digital Launches its Fastest USB Flash Drive

Subject: Storage | November 17, 2011 - 12:40 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: usb 2.0, usb 3.0, kingston, hyperx, flash

Fountain Valley, CA -- November 17, 2011 -- Kingston Digital, Inc., the Flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced the Kingston DataTraveler HyperX 3.0. The DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 is designed for enthusiasts and gamers, and features the fastest speeds and largest capacities that Kingston has to offer in a USB Flash drive.

Its high-speed eight-channel architecture provides USB 3.0 data transfer rates of up to 225MB/s read and 135MB/s write. Users can save time associated with opening, editing and copying large files and applications between devices. The fast write speeds also allow users to work on large files or applications directly from the USB 3.0 drive without performance lag.

"Enthusiasts have long known HyperX as the memory of choice for overclockers and power users who need the most performance from system memory," said Andrew Ewing, Flash memory business manager, Kingston. "The new DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 USB Flash drive continues this tradition. With the fastest speeds and largest capacity, this storage device is the perfect solution for users who require high performance and carry a lot of data."

The DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 is available in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities. The 256GB capacity can store approximately 10 Blu-ray Discs (25GB each), 54 DVDs (4.7GB each), 48,640 MP3s (4MB each) or 13,473,684 Microsoft Word files pages with various formatting and basic graphics.

With a durable and sleek design, the Kingston DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 is a terrific portable storage solution for gamers, enthusiasts, early adopters and high-end consumers who require the best performance and highest capacities to carry their digital library. Faster speeds and higher capacities enable users to quickly store their digital files and keep it with them at all times, in HyperX style.

DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 features a metal and rubberized casing with a reinforced key ring hole for daily use. It allows users to keep it with them at all times, as it can be easily attached to a key ring or lanyard.

A video of the device can be found here.

DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 is backed by a five-year warranty, 24/7 tech support and legendary Kingston reliability. For more information visit www.kingston.com.

Kingston DataTraveler HyperX 3.0 Features and Specifications:

• Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
• Speed:
  • USB 3.0: up to 225MB/s read and 135MB/s write
  • USB 2.0: up to 30 MB/s read/write
• 8-Channel Architecture Backwards Compatible: with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 ports
• Solid/rugged design: durable metal and rubberized casing provides increased protection
• ReadyBoost Support
• Dimensions: 2.952" x 0.916" x 0.626" (74.99mm x 23.29mm x 15.9mm)
• Operating Temperature: 32°F to 140°F (0°C to 60°C)
• Storage Temperature: -4°F to 185°F (-20°C to 85°C)
• Simple: just plug into any USB port
• Practical: durable casing with a solid lanyard loop
• Warranty: 5 Years

Look for the SSD sweet spot

Subject: Storage | September 26, 2011 - 06:44 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: ssd, round up, corsair, crucial, Intel 320, Intel 510, kingston, ocz, SF-2281 controller, Marvell 88SS9174, Intel PC29AS21BA0

Making the assumption you are not as rich as Croesus, there is a sweet spot that many look for when it comes to SSDs.  If you go too small the channel limitations will impact your performance, but a 256GB+ drive is simply out of the budgets of many enthusiasts ... at least for the storage subsystem.  The Tech Report set out in search of the perfect size for an SSD, big enough for full speed performance but small enough it doesn't break the bank.  To that end they assembled nine SSDs, ranging in size from 120GB to 128GB, which gives away the ending in a way.  What you don't know is which drive came out on top, especially in the price to performance tests.  Find out in their full article.

"The latest generation of SSDs is out in full force. We've rounded up nine of 'em to see which offers the best performance and overall value proposition"

Here are some more Storage reviews from around the web:

Storage

• Samsung PM830 Review @ The SSD Review
• Mach Xtreme MX-DS Turbo 120 GB SSD @ techPowerUp
• Samsung 830 Series SSD Review @ HardwareHeaven
• MemoRight FTM.25 115GB SSD @ Kitguru
• Patriot Pyro 120GB SSD @ kitguru
• Patriot Wildfire 120GB 6Gb/s Solid-State Drive Review @ ThinkComputers
• Patriot Pyro 120GB SSD Review, RAID0 Performance Tested @ Techspot
• Mach Xtreme Technology MX DS Turbo 120 GB SSD Review @ Hardware Secrets
• The Samsung SSD 830 @ AnandTech
• Western Digital Scorpio Blue 1TB 2.5" Hard Drive Review @ Hardware Canucks
• Hard Disk Drive Performance Comparison Guide @ TechARP
• HighPoint RocketRAID 2720SGL SATA 6G RAID Controller @ Tweaktown
• Patriot Javelin S4 @ Legion Hardware
• SilverStone DC01 Network Attached Storage device Review @ OCIA
• USB 3.0 vs. External Hard Disk Drives @ X-bit Labs
• Thecus N4200PRO @ Computing on Demand
• WD My Passport Essential 500GB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive @ Legit Reviews
• Centon Rush USB 3.0 16 GB @ techPowerUp
• Patriot 16GB Supersonic Xpress USB 3.0 Flash Drive Review @ Madshrimps

Seven Sandforce SF-2281 SSDs

Subject: Storage | September 13, 2011 - 05:13 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: sandforce, Sandforce SF2281, ssd, roundup, corsair, kingston, ozc, patriot, sata 6Gps

Four companies with seven SSDs that all share the same controller were tested at X-bit Labs to see if there is any noticeable difference in their performance.   The price per gigabyte varies on the different models as they all use slightly different flash memory as well as different interfaces.  X-bit tries to come out with a general statement about performance and captures the heart when they state "SSDs with synchronous MLC NAND flash are generally faster but also more expensive whereas SSDs with asynchronous flash are cheaper and slower".  That generalization doesn't quite capture the results fully however as even within those two categories there are some choices better than others.  Check out the full review to see which drives came out on top.

"We tested seven high-speed solid state drives built on second generation SandForce controller that support SATA 6 Gbps. Please welcome our heroes: Corsair Force 3, Corsair Force GT, Kingston HyperX, OCZ Agility 3, OCZ Vertex 3 Max IOPS, Patriot Pyro and Patriot Wildfire."

Here are some more Cases & Cooling reviews from around the web:

CASES & COOLING

• Super Talent TeraDrive CT3 64GB SSD Review @ Legit Reviews
• Corsair Force Series GT 120GB SATA 6Gb/s Solid-State Drive Review @ ThinkComputers
• Mushkin Chronos Deluxe 240GB SATA 3 SSD Review @ The SSD Review
• Corsair Force GT SSD 120 GB @ Metku
• Crucial M4 256GB Update: The Power of Firmware @ Hardware Canucks
• Corsair Force GT SATA 3 240GB SSD Review @ The SSD Review
• Kingston HyperX 120GB SandForce SF-2281 @ Tweaktown
• Patriot Wildfire 120 GB SSD Review @ Hardware Secrets
• Areca ARC-1882i and Corsair Force GT 7 Drive SATA III RAID 0 Setup @ Tweaktown
• Synology DiskStation DS411 Review @ HardwareHeaven
• ICYBOX USB3.0 HDD Enclosure Review @ HardwareLOOK
• Synology Rackstation RS2211+ @ kitguru
• StarTech.com Portable SATA Duplicator & USB / eSATA Dock @ AnandTech
• Western Digital My Book Studio Edition II 6TB @ AnandTech
• Seagate Goflex Satellite 500GB hard drive @ The Inquirer
• Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 4TB Desk External Drive Review @ Legit Reviews
• QNAP vs DROBO @ CoD

Kingston joins the SandForce club

Subject: Storage | August 19, 2011 - 12:03 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: kingston, ssd, sandforce, SF-2281 controller

Kingston has moved on to the new SandForce 2281 controller and synchronous flash memory with their new series of HyperX SSDs.  Like previous models, cables and brackets and sometimes even ghosting software are included in the packaging in addition to a 3 year warranty.  The drive comes in two varieties of package, one is intended for those planning a complete reinstall of Windows when they add the SSD to their system.  The other is an upgrade kit, which has everything you need to move your OS onto the SSD, up to and including a USB casing to ease the transfer.  [H]ard|OCP has the scoop here.

"Kingston's move into the SandForce SSD market is great news for the consumer. With its new HyperX branded solid state drives in hand, we take a look at these amazingly fast SSDs and examine if an SSD from Kingston should be on your short list for your next storage purchase."

Here are some more Storage reviews from around the web:

Storage

• Kingston HyperX 120GB SATA 3 SSD Review @ t-break
• Samsung 470 128GB SSD @ XSReviews
• Plextor PX-128 M2S 128 GB SSD @ XSReviews
• Crucial M4 128GB SSD @ OC3D
• Kingston HyperX 240GB SATA III SSD @ Bjorn3D
• Hard Disk Drive Myths Debunked! @ TechARP
• Western Digital Scorpio Blue 1TB Mobile Hard Drive Review @ Techgage
• WD Scorpio Blue 1TB Notebook Hard Drive Review @ Legit Reviews
• Seagate Barracuda XT 3TB SATA 3 HDD Review @ Real World Labs
• Icy Dock MB982SPR-2S Dual 2.5" to 3.5" SATA HDD / SSD Converter Review @ eTeknix
• Flash Drives and Controllers: USB 3.0 vs. USB 2.0 @ X-bit Labs
• Silverstone RVS02 USB 3.0 2.5" HDD Enclosure @ Pro-Clockers

Dual channel DDR3 roundup, only the best for your Z68 system

Subject: Memory | July 8, 2011 - 12:53 PM | Jeremy Hellstrom
Tagged: corsair, patriot, kingston, crucial, G.Skill, ddr3, roundup

At Hardware Heaven you can catch a dual channel DDR3 roundup featuring Corsair Vengeance, Crucial Ballistix, Kingston HyperX, Patriot Division 2 Viper Xtreme and G.Skill RipjawsX kits.  The kits range from DDR3-1600 @ 7-8-7-24-2T to DDR3-2133 @ 9-11-9-27-1T and even features a low power 8GB kit which uses 1.5V.  They didn't have much luck overclocking the high speed DIMMs, it seems they are running stock speeds close to the maximum possible and had much better luck with the 1600MHz kits.  The charts do reveal a truth that not many like to admit, spending all that extra money on the high speed kits will not give you a noticeable jump in real world performance.

"Last month, for the first time in a while, we took a look at various different memory products which were designed for Intel's X58 architecture and found that there are a number of great kits available from a number of manufacturers. Whether it is capacity, speed or low energy use there was something for everyone and the various approaches created an interesting comparison. Not everyone has access to an X58 system though so today we are going to look at Intel's mainstream chipset and put 5 different kits through their paces in a selection of real world and synthetic tests on Z68."

Here are some more Memory articles from around the web:

Memory

• Dual-Channel DDR3-1600 8GB Shootout @ Legion Hardware
• Corsair Dominator 4GB DDR3 1600Mhz C7 Memory Kit Review @ Legit Reviews
• Kingston HyperX H2O 4GB 2133MHz DDR3 Memory Kit Review @ Legit Reviews