HyperX Predator HX432C16PB3K2/16 3200MHz 16GB memory kit testing

Kingston’s HyperX brand has been known for over ten years. In those distant times, when the first DDR memory was common, the products of this vendor enjoyed well-deserved popularity among enthusiasts thanks to the legendary Winbond BH-5 chips used at that time. DDR3 modules with Elpida MGH-E Hyper chips were equally appreciated by overclockers, which easily conquered frequencies that were inaccessible to mass solutions. Now, when manufacturers have switched their attention to DDR4, memory for enthusiasts is already equipped with Samsung or Hynix chips, capable of operating in harsh conditions with a very large volume – up to 4000 or more megahertz. But such frequencies are not available to everyone, but to the most select microcircuits. In general, on budget memory and kits up to DDR4-3000, you can squeeze an average of 3250 MHz, while for a better result you already need to use high-frequency kits.

We have already considered a couple of such solutions, and within the framework of this review, we will get acquainted with one more – manufactured by HyperX and belonging to the high-level Predator series, whose representatives, as a rule, are equipped with memory chips with good overclocking potential.

HyperX Predator HX432C16PB3K2/16

The Predator series has recently received an update in the form of a redesigned bar appearance and packaging design – now the memory is delivered not just in a blister, but also in a cardboard box, which once again emphasizes the focus of the HyperX brand on the retail market.

The packaging is universal, designed for four-channel kits, so the extra space is simply filled with a blister-dummy.

In the kit, the user, in addition to the brackets themselves, will find a warranty leaflet with instructions for installing modules and a sticker with the HyperX logo.

Now, in terms of appearance, the memory of the updated Predator series has become lower due to the reduced height of the radiators, which have had their decorative trim changed. By the way, the HX432C16PB3K2/16 set in question is the penultimate solution in this line, there is also a set with a frequency of 3333 MHz.

The heatsink profile allows for easy memory installation and features inward-facing fins to increase heat dissipation area.

Fastening is carried out by means of thermo-stickers. Only eight SK hynix H5AN8G8NMFR-TFC chips are soldered on the slats, so a pad is placed on one side.

The label of the modules indicates the model of the kit, the number of strips in it and the operating voltage. On the package you can also see the type of memory, total amount, frequency and CAS Latency. If necessary, you will have to look at the rest of the characteristics on the product website.

After starting the system, you need to go into UEFI and enable XMP mode, after which our two-channel set will work at a frequency of 3200 MHz with timings of 16-18-18-36-2T and a voltage of 1.35 V.

The dump is attached.

Test configuration

The memory was overclocked on a system with the following configuration:

• processor: Intel Core i7-6700K (4.0 GHz);
• motherboard: ASUS Maximus VIII Impact (Intel Z170);
• video card: Gigabyte GV-N770OC-2GD (GeForce GTX 770);
• Cooler: Prolimatech Megahalems;
• drive: Kingston HyperX 120GB (240 GB, SATA 6Gb/s);
• power supply: Seasonic X-650 (650 W).

Testing was carried out in the Windows 10 x64 environment. To check the stability of overclocking modules for 15 minutes, the LinX 0.6.5 program was used, the amount of memory in which was set at 4096 MB.

The overclocking potential was determined with the highest possible timings, the Command Rate was always 1T.

Test results

So, the Predator HX432C16PB3K2/16 kit was able to work quietly at 3501 MHz with native timings and CR=1T, which allows using memory in DDR4-3466 mode without any problems. For low-frequency solutions, this is unlikely. Further enumeration of timings and voltages did not lead to an increase in overclocking potential.

Now let’s look at the change in the performance of the memory subsystem at certain timings and frequencies. For the 3501 MHz mode, the Bclk frequency was 101 MHz.

Well, the pure performance of mass modes is seriously inferior to the capabilities of the tested kit, but the profile provided by the manufacturer is obviously worse than manual settings, which is not surprising. So lovers of squeezing to the maximum will be able to do it even at frequencies up to 3466 MHz. The undisputed leader is 3501 MHz, but here we are already lucky with a specific memory instance, it is even possible that with a different set the results will exceed our results.

conclusions

RAM has long ceased to be a simple component of the system and is increasingly being equipped with all sorts of cooling systems of the original design, and even various backlighting. But as practice has shown, there is less and less sense from high radiators, and more problems, since they make it impossible to use some overall processor coolers. The reviewed HyperX HX432C16PB3K2/16 memory kit, unlike the old models of the Predator series, is just devoid of such shortcomings and can be safely recommended for use in powerful gaming systems and some experiments with overclocking. As expected, the memory potential turned out to be higher than that of mass solutions, which allows you to set up a PC for greater performance, which a higher level memory set could provide, and lovers of strict design will clearly like the appearance of the updated “predatory” series. In general, a good set in all respects, and if its capabilities are not enough, you can turn your attention to an older solution from the same line.