Kingston HyperX KHX9600D2K2/2G
Kingston is another hugely well-known brand, so it's all the more surprising that there seems to be very limited distribution for the HyperX KHX9600D2K2/2G - we couldn't locate any online seller that had stock.
The packaging looks sturdy enough and seems to do a good job of protecting the modules in shipping.Model details are visible on the modules and also on the wrap-around sticker, so you can be sure the right product has turned up before opening the packing.
As with all the HyperX range, Kingston fits blue anodised heatspreaders secured by a pair of up-and-over clips.
The modules' PC2-9600 rating sees our roundup reach the DDR2-1200 mark, although at 5-5-5-15 using 2.3-2.35V, timings are actually slightly reduced compared to the OCZ Reaper HPC PC2-9200.
Unlike some of the other modules, Kingston doesn't
provide
EPP data, instead relying solely on SPD timing information.
This resulted in the modules running at 1200MHz, 5-8-8-24 2T when set
to auto on our eVGA NF68 test bed system, so you'll have the hassle of
choosing your own timings for optimum performance.
Warranty
Kingston's HyperX range is covered under a lifetime warranty
through
the company itself. Buyers in Germany, Austria and France,
though,
are offered 10 years. The original receipt
is required as proof of purchase, so presumably, the guarantee
gets transferred (along with the receipt) if you sell
the
modules to someone else.
Any replacements provided by Kingston under guarantee will also
have lifetime warranties.
European RMAs are dealt with through Kingston's UK office. However, no expected turn-around time is shown on the site.
Summary
We failed totally to find a UK source for the Kingston HyperX KHX9600D2K2/2G bundle though did see it listed as out-of-stock but priced up at two online resellers. Micro Direct's ticket was £137 and Specialtech's was £167.26.
However, there's no certainty that those prices will still be good when stock does come available.
The warranty is comprehensive and that maximum voltage of 2.35V is handy for overclockers. Together, they place the Kingston modules on close to par with those from OCZ.How the Kingston holds up in benchmarking, though, is what you'll want to know - and that's coming up soon.
