Mushkin Enhanced Redline Ridgeback 2133mhz 16GB Review (Quad)

1. Introduction2. Mushkin Enhanced Redline 2133mhz3. Mushkin Enhanced Redline 2133mhz (Super High Res Gallery)4. Pushing the Redline to 2400mhz5. Overclocking past 2400mhz6. System Configuration7. SiSoft Sandra8. PCMark 79. 3DStudioMax 201110. MaxxMem211. Closing Thoughts12. View All Pages

The Mushkin Enhanced Redline Ridgeback 2,133mhz is one of the finest memory kits we have tested in our history. The attention to detail is noticeable, and I love the headspreader design. It is only slightly larger than the PCB of the sticks, and each side panel can be easily removed by screws as they bolt into the primary top ‘spine'.

Although this memory is supplied at 2,133mhz, it is easily overclocked to 2,400mhz by slightly loosening the timings from 9-11-10-28 to 10-12-11-32 @ 1.65v. This increases memory bandwidth from just under 49 GB/s to just under 52 GB/s. It is important to point out that not all X79 boards will achieve the same result, however the ASUS Rampage IV Extreme had no problems.

By manually tweaking the motherboard further, we were able to overclock the memory to 2,544mhz at the same timings of 10-12-11-32. All we needed was a very minor voltage bump, to 1.66v. The system would post at 2,600mhz however we couldn't get it completely solid with our intensive 2 hour loop run, with several data errors being flagged during the stability test.

It is closely matched with the 16GB G.Skill ARES we reviewed in March, although the Mushkin Enhanced Redline kit can be overclocked a little more, in the right hands. If this is important to you, then it is the best memory you can buy right now.

ARIA stock a wide range of Mushkin memory, including the Blackline and Silverline range. The Redline is awaiting stock, but you can find it over here for preorder. The 1600mhz and 1866mhz kits are retailing around the £120 mark. Overclockers are also stocking the kits, further information available here.

The 2,133mhz Redline kit demands a premium – at £189.95 inc vat. That said, it is significantly less than the price of the 16GB Team Xtreem 2600mhz memory (£299.99 inc vat). Remember, we managed to almost achieve that speed via manual overclocking with this Mushkin Redline kit.

With a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind, this is one of the best memory kits on the market today.

Above, we installed two 16GB kits, totaling 32GB and we were still able to achieve 2,400mhz @ 10-12-11-32.

Pros:

• Fantastic heatspreader design.
• Sexy appearance, perfect match for the red ASUS Rampage IV Extreme.
• Overclocks to 2,500mhz+ with manual tweaks.
• competitively priced.
• Lifetime Warranty.

Cons:

• It is a tough market to be seen.

Kitguru says: If you want ultimate performance memory that you can overclock past the XMP profile, then this should be right at the top of the list.

Become a Patron!