http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2008/11/21/4gb-ddr3-memory-roundup-part-2/1 This time around we've got a pair of performance Patriot Viper modules and some inexpensive Elixir memory to see which DDR3 kit offers the best package, best performance and best value for money.
I bought three samey sticks of DDR3, not a 'matched kit'. One thing that I don't see any sites test is the value of buying a 'matched set' in terms of stability, performance, or overclocking prowess - it seems it is almost taken for granted that there is a merit to 'matched sets' other than conveniently taking up less space in the e-shopping basket. Any data on that?
There's usually no difference in value from when I last looked (that wasn't recently mind) and if you just buy two individual sticks of the same one then you could get one from one batch and one from another if the etailer holds little stock - this could increase the chance of getting varying revisions. While very unlikely, it's mostly down to sheer convenience that you know what you're getting since "dual channel" is now the normal, both sticks are binned to achieve a set frequency and it's down to the board and the BIOS in how it handles that specific IC.
