G.SKILL Trident X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2666 (PC3 21300) Desktop Memory Model F3-2666C11Q-16GTXD

Pros: This memory is amazingly fast. I have it equipped with my Asus ROG Maximus V Extreme and the i7-3770k and I couldn't be happier. Running at 2666 I'm able to run BF3, photoshop, steam, a browser, and all of my security features without a hitch. My computer seamlessly runs between the programs. Truly amazing memory.

Cons: None whatsoever.

Other Thoughts: If you have a Z77 motherboard and an i7 processor, GET THESE! Absolutely worth it.

Pros: haven't tried the ram

Cons: I just think its weird that you dont save any money buying the 4 x 4gb ram over two of the 2x 4gb. In fact you would save $0.01 lol and get a second memory fan to give to a friend if you went with the latter lol. Idk whatever i guess. (i'm sure this will not apply in the future)

Manufacturer Response:

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Dear Customer

Thank you for your G.Skill review. This is an extreme memory kit that will produce outstanding results. If you are looking for top-of-the-line memory for your Z77 platform, this is surely a kit to get. Currently, only the Intel i7-3770K CPU is fully capable of these specifications. For all other CPUs, the memory will be compatible, but the maximum achievable frequency will depend on the specific CPU.

With regards to pricing, more modules in a kit should actually cost more than one with lesser modules. Reason being, each kit is fully matched and guaranteed to work in a single system. If you purchase the 2 x 4GB kit, only 8GB is guaranteed in your system. If you use two kits, you may not be able to reach the rated specifications of the memory. Especially with high frequency memory, it is difficult for multiple modules to match, thus the reason for a higher cost. For multi-channel motherboards, perfectly matching modules is critical for a stable system. Should you have any further questions or issues, please feel free to contact us directly.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

Quality and customer service are our top priorities.

Tech Support Email: ustech@gskillusa.com
RMA Dept Email: rma@gskillusa.com
G.Skill Forum: http://www.gskill.us/forum/

Pros: Ok, here is the final scoop. I returned the original i5 3570K processor of which this RAM would not run at any speed above 2400 regardless of any adjustments and or tweaks attempted.

Since then using the same Board Asus Maximus V Z77 with two i7 3770K and the Trident X RAM. RAM ran flawlessly on both i7s. I then installed two dif i5 3570K processors. In line with some opinions I had discussed with some fellow high ranking overclockers, the theory concerning the i5 3570K seems to be correct. He had stated that the units from Cost Rica did not like high RAM speeds above 2400. My original chip which would not handle above 2400 was indeed manufactured in Costa Rica. The other two i5s which did work fine at 2666 ironically were manufactured in Malaysia.

So if you plan on using this RAM on a i5 3570k make sure its from a manufacturing run in Malaysia. It may not be a guarantee however I am two for two with the Malaysia chips. Your experiences may differ.

Cons: Product support in my case was lacking, which is a surprise as G Skill touts themselves as being very customer oriented and most clients purchasing such RAM are usually pretty savvy and knowledgeable to start with

Other Thoughts: Hope this helps anyone who might have run into the issues of which I had with the Trident X's not working, as well as keep you from having to go through a lot of trial and error troubleshooting. Most people aren't usually afforded the ability to have access or purchase numerous chips in order to find one which will handle such speedsThe manufacturer in my case did not seem to know about these issues and did not offer much in the way of support when contacted. Also if they are aware (which if they know their product, they should know such issues. Would have come up in testing and certification)one would think. It is in fact their duty to be familiar with their own product, as such should have been able to give generally the same info and supply a fix when approached with such a problem,.

Manufacturer Response:

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Dear Customer

Thank you for your G.Skill purchase and review. Glad to hear you were able to get this memory kit working properly. For all G.Skill Trident X series memory, an Intel i7-3770K or better CPU is highly recommended. With extreme memory, not all CPUs will be capable, so it is up to the user to test and determine whether the CPU can. Your provided information is appreciated, it should help others determine whether the chip they have may be competent. For any further questions or issues, please feel free to contact us directly.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

Quality and customer service are our top priorities.

Tech Support Email: ustech@gskillusa.com
RMA Dept Email: rma@gskillusa.com
G.Skill Forum: http://www.gskill.us/forum/

Pros: Works flawlessly with the i7 3770K; however (see below)

Cons: RAM is not likely to run at rated speeds on any of the lower numbered processors. In my case, even with numerous tweaks and adjustments, this RAM would not and did not run at rated speeds nor at anything above 2400. Have talked to numerous fellow overclockers and the consensus is the i5 3570K processors generally dont like speeds above 2400. The IMC's tend to not be able to handle the higher speeds. One tester ran tests on about 15 retail i5 3570K processors, out of the aprox. 15 only 4 or 6 of them (in that range) would even post at the rated speeds of this RAM. All the rest he emphasized no matter how much tweaking, and no matter his extensive expertise, the other 10 or so would not run period on rated speeds and/or above 2400.

Other Thoughts: In response to G Skill above.....

Instead of inferring the customer (me) must not be knowledgeable in overclocking. (do you know me? have you met me? Do you know my skill level and knowledge?) NO!

so...

Instead of taking cheap shots and insulting customers, is it possible that you might make your customers aware that this RAM is only best suited for the i7 3770K processors?

Its also common knowledge what code 23 means and it has to do with the IMC and the fact that it does not want to run at the higher speeds (above 2400 on the i5 3570K CPU in my case)

I am guessing that profits might have something to do with the lack of disclosure on the part of G Skill. Or am I just unknowledgeable? Well if so then why do I know this info and the fact that code 23 means what it does yet there was no mention of either or any of this info in G Skills response. So instead of insulting your customers G Skill with all due respect, you might want to spend more time offering actual technic

Manufacturer Response:

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Dear Customer

We apologize for the confusion. We would like to help with the situation, but since this is a review section, it is not suitable to discuss details. Limited information is given, which is why we wish you can contact us directly to get the memory working properly. We did not mean to offend you in any way, but we are only able to respond in a basic manner given the general information provided. Should you have any questions or issues, please feel free to contact us directly and we will be glad to assist you.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

Quality and customer service are our top priorities.

Tech Support Email: ustech@gskillusa.com
RMA Dept Email: rma@gskillusa.com
G.Skill Forum: http://www.gskill.us/forum/

Pros: Solid heat sinks, Solid feeling RAM, promising conceptually

Cons: RAM will not run above 2400 on Asus Maximus V Z77 Motherboard, and i5 3570K Possessor. No matter what settings, voltage adjustments, etc. Cannot get RAM to run on either of the 2 XMP settings. Board will not post and will give error code 23. GSkill Support has only said to try raising VCCSA voltage to no avail. Disappointed in the lack of support from G Skill as their answer to my very specific email was a very brief less than one sentence answer. Did not even specify what voltage to try. No one wants that after waiting 24 or more hours for a reply to an expensive problem. Only to have to ask same over again and wait all over again. It's a volleyball game and so many companies just want to put the ball back in your court ASAP without actually doing anything.

Other Thoughts: I guess Friday afternoons aren't a good time to obtain more individualized support. I have to say after many new computer builds over the last year and a half, (More than 8 full builds) I am getting tired of Manufacturers using the customer and RMA's as a form of quality control rather than in house QC. Have seen it on many Asus Motherboards, and other computer peripherals/components. I also have to say shame on NewEgg for sending me a defective Rampage Extreme Motherboard then denying replacement blaming the customer (me) for bent pins of which is a blatant falsity. Feel compelled to mention this as if you read some of the more recent reviews many other NewEgg customers ironically have stated the same treatment and denial of exchange or replacement by NewEgg, blaming the customer for damg this case it was an almost $500 motherboard. None of this stuff is cheap yet the customer is the one who pays the price for poor quality control which seems to be rampant across the board these days

Manufacturer Response:

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Dear Customer

We are sorry to hear you had issues setting up the memory. This is an extreme performance memory kit, so overclocking experience is necessary to configure the memory and supply the proper voltage. First, please follow the attached guide below to enable the XMP Profile and input the basic DRAM memory values. In addition to these basic settings, the VCCSA and memory controller voltage should be raised to stabilize DDR3-2666. Keep in mind that Intel CPUs only support DDR3-1600 CL11 max, so with any memory kit better than that, additional tweaks may be necessary to stabilize the CPU/system. For any further questions or issues, please don't hesitate to contact the G.Skill technical support team. If you have time, feel free to join the Official G.Skill Forum. There are many users with similar combination that can help, and an overclocking section that you should find useful.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

Quality and customer service are our top priorities.

Tech Support Email: ustech@gskillusa.com
RMA Dept Email: rma@gskillusa.com
G.Skill Forum: http://www.gskill.us/forum/

Pros: Fast! My setup is an ASUS P8Z77-V-Deuxe MB, i7-3770K @ 4.6GHz(P95 stable), Corsair H100 cooler, a CoolerMaster 1200W PS and two GTX 680's in SLI. Except for one experience(see below), G.Skill memory has always worked per spec the first time!

Cons: Cost, No stable OC @ 2800 and above yet

Other Thoughts: I had originally bought the 2600 version of this memory and could not get a stable XMP OC above 1921 MHz. I talked to Tim(very helpful) at G.SKill and tried everything he suggested(i.e. Vccsa should be @ 1.25v), but still no luck. RMA'd the part back to NewEgg for a refund and decided to buy the 2666MHz set. 2nd time was a charm, and NewEgg really treated me very well during the whole process!!