Kingmax Hercules PC3-17600 (2200MHz) 4GB Kit Review #2

Introduction

A while back we saw Kingmax launch the new Hercules series of memory. It seemed to be a step forward in bringing the Kingmax name into the mouths of overclockers again. While the kit didn't perform bad at all, the memory market is extremely competitive and it seemed like the kit never really got any legs.

Today Kingmax intend to throw another kit at us carrying the same Hercules name. The kit carries with it also the same speed; 2200MHz DDR, which while not the highest we've seen, is sitting at the top of the pile and ready to take a whizz through our test regime today.

Kingmax are also touting this whole "invisible heatsink" thing. We'll have a look at what exactly that means and if it's something we really care about.

The Package

Looking at the package, we've got a full retail setup going on here. We can see the memory, and the speed is also clearly marked at the top as well as the amount of memory and the fact that it's in a Dual Channel configuration. We've also got some of the main features of the kit along with the specifications.

The Modules

The modules themselves are bringing flashbacks of the days of TinyBGA memory from Kingmax with the colored ICs. I've got to be honest, though, and say the lack of a heatsink seems to cheapen the whole kit. Instead of feeling like we're looking at a 2200MHz DDR one, we we feel like we're looking at some 1066MHz DDR modules that we're going to throw into our grandparents machine.

What Kingmax says is that they're using this new technology called Nano Thermal Dissipation Technology (or NTDT). With nano-size silicone over the modules we see better heat dissipation than a traditional heatsink setup which carries with it a thermal compound between the module and heatsink. What you ultimately end up with is an "invisible heatsink." - So they say.