Enthusiast memory vendor G.SKILL has released a new lineup of memory modules it calls the ECO series, but there’s nothing ECO about what we want to do with them.

The new DDR3 kits ship in a 2×2GB configuration, which means they’re best paired with AMD’s AM3 or Intel’s Lynnfield systems. The real magic is in the specifications, however; G.SKILL says the DDR3-1333 and DDR3-1600 kits run at just 1.35V. That’s less than the JEDEC standard of 1.5V, and a whole lot less than the 1.65V and 1.9V kits vendors are pushing for Lynnfield and AM3, respectively. As any good enthusiast knows, parts that run at standard speeds under particularly low voltages often make outstanding overclockers.

Maybe we’re wrong, but the ghost of Mobile Athlon XP past won’t leave us alone. One of these has to be a total baller in disguise:

G.Skill DDR3 1333 4GB (2GBx2) CL9-9-9-24 1.35V

G.Skill DDR3 1333 4GB (2GBx2) CL8-8-8-24 1.35V

G.Skill DDR3 1333 4GB (2GBx2) CL7-7-7-21 1.35V

G.Skill DDR3 1600 4GB (2GBx2) CL9-9-9-24 1.35V

G.Skill DDR3 1600 4GB (2GBx2) CL8-8-8-24 1.35V

G.Skill DDR3 1600 4GB (2GBx2) CL7-8-7-24 1.35V

The 6GB G.Skill Trident DDR3-2000 kit is a hell of a deal for $150.

Performance memory manufacturer Corsair has revealed an abnormally high failure rate amongst Elpida MNH-E Hyper DDR3 ICs featured in DDR3-1866 and DDR3-2000 kits from many of today’s biggest names in performance DRAM.

We have seen a number of reports across various forums about failures of modules (from Corsair as well as from other memory manufacturers) built with Elpida “Hyper” RAMs. Through lab testing, we have now been able to reproduce similar failures. We are continuing to test to determine the cause of these failures. Note that although a relatively small percentage of “Hyper” ICs appear to be affected, the rate of failure is not acceptable to Corsair or to our customers.

Existing owners of the afflicted Corsair products (TW3X4G1600C6GTF, TR3X6G1866C7GTF, TR3X6G2000C8GTF, TR3X3G2000C7GTF, and TR3X6G2000C7GTF kits) are advised to continue using their memory as usual. In the interim, Corsair is recalling stocks of these products from retailers until the trouble is resolved.

It is not yet known how other manufacturers will respond to this issue, but we can confirm that Elpida Hyper ICs are present in OCZ, G.SKILL and Kingston modules. As an alternative, DDR3 manufacturers can continue DDR3-2000 production with Micron D9GTR and Samsung HCF0 chips.

UPDATE 7/10/2009, 1:04 PM: Hexus.net has flagged Corsair down to learn more about the Hyper issues in a short interview.

Tweak Town loves the new G.Skill Falcon SSD. Rightfully so.

The G.Skill DDR3-2000 CL9 memory kit has those sweet Pi Black heat spreaders. It’s quick stuff.

Benchmark Reviews love the G.Skill Titan 128GB solid state drive. These internal RAID 0 SSDs are sweet business.

Benchmark Reviews tests the CL8 triple channel DDR3-1600 kit from G.Skill.

The mid-range G.Skill DDR3-1600 6GB triple channel kit is a good value according to Hardware Canucks.

The G.Skill TITAN 256GB SSD uses dual JMicron controllers to get quick read and writes. Sounds like another drive I know …

Everyone likes pie. I’ll take a slice of G.Skill’s PI Black DDR3-1600.

Guru3D tests the G.Skill DDR3 PC3-12800 triple channel 6GB kit. It offers a ton of bang-for-the-buck.

It’s the holiday season, and that means it’s time to send yourself spiraling into crushing debt made possible by the power of plastic. While you could responsibly commit to a reasonable budget, we know that the seductive potential of a $600 PC that isn’t terrible may be too much for your feeble will. If you’re looking for a little rationalization to pull the trigger, chalk it up to aiding our abyss of an economy.

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