Corsair DDR1 2GB Memory Roundup

TWIN X2048-3500LL PRO

“The TWINX2048-3500LLPRO is a 2GByte matched memory pair specifically designed for motherboards using chipsets with dual memory channels. This memory kit consists of two CMX1024-3500LLPRO memory modules that have been tested together on a current production AMD motherboard at DDR437 (218 MHz) and extremely Low Latency of 2-3-2-6 T1. These TwinX memory kits are designed to provide the ultimate in performance and stability in dual channel boards. As part of Corsair’s XMS ProSeries, each module includes the high-efficiency aluminum XMS heatsink, and 18 activity LED’s that show the level of memory activity on each bank.”- Corsair Website

Specs and Features:

• MODEL: Twinx2048-3500LLPRO
• MEMORY TYPE: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
• CAPACITY: 2GB (2 x 1GB)
• SPEED: DDR 433 (PC 3500)
• TIMINGS: 2-3-2-6
• VOLTAGE: 2.75V
• WARRANTY: Lifetime

By now I’m certain all of you are familiar with Corsair’s PRO line of memory. Taking their very best IC’s, covering them with oversized black heatspreaders, and adding in a set of bright LEDs, Corsair has created the ultimate in eye candy for those who want to show off their systems.

The kit we are going to focus on next is the latest and greatest from Corsair, the TWINX2048-3500LL PRO. Though Corsair has specifically marketed this kit for ASUS’ newest A8N32-Deluxe motherboard we’ll be testing it in our DFI SLI-DR I use for almost all of my testing.

While at face value these modules seem to be modest overclockers (rated to DDR438), please keep in mind these numbers are based on some pretty tight timings of 2-3-2-6 and a stock voltage of 2.75V. Corsair chose to use Infineon -5 64M X 8 Revision B IC’s, which according to Infineon website are rated at 3-3-3 timings at DDR400. Corsair has in fact programmed these modules to 2-3-2-6 to allow the end user the advantage gained with lower latencies.

Starting off at 200FSB, the best timings I was able to achieve were 2-3-2-5. With the rated timings of 2-3-2-6 at DDR438 I expected to be able to run these modules at 2-2-2-5 at 200FSB (DDR400). Mind you there is very little difference between 2-3-2-5 and 2-2-2-5, but for you benchmarking mongrels (you know who you are) every little bit helps out that Super Pi time!

Blowing right past the rated speed of DDR 438, my next stop was at at 230FSB (DDR460) while still at the rated timings of 2-3-2-6! Regardless of what I tried, I couldn’t get these modules to move any further while maintaining 100% stability. Next, I loosened up the CAS latency to 2.5 and pushed on. At 254FSB (DDR508) I hit my next wall, and again raising the voltage would not get me any further. Loosening up the CAS latency to 3 got me all the way to 263FSB (DDR526), not too shabby at all for memory rated to 218FSB(DDR438), and any performance drop that might have been caused by loosening up the CAS latency to 3 surely disappeared with our overclocking.

A couple of things to note about Corsair’s TWINX2048-3500LL PRO kit. First, these modules did not like excessive voltage. Bumping the voltage any further than 2.85V provided absolutely no benefits during any of my testing. Second, the heat spreader is HUGE! Those of you using CPU coolers like Thermalright’s XP-120 will have spacing issues. However, the heatspreaders themselves are a lot more than just bling. They kept the modules extremely cool to the touch (undoubtedly because of their shear surface area).

Featuring tight timings and a ton of overclocking potential, the Corsair TWINX2048-3500LL PRO is definitely one of the best kits I’ve ever used. If there is a drawback, its the price and availability. Everything in this industry is based on supply and demand, and high quality memory is no exception. Those retailers that have the TWINX2048-3500LL PRO in stock are charging a premium for it. However, considering the performance I’ve seen, this kit is worth the money.