Corsair PC-3200 Value Select Memory

Introduction:

While we have looked at many of Corsair’s XMS modules over the past couple years we have yet to review any of their value memory. Seeing how many consumers cannot afford or are not
in need of the Corsair XMS line they often opt for Corsair’s Value Select memory due to brand loyalty and price point. To help give our budget & mainstream builders some prime time press coverage we recently ordered two 256mb PC-3200 CL2.5 modules of Corsair’s Value Select line from an online reseller just like any consumer would have. No hand picked modules here!

The modules that we have on the test bench are labeled VS256MB400. These modules are rated at 2.5-3-3-7 timings at 2.5 Volts. We have been able to use them on the following chipsets: nForce2 Ultra 400, Intel 865P/875P, and the Via K8T800. They have all tested with 100% success at 2.5-3-3-7 timings! The Value Select line is aimed at providing quality desktop memory at competitive prices. All Value Select modules are backed by Corsair’s lifetime warranty just like their popular XMS line.

Features:

The first thing that we noticed with the 256mb modules was that they were single-sided memory modules (containing DDR SDRAM devices on only one side). We have shown in the past that single-sided DDR modules are slower than double-sided DDR modules, but for value memory single-sided memory is expected. It is easier & quicker to make single-sided modules on the assembly line, plus the key factor — it is less expensive to make. This means that you the consumer will end up paying less, which is always a good thing when working on a budget.

The Corsair PC-3200 Value Select modules are designed to be run on default DDR400 platforms and not in overclocked environments. They do carry a full lifetime warranty as long as you use them within warranty guidelines. This means that Corsair products are guaranteed to operate, as specified by their data sheet and in the operating environment for which they were intended, for the life of the product.

The label reads VS256mb400 which means Value Select, 256mb, 400MHz. You can also see in the above photo that Corsair screened “Value Select” onto the surface of the IC’s and their name is placed onto the PCB. All in all these modules do not look like a value part after seeing the extra cosmetic touches Corsair put onto the modules.

Key Features:

• Memory amount: 256MB
• Access time: 6.0ns IC’s
• 400MHz (PC-3200) Unbuffered DDR Modules
• CAS latency: 2.5 clock cycles
• RAS precharge: 3cycles
• RAS active to precharge: 7 cycles
• Command rate: 1T (1 cycle)
• Black heat spreader for thermal diffusion
• Latency: 2.5-3-3-7-1T
• 2.75V
• Lifetime Warranty

Now that we know what the memory is rated for by Corsair we can see if our randomly matched modules are stable under RST Pro2 stability testing.