Mushkin PC3200 Level II V2
Supplied by: Mushkin

Mushkin has been around since 1994 delivering some of the highest quality memory to computer users throughout the world. I vividly remember buying my first set of PC133 through Mushkin back during the late Pentium III/K6-3 days, just prior to the launch of the Slot A K7/Athlon CPU. When I finally saved enough to get an Athlon CPU and motherboard, the memory didn't work, as Athlon systems were particularly finicky about which memory they could use. Mushkin's service sold me on their product and within 2 days of sending back the memory that didn't work I had a new set of memory. I have used Mushkin memory several times since then, and I have never been disappointed. Mushkin Level II memory is probably the most well known memory moniker of recent memory as Mushkin had probably the most successful implementation of BH-5 based memory modules when they were available. Even still, some people insist on older Mushkin PC3200/3500 Level II memory. Packaging is unique to Mushkin, should you purchase direct from their website you receive your memory in a protective air pillow. The modules themselves come with Mushkin's trademark black PCB and are rated at CL 2 2:2:5 timings.




OCZ PC3200EL Rev2
Company website: OCZ

OCZ had somewhat of a tumultuous beginning to their entry into the high performance memory arena several years back. However, the past 2 years have shown OCZ to have really put forth incredible efforts to produce some of the most cutting edge products regarding high performance memory. They have also been able to demonstrate a commitment to their customers with excellent service to go along with their remarkable product line. With their introduction of the PC3200EL Rev2 line, OCZ put out some of the first high performance modules based on the Samsung TCCD ICs with rated timings of CL 2 2:2:5 at 200MHz. Often seen in various forums are reports of users running this same memory at 250+ MHz at timings of CL 2.5 3:3:8 timings. I received this kit not for review purposes, but during a memory exchange due to an incompatibility with some of their other memory modules in one of my motherboards. Again, I must reiterate their service was excellent, and I commend OCZ for being committed to keeping their customers happy.




PDP-Patriot PDC1G3200+XBLK
Supplied by: PDP

PDP is another relative newcomer to the high performance memory market. Their Patriot line of memory has garnered a lot of interest lately due to the balance of lower latencies, high performance, and low costs. No longer does the value conscious gamer need to buy low performance memory to fit into their budget. I have followed success stories of PDP based memory over various forums for the past several months and I was extremely excited when PDP agreed to participate in our roundup with their Patriot PDC1G3200+XBLK memory kit based on Samsungs TCCD ICs. As you can see below, PDP uses a red colored version of the Brainpower B6U815 PCB, which is slightly different than the previous Brainpower B6U808 PCBs we've seen used in the G.Skill and OCZ modules. The red PCB is striking and goes along nice with the red aluminum heat spreaders. PDP rates their modules at two levels and timings similar to G.Skill. Timings of CL 2 2:2:5 at DDR400 and CL3 4:4:8 at DDR533 show the promise of decent overclocking in regards to this memory.




PQI3200-1024DPU
Supplied by: PQI

PQI much like PDP has been on the move lately, offering some very high quality and great performing memory modules, at near OEM pricing. PQI was a smart study, and upon introduction of their PQI3200-1024DPU modules they chose to use the successful Brainpower PCB on which to place the Samsung TCCD modules. The Brainpower PCB had gained the reputation as the superior overclocker compared to the JEDEC reference design. Rated timings are CL2 2:2:5 and the heat spreaders are something to behold. Much like OCZ and Geil, they shine like a mirror. The packaging PQI uses, offers great protection in a plastic shell.

Having never used PQI memory myself, I was very happy when PQI agreed to join our roundup. I would also like to add, that a user on a forum I frequent was having problems with his set of PQI3200-1024DPU memory. He emailed PQI and within a few days had a new kit of memory which reportedly worked great and overclocked very well from what I hear. So for those who might have fears of going with PQI versus a more well known company, I can offer that story as testimonial to PQI's effort to provide excellent service to their customer base.