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DDR2 Memory Roundup Summer 2007

Memory by thorgal @ 2007-08-27

We take a look at the performance numbers of nine DDR2 2x1Gb Kits from OCZ, Kingston, Mushkin, Team Group and Corsair on the Intel P965 platform. Join us as we try to determine who´s got the fastest and most overclockable kits out there in Part 1 of our summer DDR2 Roundup.

Mushkin PC8000 Redline

Mushkin PC8000 Redline

The Redline series is actually Muskin's top of the line memory module. The "Redline" name was first introduced for Mushkin's fastest DDR part a couple of years ago, when the first high bandwidth, 1Gb PC4000 parts became available. Now, the name is reserved only for their top memory kit: the PC8000 with 4-5-4-11 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS) as rated timings.

"The eXtreme Performance 1GB XP2-8000 REDLINE module (DDR2-1000) offers enhanced second generation memory throughput and stability for the most demanding DDR2 computing platforms. A product of Mushkin's exclusive EPIC (Enhanced Performance IC) selection process, the XP2-8000 is hand-tested to the highest quality and performance standards.”

Upon opening the FedEx delivery box, I'm greeted with a standard memory "blister"

The specifications are as follows:

Frequency: 1000MHz

Latency: 4-5-4-11

Parity: Unbuffered

Voltage: 2.2-2.3V

Density o/t Module: 128Mx64 ; Chip: 64Mx8

Mushkin limited lifetime warranty

Let's have a closer look :

Madshrimps (c)

front of the module with specifications

Madshrimps (c)

back of the module : sobering impressiveness

The redline is equipped with what Mushkin likes to call their "frostbite" heat spreaders. These heat spreaders provide superior airflow over the memory chips, much better than your average one. Better airflow means better cooling of course so these parts should help increase performance at least by a few Mhz. Besides aiding in the cooling they look very cool too ! In my personal opinion, Mushkin provides the best looking modules in our little roundup: sober yet aggressive. Good work !

On the warranty side, Mushkin provides a lifetime warranty for their modules, up to 2.3V in operation. This is actually a rather low voltage for Micron-equipped memory modules, and has, as you'll see later on, clear consequences for the maximum memory performance.

The warranty that Mushkin provides spans a lifetime against defects or in material or workmanship, but also includes a 30 day "compatibility" warranty. That is in my opinion a really nice move, as some 975 chipsets indeed can show some problems when operating with memory at speed above 1000Mhz.

Next up, more OCZ ->

Comment from Massman @ 2007/08/27

Fantastic review

Comment from Jaco @ 2007/08/27

nice review

Comment from jodiuh @ 2007/08/27

So glad to see the #1 spot goes to cheap ram. Far too much importance has been placed on C21 @ 1,000 jigga watts for only $699. That's an 8800 AND your ram rec...

I understand the ram needs to hit a set speed, but 1200mhz just isn't necessary to enjoy a game, encode a light speed, browse the web, etc. Perhaps this upsets the .001% who throw gobs of $$ to see their bar graphs rise 1/4" over us n00bs, eh?

*raises $109 G.Skill 2x1GB HZ that lives around stock speeds up high*

Cheers!

Comment from Carni4 @ 2007/08/27

Great roundup.

Maybe you can add these in the next part: Team Xtreem Dark 2GB DDR2 800MHz CL 4-4-4-12 It's cheap, around €100 and it has been reported to hit 1200 Mhz.

That's pretty good memory. Would be cool if you guys could bench those sticks.

Nevertheless, very nice article. Cheers!

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