Corsair TWINX1024-3200XLPRO - Low Latency DDR400 RAM
Corsair's XMS (Xtreme Memory Speed) memory modules have long been a favorite amongst the enthusiast community. Corsair has memory kits available in many different sizes and speeds, and all of them are regarded as some of the best modules available in their respective categories. Unfortunately, with the demise of Winbond's BH5/BH6 chips, low-latency memory kits from Corsair (and other manufactures) virtually disappeared. Low-latency memory offers better overall performance than similarly clocked memory with higher latencies. Chips capable of much higher clock speeds quickly surfaced, but true low-latency memory was very tough to come by - until now. Today on HotHardware, we'll be shining the spotlight on Corsair's new TWINX1024-3200XLPRO kit (1GB, 2x512MB CMX512-3200XLPRO DIMMs). These double-sided PC3200 DIMMs sport new Samsung chips that are capable of running with a CAS Latency of 2T, a RAS to CAS Delay (tRCD) of 2T, a Row Precharge (tRP) of 2T and an Active to Precharge Delay (tRAS) of 5T (2-2-2-5) at 200MHz (DDR400). And with less aggressive timings, Corsair claims they'll even run at DDR500 speeds.
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| Features: 1024 Megabytes of memory - Two CMX512-3200XLPRO memory DIMMs High-efficiency aluminum XMS heatsink - 95% greater surface area than standard memory heatspreaders - Thermally bonded to the module 18 activity LED's show level of memory activity - Benchmarked over multiple PC3200 based chipsets, processors, and motherboards - Approximately 1.75" tall x 5.41" long x 0.30" wide; 2.9 oz - Lifetime warranty |
Corsair QA Test Specifications: - Tested as a matched pair in multiple Intel and AMD PC3200 based test setups - Packaged together immediately following system test - Tested at DDR400 - Tested at X-treme Low latency settings (2-2-2-5) - Test voltage: 2.75V - Plug-n-Frag Auto-Configuration - Boots automatically using the X-treme Low latency values stored in the SPD |
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The Corsair CMX512-3200XLPRO DIMMs are fairly unique, from a physical standpoint. Aside from Corsair's other "PRO" branded products, no other memory modules feature the signature activity LEDs. The 18 LEDs blink rapidly to show the level of memory activity, much like the sound meters found on some audio equipment. Unless you have a windowed case the activity LEDs will go unseen, so make sure to feature them prominently if a set of these DIMMs is in your future. The activity LEDs are a definite eye-catcher.
Aside from the activity LEDs, there isn't much to talk about besides the physical size of these modules. As you can see, when stacked next to a traditional DIMM the CMX512-3200XLPROs are quite a bit taller. This won't be an issue in most circumstances, but these sticks may not fit in some small form factor systems that have limited clearance. Make sure you've got the room before you make a purchase. The Samsung TCC4 chips that populate the PCBs are covered with large, finned heatsinks clearly labeled "XMS". The small fins add a significant amount of surface area, when compared to the more commonly used flat heat spreaders, and should be more than capable of keeping the RAM cool provided your case is well ventilated.
