Corsair's TWINX 1024-3200XL v1.2 & TWINX 1024-4400C25PT Memory kits
Summary & Conclusion
Benchmark Summary: Corsair's TWINX1024-3200XL modules were slightly faster then the TWINX1024-4400X25PT modules in the first two sets of benchmarks we ran, edging out the other when running at the same timings and clock speeds. Generally, these differences were minimal at best, however, and didn't lead us to favoring one set over the other. Overall, overclocking results were skewed more in favor of the 4400C25PT kit though. At 2-2-2-5 we reached identical speeds for the FSB with each kit, and the 3200XL starting to put up better scores in our benchmarks. Then, in our highest overall clock test, the 4400C25PT, rated for DDR550 operation was able to easily surpass the 3200XL kit, albeit at slightly higher latencies.
Corsair TWINX1024-3200XLv1.2: (~$250)
Corsair's TWINX1024-3200XL DDR memory kit is perfect for any high-end system builder. We found no compatibility problems when we installed these modules in the Springdale class motherboards that we used for testing, and they consistently performed very well. We were also able to push our systems up to a 223MHz FSB without sacrificing the timings, and up as high as 250MHz when relaxing them slightly. Although it would be hard to quantify how much the aluminum heat spreaders actually contributed to stability when overclocking, it seems that everyone provides these lately, and they at least protect the PCB when installing the RAM. And the matched TWINX memory pairings help limit compatibility issues that could arise when usual dual channel memory, which has become a mainstay of modern motherboards. We're giving Corsair's TWINX1024-3200XL v1.2 DDR memory kit a 9 on the Heat Meter.
Corsair TWINX1024-4400C25PT: (~$325)
As we alluded to earlier, we were quite pleased with the TWINX1024-4400X25PT memory kit, especially when overclocking. Many users will not run into any issues with this RAM, as we were able to successfully run it on a number of systems at 2-2-2-5, which is tighter than the listed ratings at normal frontside bus speeds. And at these tighter timings the performance was, for the most part, on par with the similarly configured 3200XL kit. However, when overclocking, the 4400C25PTs began to pull away from the other kit, reaching an overall top speed of 266MHz FSB or 532MHz for the RAM. Hands down, this was one of the best sets of memory that we've come across. In light of the performance gains we were able to obtain by running a full 33% over our original stock speeds, this memory's compatibility, and its ability to run at lower than rated timings we're giving it a 9.5 on the Heat Meter, and an Editor's Choice Award.
