DDR2 Shoot-Out: Corsair vs. Kingston
Summary & Conclusion
Benchmark Summary: Corsair's TWIN2X1024-5400C PRO modules were slightly faster then the Kingston modules is a few of the benchmarks we ran, but the Kingston KHX5400D2K/1G modules were able to run at a higher clock speed with more aggressive 3-3-3-10 timings, and they also overclocked a bit higher than the Corsair modules. Overall though, both of these DDR2 memory kits performed similarly. The results were so similar in fact, that if we had two more identical kits from each company to test, the results could likely be reversed.
Corsair TWIN2X1024-5400C PRO:
Corsair's TWIN2X1024-5400C PRO DDR2 memory kit is ideal for overclockers, who also want to show off their system's internals. This memory performed very well at default settings, and overclocked to an impressive clock speed of 362MHz (DDR725). The activity LEDs installed on these modules make them unique when compared to other DDR2 memory kits, but they also cost more than their competition. As of today, using our HotHardware pricing engine, the least expensive price we found for this kit was about $366. That makes Corsair's TWIN2X1024-5400C PRO DDR2 memory kit about 20% more expensive than similarly spec'd products. The oversized heat spreaded and activity LEDs somewhat justify the higher price tag, however. In the end, owners of this memory will no doubt be pleased. This is some of the best DDR2 memory on the market. We're giving Corsair's TWIN2X1024-5400C PRO DDR2 memory kit a strong 8.5 on the Heat Meter.
Kingston KHX5400D2K/1G:
Kingston nearly hit a home-run with their KHX5400D2K/1G DDR2 memory kit. Had these modules performed a bit better in their stock configuration versus Corsair's kit, we'd have nothing to take away from Kingston. At about $292, the Kingston KHX5400D2K/1G DDR2 memory kit is some of the least expensive high-speed DDR2 memory currently available, and its performance throughout our battery of tests was very good. And where it did "lose" a test, the margin of defeat was miniscule at best. These modules hit a higher clock speed than Corsair's when using more aggressive 3-3-3-10 timings, and when configured at 4-4-4-12 timings they overclocked a few MHz higher than Corsair's kit as well. Overclockers who want to hit extreme front side bus speeds, look no further. Kingston has a great product in their line-up in the KHX5400D2K/1G DDR2 memory kit. We're giving it a 9 on the Heat Meter.
