Packaging and specifications
A quick perusal of Corsair's website dedicated to their XMS (Xtreme Memory Speed) line of memory, found here, already shows us that they currently do specify modules rated to DDR-400, #CMX512-3200 and #CMX256A-3200 respectively. The difference between these modules and the ones in review for today lies in the details. Let's first have a closer look at our test module.
Corsair usually package their memory in protective boxes, no change here.
Corsair's stylish integrated heat spreader makes its appearance once again. Not only do they help distinguish the modules from the norm, they do help to transfer heat away from the high-speed chips. The retention clip ensures that the spreaders keep in decent contact with the chips underneath.
Note the code on the heatspreader carefully. This module ships with the CMX256A-3200C2 code. If you're after Corsair DDR-400 CL2 memory, be sure to specify this code to your retailer.
Specifications
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256MB and 512MB modules available
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Implemented using 32M x 8M DDR SDRAMs with 6.0ns access time
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100% tested at 200MHz in high performance systems
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Integrated aluminium heat spreader for improved thermal performance
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Internally benchmarked over multiple chipsets, processors and motherboards
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Lifetime Corsair warranty
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Six-layer construction
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Each module is tested in either an EPoX EP-8K3A and/or Asustek P4S333 at 200MHz
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Latency: 2-3-3-3-1T if one module is installed
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Latency: 2.5-6-3-3-2T if two modules are installed
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SPD programmed at proposed JEDEC values of PC2700 (PC3200 not defined by JEDEC yet)
The first aspect to note is the 6.0ns access time for each module. 6.0ns access time translates to a standard memory speed of PC2700 or DDR-333. These modules have been hand-picked from the very best Corsair modules to effectively work at the stated speed of DDR-400 CL2. I've got no real problem with this as long as the modules can operate flawlessly at their rated specification. As Corsair point out, the modules' SPD is programmed to PC2700, this is shown within SiSoft SANDRA's memory analysis
Interestingly enough, the modules are rated at only CAS2.5 up to 167MHz. Hand-picking modules ensures that higher standards can be met. On further consultation with Corsair, it transpires that they currently use Winbond 6ns Revision B chips, carefully screening them through exhaustive testing to run flawlessly at DDR-400.
I've pointed out that Corsair already have PC3200 modules in their range. The slight problem with them, however, is that to reach DDR-400 specification, the general timings have had to be weakened significantly. They're specified to work at DDR-400 at only 2.5-3-3-6-2T timings, amongst the laxest possible.
The newer modules aim for the same basic speed of DDR-400, but attempt to do so with more stringent timings of 2-3-3-6-1T respectively. These should give users a reasonable boost in general performance over Corsair's previous premium XMS memory. To see just how Corsair qualify their modules for a given speed, head over here
Corsair are certainly making some impressive claims about these modules. DDR-400, with reasonably stringent timings, is what the majority of us have been looking out for. Even more pleasing is the availability of 512MB modules that sport the same basic specification. Can Corsair deliver ?, let's see as we move on to benchmarking our test 256MB module.