Review: Corsair XMS 3200 (DDR-400) CAS2 Memory

Overclocking and conclusion

I know you're eager to find out just how far I could take the Corsair module. To test the headroom available on this particular module, I raised the Memory speed a few MHz at a time and ran Memtest 3.0 each time. A 10 minute run, without errors, entitled the module to be tested at a higher MHz speed. Here's what I found:

Setting the timings to the ultra-aggressive 2-5-2-2 ensured that no module was successfully able to run at 200MHz (DDR-400) @ 2.5v, those timings are historically known to really push the RAM. What's pleasing, however, is that the Corsair module ran at 215MHz (DDR-430), at its rated 2-6-3-3 timings, with only a small boost in memory voltage. Boosting the voltage to 2.8v allowed me to run a series of benchmarks at effectively 230MHz (DDR-460) with conservative timings of CL2.5/6/3/3. Here's one of those fabled SiSoft SANDRA shots that highlight the enormous bandwidth that ultra-high DDR modules can attain.

Take the above screenshot with a pinch of salt, the numbers sure do look impressive but ideally you'll want to run at more aggressive timings to maximise performance.

Conclusion

It's often said that you get what you pay for. Today's applications thrive on a faster memory subsystem, the difference between the score laid down by memory at DDR-300 and DDR-400 show us that in graphic detail. With rumblings of the Athlon moving to a faster FSB, and the Pentium 4's unquenchable thirst for bandwidth, having fast system RAM is paramount in ensuring that your performance is maximised.

Decent memory is not only one that can operate at high frequencies, it must do so with reasonably stringent timings. There are a number of DDR-400 modules in the market place currently, but Corsair go that step further and validate theirs for use at a CAS latency of 2 clocks, a bold claim that is backed up by its rock-solid stability.

SiS and VIA have already have Pentium 4 motherboards that support DDR-400 memory, albeit unofficially in SiS' case. I'm sure we'll see a DDR-400 memory-based motherboard appear very shortly for AMD-based processors. With this being the case, having DDR-400 modules now can only be construed as a good thing, especially if they're validated to run at decent timings.

This Corsair CMX256A-3200C2 module does exactly what it states on its specification sheet, and then some. I felt comfortable running the memory at 215MHz (DDR-430) at 2.8v, I'm sure it will go higher once primed in a little. From a pure performance point of view, this is the best memory I have personally used.

Can I recommend this without reservation ?, I'm not sure. Corsair's XMS memory has historically been brought to market with a premium price. Expect to pay upwards of £85 for a 256MB and £170+ for a 512MB module of XMS3200 C2. I'm pretty sure that both Overclockers.co.uk and Scan.co.uk will be stocking these just as soon as they become widely available. Just ensure you order by the model number, CMX256A-3200C2 (256MB) or CMX512-3200C2 (512MB). I've heard rumours that Winbond's 5ns-equipped DDR-400 is proving to be a hit with the overclocking community, I'll have to investigate that myself.

However, if you're looking for one of the fastest DDR modules today, one with a guarantee of DDR-400 speeds with a CAS latency of 2 clocks, and you are relatively deep of pocket, the Corsair XMS3200 C2 line may just be for you.

I feel that after days of testing, this module deserves an editor's choice award for firstly pushing the boundaries of available DDR memory. To the best of my knowledge, no other module offers a pre-guaranteed speed of DD-400 at CL2. Secondly, it overclocks like a champion, reaching hither-to unseen speeds. It's also backed up by a comprehensive warranty from Corsair, and is stylish to boot. My first criteria in judging a component for possible award status is whether it could displace any of my current components on pure merit. I run a high-end DDR-based system with carefully selected premium parts, I feel as if the Corsair could make itself comfortable in my ABIT IT7-MAX motherboard.

Overall rating 9/10.

Editor's award based on technical excellence.