The module
The module
As you've probably already noted, this particular module comes outfitted with Mushkin's in-house heat spreader. It's obvious from the outset that this memory is geared towards those who wish to push their systems. The heat spreader's quality is a notch or two above that which Corsair use, it feels weightier and more secure. It certainly gives it an individual touch. Incidentally, the heat spreader was designed by Michael Schuette of Lost Circuits.
This particular module, a 512MB double-sided DIMM, is rated as a Level 2 module. Why Level 2 ?. As I eluded to earlier, memory can be rated by either pure Mhz and / or timings. The lower the timings, numerically speaking, the more difficult it is for a module to be certified at them.
The 2-2-2 in the module's name refer to the CAS (Column Address Strobe), Time - RAS to CAS delay (tRCD), and precharge to active delay (tRP). Very simply, the lower these settings (numerically), the lower the latency in getting information out to the CPU Most modules specify 2.5-3-3 settings as 2-2-2 is considered to be harsh on the RAM. Lower latencies should correlate to higher performance at any given MHz speed.
So, with a rating of PC2100 2-2-2, this module should overclock quite well. I'll just quote the official specification line before I begin benchmarking it.
Specifications
- Double sided 512MB DIMM
- PC2100 spefication
- 64x64 module
- 16 256Mbit 32x8 chips
- Unbuffered
- CAS Latency - 2 clocks
- tRCD - 2 clocks
- tRP - 2 clocks
- Built-in heat spreader
Looks good on paper, now to see how far it goes.