Review: Mushkin Hi Perf LEVEL 2 2100 222 Memory

System setup, methodology, and overclocking

Software

• Windows XP Professional Build 2600.xpclient.010817-1148
• Detonator 30.30 drivers
• Intel Application Accelerator drivers
• Sisoft Sandra 2002 Professional SP2
• Memtest 3.0 (run in DOS)
• Quake III v1.30
• 3DMark 2001SE
• Pifast v41

Methodology

Considering that this is rated as a PC2100 module, albeit one with extremely strict timings, I'll be comparing it to a Crucial PC2100 CL2.5 module. I want to firstly demonstrate just how important memory timings are by benchmarking the two modules using heavily memory-dependant tests. This should give you an insight into whether a memory upgrade is warranted or not.

To test the limits of this particular module, I used a DOS-based program by the name of Memtest 3.0. Because it is a non-OS utility, we can rule out a number of Windows factors that might compromise stability. The table below shows the MHz, timings, and voltage that it would pass at least 1-pass of Memtest with. Incidentally, you can download it here

Phew, that took some time. What we can glean from the above table is that it is stable at up to 170MHz with the strictest timings possible, albeit with 2.8v. It can still manage CL2 up to 193MHz, and Runs close to 210MHz with CL2.5. Here's how SANDRA saw it with CL2.

And now with CL2.5.

I'll be running the Mushkin memory at both 2-5-2-2 timings at 133MHz and 2-5-2-3 timings at 178MHz (ABIT IT7 with a 3:4 memory ratio). This should give us some insight into just how useful bandwidth really is, especially if the timings are strict. I'll also include the benchmarks from a stick of Crucial at its rated speed of 133MHz, 2.5-6-3-3 timings.