Conclusion
What I've attempted to demonstrate is that memory bandwidth is vitally important for the Pentium 4 CPU. It's important for AMD's XP line of processors, but only if you are able to unlock your CPU and run high FSBs. By now you should know that AMD's CPU architecture works best when DDR is run synchronous to the processors FSB.It's simply not a case of running sky-high memory MHz either. The timings one uses play an important role in defining overall performance. I attempted to demonstrate how tighter timings, given the same MHz in basic speed, can often leads to substantial gains. For memory manufacturers, it's a difficult balance of guaranteeing sheer MHz and specifying tight timings.
That leads me on to my next point. It appears as if Corsair have decided to validate this memory at 217MHZ DDR (PC3500) and still retain their trademark CAS rating of 2 clocks. As of writing, very few manufacturers can boast such impressive specifications. However, that doesn't tell us the full story. The memory, if it is to be validated at 217MHz @ CAS2, is tested on a single AMD-based motherboard with extremely poor associated timings.
We all know that it's Intel-based machines that receive the largest benefit from super-fast memory (unless you unlock your AMD CPU and have a capable motherboard), yet it hasn't been validated on any of those. The reason ?, simple, the most relaxed associated timings are stricter than the 8-4-4 that the validated Socket A motherboard allows.
That's not to say that this particular module was poor in any way, shape, or form. Even though I've been a little critical of Corsair's method of validation, it is the single most impressive module that I have ever tested. Giving it a healthy 2.84v voltage, it ran all my taxing benchmarks at 222MHz with 2-7-2-2 enhanced timings on an ABIT IT7-MAX. It was stable at 226MHz with those timings, too. Please don't consider the MHz speed in isolation. I hope that my benchmarks have shown that timings matter too. These results are not a given, but other users have reported similar results. What's equally pleasing is that a single 512MB module was used.
It's not cheap at around £175 for a 512MB stick, but it's arguably the finest memory that I have tested. This kind of DDR is perfect for enthusiasts who wish to push their processors to the absolute limit and still have oodles of bandwidth. It's of no surprise that all the top 3DMark specialists invariably use a decent Pentium 4, an ABIT DDR motherboard and, most likely, a stick of Corsair XMS3200 / 3500.
Highs
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The fastest module that I have ever tested
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Excellent performance considering its size (512MB)
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Allows you to push your system to the maximum without having to worry about memory letting you down
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Quality construction and support
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Works well with tight timings
Lows
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Expensive at ~ £175. That's to be expected
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The rated timings of 2-8-4-4 @ 217MHz are a little strange.
Overall rating - 8/10.
