Review: CORSAIR TWINX (2x 256MB XMS3200LL)

by Tarinder Sandhu on 27 February 2003, 00:00 4.5

Tags: Corsair

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Conclusion and thoughts

Let's see if we can now answer some of the questions that we set ourselves earlier.

Can the modules run successfully at their tight rated speeds without any difficulty ?

It appears that they can. The specifications are impressive with extremely low latencies at DDR-400 speeds at 2.5v. Running both modules singly on both Intel and AMD platforms showed that they are amongst the most impressive to date; rivaling both Corsair's own XMS3500 and OCZ's EL PC3500 for top-end speed when run with tight timings.

Can they do this as a pair, one of the selling points here ?.

Apparently so. Running both modules at the tight 2-2-2-6-T1 timings, at DDR-400 speeds, concurrently caused no problems on either platform. The gains that are to be had on the nForce2 AMD platform, however, can only be realised if you're able to run your processor synchronously to the memory's speed. The idiosyncrasies of dual-channel memory dictate it. That's why we saw a performance drop when going from dual-channel DDR-333 to dual-channel DDR-400 on a stock XP2700 (166FSB) processor.

Is there any need for matched memory for dual-channel environments ?. Can two different high-speed modules from two different manufacturers run perfectly in tandem ?.

Perhaps I was being a little harsh in testing against two other high-speed modules from different manufacturers, but the TWINX pair managed to run at higher speeds when run together in both the nForce2 and i845E platforms. It would be nice to see how two non-TWINX Corsair modules would perform, or two identical modules from a different manufacturer. The bottom line is that you're guaranteed compatibility from the Corsair TWINX.

Is the slight price premium attached to matched memory worth it ?

Difficult to say without having numerous non-matched samples to test with. I'd say the slight premium is warranted on the basis of guaranteed compatibility. Strangely enough, buying a TWINX pack (2x 256MB matched XMS3200LL) works out to be a little cheaper than buying two single XMS3200LL modules individually. I guess the actual reduction in price is an added bonus.

How far will they go individually and as a pair with a little bit of voltage ?.

Pretty far. One module managed to hit a rock-solid DDR-450 at 2-2-2-7-T1 timings and other was a couple of Mhz behind. This puts it alongside the OCZ EL PC3500 and Corsair XMS3500 modules.

Having TWINX memory kits of up to 1GB in size (2 x 512MB) in both PC2700 and PC3200 specifications gives you flexibility and an assurance of increased compatibility. Given the fact that buying a TWINX pack is cheaper than buying the same modules together, and you have some sort of guarantee that they'll work together, I cannot see any reason why you would buy two individual Corsair XMS2700 / 3200LL sticks for any dual-channel motherboard, or for any motherboard.

The TWINX memory kit tested here is impressive, but it's not cheap. Retailing at around £155, you should only invest if you really like pushing and tweaking your system. If you consider that everyday Twinmos 256MB PC3200 CL2.5 can be had for less than £40 a module, giving you 2 x 256MB of PC3200 for less than £80, the £155 asking price seems a little steep. Of course, you don't expect the extremely low latencies and matched guarantee of the TWINX pack, but I'd only spend the extra if I was really pushing my system. Priced at around £155 for the 2 x 256MB pack and £295 for the 2x 512MB pack, it's not cheap, but quality never is. Recommended to enthusiasts.

Highs

  • Impressive performs on an individual basis

  • Do seem well suited to one another in a dual-channel or dual module environment

  • The low latencies boost benchmark performance. The 2-2-2-5-T1 SPD timings (for PC2700) and 2-2-2-6-T1 (for PC3200) are nice.

  • Cheaper than buying two individual low latency modules

Lows

  • Still expensive when other lesser PC3200 can be had for half the price

9/10 if you're an enthusiast. 8/10 if you're not.



Editor Note: Corsair have emailed us telling us they have the 333Bus version of this memory avaliable which takes advantage of the NForce2 solution. As we have already stated the TwinX which we have tested does not take full advantage until you hit 200MHz - both CPU and memory. The 333 Bus solution is also cheaper and is ideal for the non tweaker



HEXUS Forums :: 10 Comments

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Hi mate,

very interested in this at asking price. Will defo take it if it can act as a usb memory stick.
If silentphoenix doesn't end up buying it I'd go for it.
Woo - I'll join the queue … 3rd in line :P
4th ill have it
Sorry guys ;), im defo gonna get this

Steve - YGPM :)