Introduction
Corsair TWIN2X1024-8500 DDR2 Memory ReviewThe race to produce the fastest DDR2 memory doesn't show signs of giving up just yet, and with AMD's Athlon 64s destined to use high-speed DDR2 memory once the move to AM2 is complete, we wager that this race will continue unabated.
Right now, DDR2 is pertinent to Intel's LGA775 CPUs, running off FSBs up to 266MHz (1066MHz QDR). Manufacturers play a balancing act of increasing memory performance by either reducing access latency, increasing sheer speed, or a combination of both.
Up until CeBIT this year, Corsair's fastest DDR2 modules were its TWIN2X1024-8000ULs, operating at an effective 1000MHz with 5-4-4-9 latencies. Since then, though, Corsair has released a faster set that synchronously matches the select few LGA775 1066MHz FSB speed. Let's see if the TWIN2X1024-8500 can start up a benchmarking fire.