Conclusion and rating
The first requirement of any RAM that runs faster than the modules' inherent nanosecond timing is to be perfectly stable at the specified setting. That, thankfully, is the case with this sample of Mushkin PC3500 enhanced memory. However, with competition as intense as it currently is in this high-end sector, Mushkin have played the game safe by only ratifying these modules to a CAS latency of 2.5 clocks. Further, the other timings are the highest latencies that one can use on either AMD or Intel motherboards. With the competition quite ready to use a CAS latency of 2 clocks, the Mushkin module seems a little lightweight in comparison.
The Mushkin module, though, only reveals its class once we apply lower latency, performance-enhancing timings through BIOS. Using hand-picked Winbond 5ns modules that are mounted on custom 6-layer Mushkin PCBs, the module seemed to thrive with super-low timings. Our test module managed to comfortably run at DDR-400+ speeds, with settings of 2-6-2-2, at default voltage. That almost suggests that Mushkin have mis-marketed this module. Raising the voltage from 2.75v to 2.85v actually made the module slightly less stable under load. Mushkin seem to want to release a high latency PC3500 part instead of a low latency PC3200 part. I'd take an extremely low latency DDR-400 module, a la Corsair Twinx, over a high latency DDR-434 module. The Mushkin module, it seems, is geared towards the all-important 2-2-2 timings. The low latency nature extends to DDR-434 speeds, where it was able to run at 2-7-2-2 timings, albeit with a bit of extra voltage. A little tongue in cheek, but I feel as if this module should have been called Mushkin PC3200LLLV (low latency, low voltage).
In summary, the Mushkin Enhanced PC3500 module comfortably exceeded specifications. Its sweetspot seemed to be in running extremely low latencies at DDR-400+. Pair a couple of these up with a high FSB nForce2 motherboard, or with the upcoming 200FSB dual-channel P4 boards for some high-speed, low latency bandwidth. Recommended.
Highs
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Seems to love low latencies
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Ran at DDR-433 CL2 at default voltage
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Ran at DDR-400+ 2-6-2-2 at default voltage
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Super construction, great looks
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Lifetime (limited) warranty
Lows
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The basic specifications of 2.5-7-4-4 are relatively poor in comparison to the competition
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Expensive at ~ £80 for 256MB, as some basic TwinMOS with Winbond chips can approach this level of performance for considerably less money.
Bottom line - About as good as TSOP memory gets. Recommended to the enthusiast.
A big thanks to Michael
Schuette of Lost Circuits for
offering invaluable help in this review.
Also a thank you to PC Memory Upgrade UK for providing this sample.
