Thoughts and conclusions
The benchmarks have established that the Corsair TwinX XMS3700 memory kit is a good match for systems that can take advantage of its rated speed. The 233MHz running (DDR467) will preclude it from many an AMD-based system when run in a synchronous manner. Our nForce2 benchmarking has shown that the majority of boards lose perfect stability if pushed much beyond 225FSB. In view of this, running the TwinX XMS3700 at stated specifications and synchronous FSB running will be a job in itself. We don't deny that a number of AMD motherboard can and do run at 233FSB+ with ease, it's just that the majority do not.However, both P4 Springdale and Canterwood chipsets often surpass 250FSB without raising any form of objection, and while retail 800FSB P4s are still multiplier-locked direct from the fabrication plant, they do appear to overclock well. It's not uncommon to see a number of 2.4 and 2.6GHz P4 Cs hit 250FSB with default voltage. Therefore both the motherboards and CPUs are prime recipients of high MHz RAM.
We tried to investigate whether DDR467 dual-channel synchronous running with 3-4-4-8 latencies was preferable to standard DDR400 speeds with tight 2-2-2-6 timings. Of course, the latter requires a faster and more expensive processor that'll be run at default speeds, but the comparison is reasonably valid. The benchmarks' results indicated that neither was substantially faster than the other.
Corsair TwinX XMS3700 dual-channel RAM isn't aimed at users who like to run at stock speeds. It's aimed at users who wish to push their Intel and AMD machines past 233FSB with, preferably, synchronous RAM speeds. Formal testing showed that the modules ran faultlessly right up to DDR500 speeds at 2.8v, again perfect for Springdale and Canterwood boards housing a 2.4 or 2.6GHz 800FSB CPU.
The Samsung chips on this sample of XMS3700 do not like low latencies in any way, shape or form. Previous Corsair modules used premier Winbond BH chips, chips which didn't mind lower latencies if accompanied by lower speeds. These chips, however, would barely function at 2.5-3-3-7 at DDR400 speeds. That's not a major criticism, because the modules aren't required to do anything other than perform to specification, which they do without question.
In summary, if your RAM requirements are that it should go high in absolute MHz terms, preferably in a dual-channel motherboard, the Corsair TwinX XMS3700 memory kit is a safe and expensive bet. However, if you're looking for high MHz and low latencies in one package, you'll need to elsewhere. It's a case of selecting the correct RAM. The TwinX XMS3700 matched memory kit doesn't appear to be as versatile as the older Winbond-equipped RAM. That would accommodate a number of different latencies, this RAM is made for one and only one purpose. That purpose is to run at high, high frequencies.
Highs
- Runs right up to DDR500 speeds
- Faultless performance at rated specifications
- 1GByte kits available
- Perfect partner for 2.4, 2.6, ES P4s on Canterwood and Springdale boards
Lows
- Hates lower latencies
- Kind of expensive for what appears to be tweaked Samsung DDR400 CL3 RAM
- Had difficulty in directly booting a sample EPoX and MSI board
