FAST 2GB DDR Kits - Part 2

by Wesley Fink on January 23, 2006 12:05 AM EST
Corsair TWINX2048-4000PT

Corsair is the most widely recognized brand of Enthusiast or high-performance memory in the world. Corsair also maintains very visible support in the form of RamGuy, who provides support for Corsair products at www.asktheramguy.com and as a participant in many Forums.

The 2GB TwinX Kit came as a matched pair of 1 GB DIMMs. These 1GB DIMMs are rated at DDR500, but the rated timings of 3-4-4-8 are the slowest of the 2GB kits in these tests that are rated at DDR500. Corsair tells us that the 400PT DIMMs, unlike their earlier 3500LL PRO, are based on the Samsung UCCC memory chips, which have slower memory timings than the Infineon chips used in the other DDR500 DIMMs. However, the Samsung-based DIMMs are also about 40% cheaper than those based on Infineon memory chips.

The 4000PT include matte silver-colored aluminum heatspreaders that are appropriate for the Corsair Platinum series. There are no LEDs or diagnostic strips that would increase the cost of the 2GB kit. Corsair also markets an Expert line of DIMMs, which include programmable LEDs that can display memory speed, memory voltage, and other useful memory diagnostic data if that is an important feature for the buyer. The 3500LL PRO that we reviewed in Part 1 of the 2GB roundup used Infineon memory and featured diagnostic LEDs. Whatever you are looking for in your 2GB memory purchase is likely available as a Corsair product.

Specifications

The TWINX2048-4000PT is rated at CAS3 at DDR500, with slow rated timings of 3-4-4-8 at default voltage.

Corsair TWINX2048-4000PT Memory Specifications
Number of DIMMs & Banks 2 DS
DIMM Size
Total Memory
1GB
2GB
Rated Timings 3-4-4-8 at DDR500
Rated Voltage Standard (2.6V) Voltage
SPD 3-3-3-8

Test Results

Corsair TWINX2048-4000PT (DDR500) - 2x1GB Double-Bank
CPU Ratio at 2.4GHz Memory
Speed
Memory Timings
& Voltage
Quake3
fps
Sandra UNBuffered Sandra Standard
Buffered
Super PI 2M places
(time in sec)
Wolfenstein - Radar - Enemy Territory fps
12x200 400DDR 2.5-3-3-7
2.5V
528.3 INT 2448
FLT 2599
INT 6001
FLT 5973
83 116.0
11x218 436DDR 2.5-3-3-7
2.6V
536.2 INT 2592
FLT 2741
INT 6427
FLT 6345
83 117.3
10x240 480DDR 2.5-3-3-7
2.7V
549.0 INT 2796
FLT 2910
INT 6703
FLT 6642
81 119.3
9x266 533DDR 3-4-4-8
2.7V
545.0 INT 2844
FLT 3088
INT 6960
FLT 6880
81 118.9
9x290
(2.61GHz)
Highest Mem Speed
DDR 580
3-4-4-8
2.8V
580.8 INT 3201
FLT 3357
INT 7542
FLT 7393
74 128.6
To be considered stable for test purposes, Quake3 benchmark, UT2003 Demo, Super PI, Aquamark 3, and Comanche 4 had to complete without incident. Any of these, and in particular Super PI, will crash a less-than stable memory configuration.

Despite the somewhat slow rated timings of the Corsair 4000PT, the memory managed to work fine at faster timings at almost every speed setting. While it is not included in the chart, we were able to run at the rated DDR500 speed at 3-3-3-8 timings at 2.8V instead of the specified 3-4-4-8 timings. The Corsair 4000PT is not the fastest 2GB memory in the roundup, but it manages to perform within a few frames of the fastest 2GB kits at every tested speed. In addition, the 4000PT turned out to be a really excellent overclocker, reaching a stable DDR580 speed.

While this Corsair kit will not satisfy those who want the fastest 2GB kit available, the 4000PT will be a good choice for those who are willing to give up a few frames at each speed in exchange for a 30% to 40% lower price. The one thing that you won't have to give up is great overclocking capabilities, since this Corsair is one of the most overclockable 2GB kits in the roundup.

Performance Test Configuration Crucial Ballistix CLIII5N.32 PN56278
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  • WouT - Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - link

    I can confirm:

    It would be a good idea to mention this in the article as readers should be informed that this memory is not in production and cannot be replaced by the same part anymore.

    ------------------------------------------------------
    Welcome to Crucial Technology's Expert Online. An Expert Online agent will join you in a moment... Please do not begin typing until you have been connected to an agent.
    Hello, my name is Patrick . How may I help you?
    Ewoud Venmans: I am looking for the fastest available 2GB kit for my ASUS A8R-MVP motherboard
    Patrick : One moment, please, while I review your inquiry.
    The agent is sending you to http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?model=A...">http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?model=A....
    Patrick : The link provided will take you to a list of memory upgrades that are guaranteed to be compatible, or your money back (shipping not included).

    Is there anything else I can help you with?
    Ewoud Venmans: Ok, but the speeds are only up to PC3200. I am looking for PC4000.
    Ewoud Venmans: Newegg does sell them, but I cannot find these on your site.
    Ewoud Venmans: They should work as well, won't they?
    Patrick : The parts at the top of the list are PC4000.
    Ewoud Venmans: Sorry I only see PC3200 and PC2700 in the list?
    Patrick : Yes, you are right. We don't have the PC400 anymore.
    Ewoud Venmans: And if I click on performance memory I can only see PC4000 1Gb kits, not the 2Gb kits.
    Ewoud Venmans: Ahhh, so if I order those at newegg, I will still have your lifetime guarantee?
    Patrick : If you order that product at New Egg, after 30 days you will not be able to get that product, however we will replace with a product like PC3200 or give you a In Store Credit.
    Ewoud Venmans: Hmm, so you stopped producing these and won't introduce PC4000 1GB modules anymore?
    Patrick : Not in DDR. We will in DDR2.
    Ewoud Venmans: Ok, thank you Patrick! You have answered all what I wanted to know.
    Patrick : You're welcome. Thank you for visiting Crucial.com, and have a great day.

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