SUMMARY: It's time for Part 2 of our Dual Channel Memory roundup series where this time we check out new modules from Kingmax, Corsair, Geil, OCZ, Transcend and Crucial - 8 different types of modules all up over a massive 33 pages!
We have had a number of Geil memory modules here in the past and some have done better then others. Geil seem to be a bit inconsistent when it comes to producing memory - some modules perform better then others while some wont run at spec at all, at least from the sticks we were sent from the company. Geil hit the market early when it came to DDR400 or PC3200 and it was probably a bit too early as they had trouble running these speeds on their particular memory module.
Geil would have to have some of the best looking memory on the market but we will look more into this in just a moment.
Specifications
Module Size: 2 X 256 MB Package: 184-pin LONG DIMM Naming: DDR PC3500 Speed: 433MHz Voltage: 2.5V 2.9V CAS Latency: 2.5
Packaging
Geil definitely have the best packaging out of all the memory we are looking at here today. At first sight the packaging looks fantastic and it only gets better once you open the folder and take a peek at the memory. While some may think that the packaging is slightly overboard, for something like memory you cant deny that it looks excellent.
On the inside of the classy folder you have all the information you would need including what speed, the type of chips, PCB information, recommended voltages at spd and etc. Overall it is a package that gives the user everything they would need in a package that will bring a grin to most peoples faces.
Modules
When you first look at the modules you notice how unique looking they are and you instantly wonder what kind of chip is used on the module.
These particular modules use a packaging known as Wafer Level Chip Scale Packaging (WLCSP). This means that the particular chips are mounted directly to the PCB without any form of wiring which is seen on normal TSOP memory. The advantage over this form of packaging is that the modules produce less noise and run cooler; hopefully this also brings with it a performance jump.
Utilizing WLCSP, Geil hasnt needed to include heat spreaders on the memory. Instead there is a simple plastic cover over the top of them which will protect the memory as they are slightly more fragile in this form. It also looks quite nice as well.
These particular modules are known as the Golden Dragon line, due to the 6 Layer GOLD PCB. If you look closely at the chips you will see that they are labeled 32M8 which translated to 8 X 32MB which of course brings the modules to 256MB.
The modules seem to implement a bit of new technology and it will be interesting to see if it makes a difference when it comes to actual benchmarking. We have seen some excellent modules from GEIL in the past and some not so excellent ones; lets see where the latest Golden Dragon PC3500 puts us.
Cabling Installation & Maintenance provides information to industry professionals involved in the purchase, design, installation and maintenance of premises and campus-wide cabling systems.
Copyright © 1999-2008 Tweak Town Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.