SUMMARY: In our latest article we are comparing the performance of some of the top brands in DDR-2 memory modules. We've got modules on the test bench from OCZ (PC-5400 Performance series), Corsair (XMS2 Pro series) and Kingston (HyperX series). After taking a close look at each set of Dual Channel modules, we tested them at their default speeds and as far as we could overclock them.
The next Dual Channel kit comes from Corsair and is part of their XMS2 Pro series. Corsair introduced their somewhat popular Pro series some time ago now with the feature of activity lights on top of the modules which let you know when the memory is being accessed. The modules look and feel pretty good and are a class above most other sticks on the market.
While the activity lights are a funky idea, it is questionable if you really need them on your modules. Sure, some people will like the extra flashy lights inside their case and these will be the people who can afford or will justify spending the extra money to have these modules.
One thing to keep in mind that with the LED’s comes additionally height to the memory and while we had no problem fitting the memory into Small Form Factor systems it does make the job harder since there is less room to work with since the Corsair Pro memory is about 1cm higher than typical memory.
The packaging is actually exactly the same as what OCZ use in every little detail. From what we can see, you can choose from a 1GB Dual Channel kit (Corsair calls it TwinX) or a single 512MB module individually. As we expected, this Corsair DDR-2 is more expensive than the OCZ DDR-2 coming in at around $305 US at Digitally Unique (at the time of writing) which is around $70 US more expensive than the OCZ memory. Considering you are already spending quite a big chunk for this enthusiast memory, the jump is fairly high.
The Corsair XM2 Pro series PC-5400 memory comes with tight timings of 4-4-4-12 which the OCZ modules were originally rated. The default voltage of these modules is 1.9V but unlike the OCZ memory, Corsair doesn’t provide any warranty protection above this speed. We were able to run the Corsair memory at 2.2V like the OCZ memory but it was evident that it wasn’t as confident running at this speed as you will see later on when we discuss overclocking and just how much we can get out of these modules.
Let’s move onto the last module and then get onto overclocking of the modules.
