Corsair PC3200
Corsair have been making high performance memory since 1994 and have built up the enviable reputation of producing the fastest, most stable ram available. Their products have long been the memory of choice of hard core overclockers. Always at the leading edge of technology, Corsair have now released two new CAS2 PC3200, (DDR400), memory modules. The CMX256A-3200C2, (256MB), and the CMX512A-3200C2, (512MB).
These modules are the latest addition to Corsair's eXtreme Memory Speed ("XMS") range. Which Corsair claim "Is tailored specifically for ultra-performance computing enthusiasts". Each unit is tested and guaranteed to operate at these settings:
Memory bus speed: 2 x 200 MHz (400DDR)
CAS latency: 2.0 clock cycles
RAS precharge: 3 cycles
RAs-to-CAS delay: 3 cycles
RAs active to precharge: 6 cycles
Command rate: 1T (1 cycle)
The above specification is when using 1 module/system
Today's review sample from Corsair is the CMX256A-3200C2, a 256MB module.
Test System
AMD 1400 T'bird - Factory unlocked
ABIT KX7r DDR333
Gainward ULTRA 650XP GS
Maxtor D740 6L HDD
Q-TEC 550W PSU
Windows 2K SP2
The CPU multiplier was set at 7x to ensure the processor did not limit the testing. All voltages were set to default and the PCI/AGP timings relaxed to allow maximum headroom for memory overclocking. The test was to boot into Windows and run the Sandra memory benchmark 4 times.
The maximum I could I could achieve was 416MHz with the most aggressive timings of 2-3-3-1T. Upto 412 MHz the module ran at a more aggressive timing of 2-2-2-1T. This is quite an incredible speed and this was with the system totally stable!