Corsair XMS3700 512MB TwinX

<B>Testing Methodology</B>:

Like before, I wanted to try to isolate the memory from the other subsystems. Regardless, I had to leave some CPU intensive tests in. I have added a new program to the memory line up, AIDA 32. Let's get down to the testing.

The memory was testing with an Abit IS7-E (The E means cheap!) with a 2.4C Ghz P4 with the Corsair TwinX XMS3700.

<B>Overclocking</B>:

I seriously thought that there would be hardly any overclocking with this memory passed its already overclocked rated speed. I was right, it hit a brick wall at 240 Mhz, even at the highest setting of 2.8v. At the rated speed of 233Mhz, I could run at 2.5v Stable! That is VERY impressive to say the least. The only thing that did worry me was the SPD settings are set for 200Mhz operation, and are set at a faster speed than the memory can handle at 233Mhz. If your board doesn't support changing all the memory options, you might be stuck at a slower memory speed. Regardless, this memory can do what it is designed too with no problems.

<B>Update</B>:

Well, it thought it was strange that it was stable at asyncronous speeds, and as it turns out, the memory isn't even stable at 250/200 at the slowest settings and 2.8v. This behaviour only happens at async speeds, when the memory is running at syncronous speeds, it works perfectly. Strange? Yes.

<B>Benchmarks</B>:

Before I actually start the benchmarking, let me say that this review is not comparable to the Crucial memory. The board's BIOS has been updated to the latest revision, and the memory rated speeds are different.

For stock speeds, it was set to the rated 233Mhz (466Mhz) and for other, I could only do 250/200 (FSB/Mem), anything else the machine was unstable. I know the CPU can do more, so I don't know what the hold back was.

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First up as always we've got Sandra. Sandra is a testing suite that gives a synthetic performance test. The memory could not handle Abit's Game Accelerator technology, it isn't low latency. Regardless, the stock spec speed is pretty damn impressive. At spec speed, it handled about 5040mbps and at the other speed, it did around 5300.

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AIDA is just like Sandra, and it separates read and write tests. In these tests, we see that the memory bus isn't being used, the CPU can send the data fast enough. The faster the CPU FSB, the better the memory speed, but barely.

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PC Mark doesn't show much improvement, but remember I am testing it at a weird setting. Too bad the memory couldn't handle 250Mhz, it was so close!

The next two tests are tied into the CPU, so the numbers don't reflect the memory speed alone.

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LAME and Super Pi both show that a speedier CPU is better .

<B>Conclusion</B>:

Corsair makes some damn good memory that is guarantied to run at a speed that is higher than normal. Normal users shouldn't bother buying this ram, but enthusiasts and overclockers, this is the stuff that your machine should be made of. I know that Corsair also makes some low latency memory, perfect for the Intel PAT tricks, you should consider picking that as well. Regardless of what you pick, you can't go wrong with the quality of Corsair's products.

I'd like to thank <a href="http://www.corsairmicro.com">Corsair</a> for sending this kit for review!