Corsair XMS3200 XL 1024MB Memory Kit Review
Author: Dean Nottis
Date: June 21, 2004
Supplied By: Corsair
Price: $370
Introduction
Today 3DXtreme is pleased to present our latest review of Corsair XMS3200 XL Pro 1GB Matched Memory Kit. Corsair produces some of the highest quality memory on the market and their latest ‘Pro’ models feature 18 activity lights on the top of each DIMM that indicate the level of activity across the memory module. This kit includes two matched 512 MB DIMMs that are rated for DDR400 (200 Mhz) operation at 2-2-2-5. Not since the days of Winbond BH-5 IC chips could users see memory timings like this!
Let's take a look at the 1024 XMS3200 XL Pro kit as it arrived.
Specifications & Features
Tested as a matched pair in multiple Intel and AMD PC3200 based test setups
Packaged together immediatly following system test
Tested at DDR400
Tested at X-treme Low latency settings (2-2-2-5)
Test voltage: 2.75v
Plug-n-Frag Auto-Configuration
Boots automatically using the X-trem Low latency values
1024 Megabytes of memory
Two CMX512-3200XL Pro memory DIMMs
High-efficiency aluminum XMS heatsink
95% greater surface area then standard memory heatspreaders
Thermally bonded to the module
Other Features
18 activity LED's show level of memory activity
Approximately 1.75" tall x 5.41" long x 0.30" wide; 2.9 oz
Lifetime warranty
A Closer Look
I couldn't bring myself to prying the heat spreaders off of $400 worth of ram. If you are interested in a look "under the heatspreader" you may want to check out one of the other reviews on the net. The Corsair XMS3200 XL memory uses Samsungs’ newest 4ns ICs that are actually designed for use at DDR500 3-4-4-8 however Corsair managed to get this ram running DDR400 at 2.75 volts using the tight memory timings of 2-2-2-5. I never thought we’d see tight timings like these again. Corsair’s last product was the XMS3200 LL line which are SPD programmed for 2-3-2-6 timings and for DDR400 operation are the next best thing.
Here is a breakdown of the timings, this info is taken from Houseofhelp.com forums.
Testing parameters for TWINX1024-3200XL & Data Sheet info
Each pair is tested and packaged together using the following settings:
- DRAM Clock: 200 MHz
- SDRAM CAS Latency: 2T
- SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay (tRCD): 2T
- SDRAM Row Precharge (tRP): 2T
- SDRAM Active to Precharge Delay (tRAS): 5T
- SDRAM Bank Interleave: 4 Bank.
Here is a closer look at the label on the Corsair XMS3200 XL DIMMS. Clearly marked are the timings, size of the module, rated operation ie:DDR400, and code XMS 3208 indicating an 8th generation product.
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