FAST 2GB DDR Kits - Part 2

Corsair TWINX2048-4000PT

Corsair is the most widely recognized brand of Enthusiast or high-performance memory in the world. Corsair also maintains very visible support in the form of RamGuy, who provides support for Corsair products at www.asktheramguy.com and as a participant in many Forums.

The 2GB TwinX Kit came as a matched pair of 1 GB DIMMs. These 1GB DIMMs are rated at DDR500, but the rated timings of 3-4-4-8 are the slowest of the 2GB kits in these tests that are rated at DDR500. Corsair tells us that the 400PT DIMMs, unlike their earlier 3500LL PRO, are based on the Samsung UCCC memory chips, which have slower memory timings than the Infineon chips used in the other DDR500 DIMMs. However, the Samsung-based DIMMs are also about 40% cheaper than those based on Infineon memory chips.

The 4000PT include matte silver-colored aluminum heatspreaders that are appropriate for the Corsair Platinum series. There are no LEDs or diagnostic strips that would increase the cost of the 2GB kit. Corsair also markets an Expert line of DIMMs, which include programmable LEDs that can display memory speed, memory voltage, and other useful memory diagnostic data if that is an important feature for the buyer. The 3500LL PRO that we reviewed in Part 1 of the 2GB roundup used Infineon memory and featured diagnostic LEDs. Whatever you are looking for in your 2GB memory purchase is likely available as a Corsair product.

Specifications

The TWINX2048-4000PT is rated at CAS3 at DDR500, with slow rated timings of 3-4-4-8 at default voltage.

Corsair TWINX2048-4000PT Memory Specifications
Number of DIMMs & Banks	2 DS
DIMM Size Total Memory	1GB 2GB
Rated Timings	3-4-4-8 at DDR500
Rated Voltage	Standard (2.6V) Voltage
SPD	3-3-3-8

Test Results

Corsair TWINX2048-4000PT (DDR500) - 2x1GB Double-Bank
CPU Ratio at 2.4GHz	Memory Speed	Memory Timings & Voltage	Quake3 fps	Sandra UNBuffered	Sandra Standard Buffered	Super PI 2M places (time in sec)	Wolfenstein - Radar - Enemy Territory fps
12x200	400DDR	2.5-3-3-7 2.5V	528.3	INT 2448 FLT 2599	INT 6001 FLT 5973	83	116.0
11x218	436DDR	2.5-3-3-7 2.6V	536.2	INT 2592 FLT 2741	INT 6427 FLT 6345	83	117.3
10x240	480DDR	2.5-3-3-7 2.7V	549.0	INT 2796 FLT 2910	INT 6703 FLT 6642	81	119.3
9x266	533DDR	3-4-4-8 2.7V	545.0	INT 2844 FLT 3088	INT 6960 FLT 6880	81	118.9
9x290 (2.61GHz)	Highest Mem Speed DDR 580	3-4-4-8 2.8V	580.8	INT 3201 FLT 3357	INT 7542 FLT 7393	74	128.6

To be considered stable for test purposes, Quake3 benchmark, UT2003 Demo, Super PI, Aquamark 3, and Comanche 4 had to complete without incident. Any of these, and in particular Super PI, will crash a less-than stable memory configuration.

Despite the somewhat slow rated timings of the Corsair 4000PT, the memory managed to work fine at faster timings at almost every speed setting. While it is not included in the chart, we were able to run at the rated DDR500 speed at 3-3-3-8 timings at 2.8V instead of the specified 3-4-4-8 timings. The Corsair 4000PT is not the fastest 2GB memory in the roundup, but it manages to perform within a few frames of the fastest 2GB kits at every tested speed. In addition, the 4000PT turned out to be a really excellent overclocker, reaching a stable DDR580 speed.

While this Corsair kit will not satisfy those who want the fastest 2GB kit available, the 4000PT will be a good choice for those who are willing to give up a few frames at each speed in exchange for a 30% to 40% lower price. The one thing that you won't have to give up is great overclocking capabilities, since this Corsair is one of the most overclockable 2GB kits in the roundup.