and Testing.......

     For all phases of testing, the CPU:RAM ratio will be kept 1:1 to maintain a synchronous overclock. The CPU and HTT multipliers will be changed when necessary to maintain system stability. Only whole number multipliers will be used. The bus speed, raw CPU speed, and memory timings will be documented. Along the way, I'll be benchmarking the memory with SiSoftware Sandra's Memory Benchmark and obtaining a score with Science Mark 2 utilizing its memory benchmark routine as well. Now, on the with test.

     ** Notes the default latency timings for this memory as determined by system BIOS at bootup when all applicable memory settings are set to AUTO. Corsair has labeled the memory with 3-4-4-8 timings.

     These results really show how far RAM technology has progressed. Since technical data was not immediately available for this particular set of memory modules, I had to go to the source to get some behind the scenes information. The TwinX2048-4400Pro series modules are based on Infineon rev C silicone and carry a 2.75 volt requirement. Unlike the PC4000 of yester-year, this kit allowed me to wrench down the timings when the bus speed was lowered. Likewise, we were able to ramp up the clock speed to 287Mhz without using the performance degrading 2T command mode or the printed (and higher) 3-4-4-8 latency timings. Going above 2.8 volts didn't help me achieve any higher bus speed or better latency timings.

     Conclusion........

     The specialists at Corsair say they like to think of this particular set of PRO series RAM as their Ultimate kit because it can do exactly what we showcased in our testing. Though not the tightest of timings at 200Mhz, 2-3-2-5 isn't very far off at all. But this memory carries a PC4400 label which means this kit isn't intended for 200Mhz applications. While the bandwidth results themselves are more of a by-product of high CPU speed in conjunction with the high front side bus, the fact remains that the Corsair TwinX2048-4400Pro dual channel kit was able to remain stable operating 32Mhz above its default value. Again, putting emphasis on the 1T command rate and the 3-4-3-7 timings, all of this was done at default voltage.

     Needless to say, we'll be keeping an eye out for this stuff to hit the retail shelf. Would it be a smart purchase? Without a doubt! The projected site picture of future releases from AMD still have their processors using existing 184-pin DDR modules well into calendar year 2007, which appears to be their timeframe to make the switch to DDR2. It was Intel that made the first switch and plunged into RAMBUS searching for more memory bandwidth. Reeling from that decision (and the marketing constraints) Intel is utilizing DDR2, all while AMD is still having great success with DDR. So, back to original question: Yes, DDR is still a very solid technology to base your upgrade decisions upon. Along those lines, modern entertainment titles benefit greatly with more than 1 Gigabyte of memory installed. So if you're an overclocking gamer that plans to build or upgrade your AMD based system, this dual channel kit will certainly not let you down.    

Club Overclocker Rating
Innovation:	9.5 out of 10
Performance:	10 out of 10
Quality:	10 out of 10
Stability:	10 out of 10
Overclocking:	9.5 out of 10
Software/Drivers Pack:	N/A
Value:	9.5 out of 10 ***
Overall Rating
Skill Level
Project Skill Level (10 being hardest)	2 out of 10

*** The Value rating of this memory will be re-evaluated when it is widely available on the market.