Mushkin 4GB Ascent DDR2 Memory Kit

INTRODUCTION

For sometime now enthusiasts have known that their coveted DDR2 memory would soon be replaced with DDR3. The operable word "soon" has taken on a new meaning as just when it appeared that the change was about to take place evidence to the contrary presented itself. This evidence was multi-tiered and presented itself from several different standpoints:

• A new series of motherboards based on the Intel® P45 express chipset hit the market with the vast majority of the offerings supporting DDR2 in lieu of DDR3
• Several of the major memory manufacturers have recently released new, higher end DDR2 products (DDR2-9200) as well as a number of new high performance 4GB DDR2 kits
• The cost and the latencies of DDR3 have not fallen proportionately given DDR3's length of time on the market to make investment by the masses economically feasible
• The improvement in real world performance using DDR3 as opposed to DDR2 has not been great enough to stimulate a buying frenzy
• The pricing of the current DDR2 high-performance kits is dirt cheap

We at Bjorn3D are convinced that a major migration to DDR3 will take place at some juncture. In the same vein, we feel that a catalyst such as a major price drop and/or significant performance enhancements will have to take place before the current dissenters make a mass move to DDR3.

Recently we were contacted by Mushkin, who informed us about a new series memory products that was in the offing. This series of products called the Ascent, would be offered both in DDR2 and DDR3, have both 2 and 4GB kits, and offer varying increases in performance over their previous product high-performance product line. Today it is our pleasure to share our findings for Mushkin's 4GB Mushkin XP2-8500 Ascent DDR2 memory kit. We should also note that the official launch for Mushkin's Ascent memory series should take be taking place and be available most major vendors as you read this review.

Mushkin, Inc.:  The Company

Founded in 1994, Mushkin is best known for producing “Enhanced” memory modules. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Denver, Colorado Mushkin provides performance enhanced computer products to users worldwide. Exceptional quality, enhanced performance and unparalleled customer support are what make Mushkin products the best in the industry.

Mushkin products include an enhanced power supply line and a complete selection of memory upgrades for desktops, servers and notebooks – we offer something for everyone from business user to gamer. Our enhanced memory products are available in several performance categories from standard to extreme, with our REDLINE™ series in a class of its own. Our enhanced power supply line offers superb regulation and ripple characteristics, modularity and plenty of power to supply the most demanding systems.

With customers including everyone from Apple Computer and NASA to gamers and web browsers, Mushkin knows what is important to customers - enhanced performance with uncompromised quality. With Mushkin you Get More.