Corsair vs Corsair: TWINX1024-4000 vs TWINX1024-4000PRO

Corsair versus Corsair? Well, sort of. I will be doing double duty today with two of Corsair's memory kits -- the TWINX1024-4000 kit and the TWINX1024-4000Pro kit -- and comparing them side-by-side. As most of you probably already know and have heard countless times before, the name Corsair is synonymous with high quality and enthusiast RAM.

Recall that Corsair's "TWINX" kits are matched memory modules, packaged and extensively tested for dual-channel DDR motherboards, such as nForce2, i865 (Springdale) and i875 (Canterwood) boards. The two sticks found in each TWINX kit are tested as a pair, and then if all tests are passed, they are packaged and sold as a pair. As I've stated in previous Corsair RAM reviews, the testing process is quite rigorous in the Corsair labs, so you can be confident that TWINX kits will give you optimal Dual-DDR performance.

The modules in the non-Pro TWINX kit that I am covering in this review are not much different than what you are used to seeing in the XMS line. The more interesting kit in this review is definitely the ProSeries pair. This is Corsair's latest innovation to put a smile on the enthusiast's face. The ProSeries modules feature a larger and nicer heatsink and activity LEDs! Yup, that's right. Just when you thought you'd seen it all with RAM, Corsair decides to be the first company to add activity LEDs. Although not high in utility, they are very cool and just right for a case window. XMS ProSeries modules are available in the following formats.

XMS4000 Pro Module

Well, I think it's time to get this review started. I'm going to cover the basic specifications and features of each kit and then we'll take a look at performance.

To keep things simple, I'll go over the TWINX1024-4000 kit's features and specs first, and then I'll cover the TWINX1024-4000Pro kit.

TWINX1024-4000 1GB DDR Kit

What Corsair has to say about the TWINX1024-4000:

"TWINX matched memory pairs are specifically designed for motherboards using chipsets with dual memory channels. Current two-channel chipsets include the 875P ("Canterwood") and 865PE/G ("Springdale") from Intel, and the nForce2 Ultra 400 from Nvidia. This memory kit consists of two ultrahigh- speed memory modules that have been tested together at DDR500 (250 MHz) on a Canterwood based dualchannel motherboard. Relaxed latency settings allow this module to achieve extraordinarily high clock speeds for optimum performance in many system configurations. TwinX memory kits are designed to provide the ultimate in performance and stability in dual channel boards."

TWINX1024-4000 Features:

• Integrated aluminum heat spreader for improved thermal performance
• 1024 Megabytes of memory - Two matched CMX512-4000 modules
• Benchmarked using both Athlon and Pentium test platforms
• Tested and packaged in pairs
  • Packaged together immediately following system test
• Tested at DDR500 (250MHz)
  • Tested at JEDEC-standard latency settings (3-4-4-8)
  • Test voltage 2.75V
• Plug-n-Frag^TM Auto-Configuration
  • Boots automatically using latency values optimized for bus speed
  • SPD programmed at JEDEC PC3200 values
• Legendary Corsair reliability and service
• Lifetime warranty

TWINX1024-4000 Specifications:

• Part Number: TWINX1024-4000
• Speed: 500 MHz (PC4000)
• Size: 1024MB (2 x 512MB)
• Package: 2 x 184 DIMM
• Latency: 3-4-4-8
• 32M x 8 DDR SDRAMs

TWINX1024-4000 Retail Package

Free From Their Plastic Home

A Close Up of the Official and Shiny XMS Stickers

TWINX1024-4000PRO 1GB DDR Kit

What Corsair has to say about the TWINX1024-4000PRO:

"The TWINX1024-4000PRO is a 1 GByte matched memory pair specifically designed for motherboards using chipsets with dual memory channels. This memory kit consists of two CMX512-4000PRO memory modules that have been tested together on an 875P dual channel DDR motherboard at DDR500 (250 MHz). TwinX memory kits are designed to provide the ultimate in performance and stability in dual channel boards. As part of Corsair's new XMS ProSeries, each module includes the new high-efficiency aluminum XMS heatsink, and 18 activity LED's that show the level of memory activity on each bank."

TWINX1024-4000PRO Features:

• 1024 Megabytes of memory - Two matched CMX512-4000PRO modules
• New high-efficiency aluminum XMS heatsink
  • 95% greater surface area than standard memory heatspreaders
  • Thermally bonded to the module
• 18 activity LED's show level of memory activity
• Benchmarked over multiple chip sets, processors, and motherboards
• Tested and packaged in pairs
  • Modules tested together in an Asus P4C800 test setup
• Tested at DDR500 (250MHz)
  • Tested at JEDEC-standard latency settings (3-4-4-8)
  • Test voltage 2.75V
• Plug-n-Frag^TM Auto-Configuration
  • Boots automatically using latency values optimized for bus speed
  • SPD programmed at JEDEC PC3200 values
• Legendary Corsair reliability and service
• Lifetime warranty

TWINX1024-4000PRO Specifications:

• Part Number: TWINX1024-4000PRO
• Speed: 500 MHz (PC4000)
• Size: 1024MB (2 x 512MB)
• Package: 2 x 184 DIMM
• Latency: 3-4-4-8
• 32M x 8 DDR SDRAMs
• Dimensions: Approximately 1.75" tall x 5.41" long x 0.30" wide; 2.9 oz

TWINX1024-4000PRO Retail Package

Check Out the Cool PRO Modules

The Flip Side

Installation Instructions in 5 Languages!

The biggest thing to discuss when looking at these modules is obviously the new heatsinks that include activity LEDs. When I got this package and opened it up, I was surprised to see this new development from Corsair. It's not surprising though that the leader in performance RAM has come up with something new for the enthusiasts. This will be the RAM to put in your windowed cases without a doubt... that is, until the competition copies the design. Corsair is currently the only company offering activity LEDs built into the heatsinks. It's definitely a great touch to some high performance RAM even if the utility of such LEDs might be low. Cool factor wins here. Who cares about being practical? Actually, they do have some practical uses. If you can see the LEDs being lit up, then your machine is on (just in case your PC is too quiet to tell by listening). :)

The ProSeries Activity LEDs

Some LED Activity Action

Aren't They Cool? Methinks They Are!

Each ProSeries module features 18 activity LEDs. They of course indicate the level of memory activity in each bank. Here's a little movie for you in case you want to check out how the activity LEDs look in motion.

Short Movie Showing LED Activity -- AVI Format

You may have noticed that the dimensions are listed for the 4000PRO modules, and you may have thought, "Dimensions? Listed for RAM?" Well, this RAM is considerably larger than what you are probably used to because of the new heatsinks. 4000PRO is taller and heavier than typical XMS RAM because of the extra metal included to encase the LEDs. At first I was surprised to feel just how much more these PRO modules weigh. Corsair also doesn't want you taking these heatsinks off. They have bonded the heatsinks to the modules using a thermal compound. Here are some pics that show the size difference between the XMS modules many of you are used to and a new ProSeries module.

4000PRO Module On the Left, XMS3500 Module On the Right

XMS3500 Module On Top of the 4000PRO Module

The size difference is quite obvious in the above pictures. Don't worry though. Installing them shouldn't cause you any problems. Here's a pic of them installed in my test machine. I really like the look of the PRO modules.