Corsair TWINX1024-3200XL PRO Series Dual Channel Memory Kit

By now, you probably have heard about Corsair bringing back 2-2-2 to the world of memory. Well, now it's Bjorn3D's turn to play with some of these new modules from Corsair. For those who haven't heard, these modules are from Corsair's new XL memory line.

So, what's the story behind the XL line? Well, as faster and faster memory modules have been developed and the supply of top-notch memory chips has dwindled, latency timings have gotten more and more relaxed. The high-end PC4000 and higher modules really only appeal to a limited number of users, but low latency PC3200 parts appeal to a much broader audience, so Corsair secretly worked with Samsung to acquire a steady supply of new, special revision chips for its XL line. The 3200XL line will gradually replace the 3200LL line, but the XL line should be a higher performing part at about the same price point. (Source: LegitReview's Interview with Corsair's Joe James)

Well, I'm not one to drag things out, so let's just jump into my review of Corsair's TWINX1024-3200XLPRO kit. These modules not only feature the new and exciting 4ns Samsung IC's but also feature activity LEDs, as is common with all of Corsair's PRO Series modules.

The TWINX1024-3200XLPRO kit features a matched pair of CMX512-3200XLPRO memory modules. They are of course rated for 400MHz DDR, but the Samsung chips are actually spec'd to run at 500MHz with relaxed CAS 3 timing. These modules also feature the bigger ProSeries heat spreaders and 18 activity LEDs. The modules were tested and packaged as a pair. The tests took place on multiple chipsets and motherboards at 2-2-2-5 and 2.75V.

What Corsair has to say about this kit:

"The TWINX1024-3200XLPRO is a 1 GByte matched memory pair specifically designed for motherboards using chipsets with dual memory channels. This memory kit consists of two CMX512-3200XLPRO memory modules that have been tested together with multiple dual channel PC3200 DDR motherboards at DDR400. The XL memory products provide the X-treme Low latencies of 2-2-2-5. TwinX memory kits are designed to provide the ultimate in performance and stability in dual channel boards. As part of Corsair's XMS ProSeries, each module includes the high-efficiency aluminum XMS heatsink, and 18 activity LED's that show the level of memory activity on each bank."

TWINX1024-3200XLPRO 1GB Kit Specifications:

• Part Number: TWINX1024-3200XLPRO (also available with regular black or platinum heat spreaders)
• Speed: XMS3200 / PC3200 / DDR400
• Size: 1024MB (2 matched CMX512-3200XLPRO 512MB modules)
• Package: 2 x 184 DIMM
• Latency: 2-2-2-5
• 32M x 8 DDR SDRAMs
• Test Voltage: 2.75V

TWINX1024-3200XLPRO 1GB Kit Features:

• 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 PC3200 based chip sets, processors, and motherboards
• Approximately 1.75" tall x 5.41" long x 0.30" wide; 2.9 oz
• Tested as a matched pair in multiple Intel and AMD PC3200 based test setups
  • Packaged together immediately following system test
• Tested at DDR400
  • Tested at X-treme Low latency settings (2-2-2-5)
  • Test voltage: 2.75V
• Plug-n-Frag^TM Auto-Configuration
  • Boots automatically using the X-treme Low latency values of 2-2-2-5
• Legendary Corsair reliability and service
• Lifetime warranty

Before moving on to the performance benchmarks, I want to comment on Corsair's "Plug-n'Frag" auto-configuration feature. Basically, this is designed to set your BIOS up at the rated 2-2-2-5 rated timings automatically. For some reason though, the SPD timings on my DFI LANParty Pro875B ended up being 2.5-2-2-5. This doesn't seem to be common though as every other experience I've read about mentions the BIOS correctly being set to 2-2-2-5, but it's worth noting nonetheless. I think you should always check your BIOS settings anyway to make sure they are what you want them to be.

Finally, here's a movie of the LEDs in action if you are interested in how cool they look.