Mushkin 2GB XP2-5300 Extreme Performance DDR2 Dual Pack |
It not only comes with a new heatspreader design, it also features better thermal tape. Both of these new features are designed to improve the thermal dissipation of these modules.This is important as these modules are meant to run at higher than normal voltages, and will therefore run much hotter than normal. While it is also available as a 1GB memory kit, you should really go for the 2GB kit. With games like F.E.A.R. requiring loads of memory, 2GB is really the way to go these days. Even Photoshop users will appreciate the advantage of having two gigabytes of memory. Although Mushkin used Elpida memory chips rated for 5-5-5 operation, they recertified these modules to run at much lower timings of 3-3-3-10. This qualifies them as low-latency modules, well, low latency as far as DDR2 memory go. Performance-wise, they did not disappoint us. Even at the low-latency timing of 3-3-3-10, they attained a stable clock speed of 360MHz at 2.3V, which is 8% higher than what Mushkin rated them to run at. Increasing the timing to 4-4-4-10 further improved their overclockability - they were able to reach 387MHz or 774MHz DDR! When set to the loose timings of 5-5-5-12, which is actually what the Elpida memory chips were rated for, these Mushkin modules managed to attain the amazing clock speed of 448MHz or 896MHz DDR! That's 115MHz or 34.5% faster than what the memory chips were originally rated for! Of course, all that overclockability is due to the increased voltage that the Mushkin XP2-5300 modules run at. Unlike regular DDR2 modules, these modules are rated to run at a minimum of 2.1V. If you want to seriously overclock it, you need to further increase the voltage to 2.3V or higher. But note that these modules are officially rated for voltages up to 2.3V. Running the modules at anything beyond 2.3V automatically voids that warranty. Should you persist on running them at higher voltages, it's highly advisable that you improve their cooling by installing a fan to blow onto the modules. The aero-efficient design will certainly benefit from direct air flow. Because of its large capacity and excellent overclockability, we are proud to award the Mushkin XP2-5300 Extreme Performance DDR2 Dual Pack with our Reviewer's Choice Award! Congratulations, Mushkin! For more details, read our Comprehensive Review! |
MSRP | N/A |
Lowest PriceGrabber Price | |
Review | Comprehensive Review |
Part Number | 1 GB Module : 991510 |
Module Capacity | 1024 MB |
Module Configuration | 128 M x 64 bits |
Memory Type | DDR2 SDRAM |
Speed Grade | PC2-5300 |
Rated Memory Clock | 333 MHz |
Maximum Transfer Rate | 5.3 GB/s |
Module Rated Timings | 3-3-3-10 |
Supported CAS Latencies | 3, 4, 5 |
Data Transfers Per Clock | 2 |
I/O Voltage | 2.10 - 2.30 Volts |
Module Interface | 240 pins |
Module Power Dissipation | NA |
Module Refresh Rate | NA |
Chip Capacity | 512 Mbits |
Chip Configuration | 16 M x 4 banks x 8 bits |
Chip Speed Grade | 3.0 ns |
Chip Rated Timings | 5-5-5 |
Chip Rated Voltage | 1.7 - 1.9 V |
Chip Power Dissipation | 1.0 W |
Chip Refresh Rate | 7.8 µs |
Chip Package | 60-ball FBGA (Lead Free) |
Operating Temperature | 0 °C to 95 °C |
Heatspreader | Black-anodized aluminium heatspreader |
Special Features | Mushkin's unique aero-efficient heatspreader
Advanced Thermal Adhesive |
Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
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