Corsair XMS2-5400UL

Examination:

Consisting of Corsair's XMS2 modules at this present time are the TWINX sticks along with the PRO series, which feature 24 activity LEDs on platinum heatspreaders, and in the near future, we do expect the XPERT models to be adopted for DDR2 usage. The modules in front of us today, are of course the TWINX matched pairs that are synonymous with their black XMS heatspreaders. Although Corsair no longer uses thermal tape on their DDR2 modules and has replaced it with a better alternative, it's still not recommended to remove these heatspreaders as it will surely void your lifetime warranty and can easily destroy the modules. While Corsair and its logo accompany both sides of the aluminum heatspreaders, on one side is the part sticker. The CM2X512A-5400UL parts are both 512MB in memory capacity, offer a default frequency of 675MHz, and are designed for operation at 3-2-2-8 timings. Since receiving these modules, Corsair has altered their stated 3-2-2-8 compliance for 3-3-2-8 ratings to offer a better compatibility across all of Intel's motherboards just not particular nForce 4 (Intel) and i955X motherboards. The XMS2-5400UL modules also come with SPD timings of 4-4-4-12, so the 3-2-2-8 timings will need to be adjusted from your BIOS and a memory voltage increase may be necessary. For reference, the modules we used in our tested were XMS5400v1.3 and 0525121-6. Not only are these modules able to run at fierce timings, but they're also known for being able to break the 1GHz DDR2 barrier. Of course, not all systems will be able to run at these phenomenal speeds due to motherboard and processor limitations, but it's no longer uncommon at these speeds with select motherboards (i.e. ASUS P5WD2 Premium) utilizing NVIDIA's nForce 4 (Intel) or Intel's i955X Chipset. Under Corsair's heatspreaders on the TWIN2X1024A-5400UL are Micron's infamous "Fatbody" D9 ICs. These ICs are rated by Micron for 3ns and DDR2-667 at CAS 5 with 1.8V, but then of course Corsair sorts through the various parts it receives and picks the best to go on their XMS products.