Concluding thoughts
If you're running on a platform that can take full advantage of faster memory, it would almost be criminal to run PC2100 modules. I've tried to show you that PC2700 memory is vital for the P4 platform. With AMD's new 333FSB processors, and the ease at which you can unlock standard XPs, the use of PC2700 memory makes implicit sense.
The benchmarks have shown the tangible gains resulting from the simple substitution of PC2100 to PC2700 RAM. The TwinMOS' tighter CAS latency and double internal density gave it a slight edge, but the difference between PC2100 and PC2700 CL2.5 (Crucial) was far larger. The present price for DDR, about as low as it has ever historically dipped down to, simply means that you have even more reason to purchase at least PC2700-based memory. Some users on the 266FSB XPs and associated motherboards who don't wish to unlock their CPUs can still take advantage of faster memory. All you have to do is run it at PC2100 speeds with tighter timings; PC2700 memory should allow you to do that.
It was pleasing to see that both modules could go far beyond their rated speeds with default voltage. The TwinMOS' excellent performance ensured that PC3200 CL2 levels were reached without adding extra volts into the equation. The Crucial module, rated at 166MHz (DDR-333) with a CL2.5 showed that it could get close to the magical DDR-400 barrier. I'm sure a little extra voltage would have allowed it to do so.
With both 256MB modules currently hovering around the £30 mark, there's never been a better time to upgrade or add more RAM to your system. In pure performance terms, the TwinMOS is better, obviously. However, with Crucial's world-class customer support, both modules represent excellent value for money. Recommended without reservation at the current prices.
P.S A big thanks to Michael Schuette of Lost Circuits for offering invaluable help in this review.
