Thoughts
After we've digested that the TwinMOs TwiSTER is capable of hitting its rated speed with the recommended voltage in both a test i865PE and i875P board, which is no mean feat in itself if you consider just how many modules struggle in certain chipsets, we're left with a favourable impression. In this instance, TwinMOS has sought to use WLSCP packaging in an attempt to reduce the costs of manufacturing high-speed RAM. It works. That's about as simple as we can put it. It's also available in standard TSOP format, too. The heatspreaders are well applied and become lukewarm when the RAM is in use. They also look the part, and that's perhaps as important as their heat-transferring ability.
In terms of pure specification, the TwinMOS TwisTER PC4000 RAM is just above the Corsair and OCZ modules that we've tested in recently. What's more important for the potential buyer than a clock latency here or there is price. A well-known e-tailer charges £145 for a 512MB pack (2 x 256MB) of Corsair XMS4000PT memory. The TwinMOS pack can be purchased for £110 and provides equal or better performance than the Corsair's. That, then, begs the question of why go for the more expensive variety if both sets purport to do the same job. Brand loyalty and perceived quality are two reasons that spring to mind.
In summary, the TwinMOS TwiSTER PC4000 512MB Dual Channel kit does what it says on the box. That puts it on a par with other PC4000 modules we've tested. What sets it apart from the other heavyweight premium manufacturers is price. It's cheaper and just as good. Indeed it managed to run at PC4200 speeds without too much difficulty. If you can appreciate the knowledge that high-speed modules, and we're talking PC3700 upwards here, aren't partial to ultra-low latencies, the TwinMOS set provides that best value. That sounds contradictory when 512MB costs £110, but that's the state of play in this niche market.
Bottom line - the rating is based upon how well it performs in comparison to other modules in its pricing bracket. It manages to compete well. It does so with a substantially lower price. For its intended purposes it's to be recommended.
