A closer look
Corsair's flashy packaging is home to the XMS range of modules. The review sample contained two matched 512MByte modules of XMS4400 memory. Corsair states that the modules are only packaged together once they pass a test run at 275MHz (DDR550). It further states that testing is undertaken on a ASUS P4C800-E Canterwood motherboard, yet it also asserts that modules are benchmarked on Athlon and Pentium platforms. The reason we're dismissive of the AMD claims is down to the inability of the Barton CPU to use DDR550 memory and the difficulty of using it at its rated speed on an Athlon 64 motherboard. At this moment in time, we'd say that XMS4400 TwinX memory is an Intel-only effort, and only on selected dual-channel motherboards. We can't stress it highly enough that these modules need superb components if they're to shine. The potential stumbling blocks lie with the motherboard and CPU first.
Corsair's black aluminium heatspreaders help mask the modules underneath. They also help to keep an even temperature over the 16-chip sticks. Corsair recommends an operating voltage of 2.75v. Couple that with the DDR550 speed for some hot-under-the-spreader action. Lately, the only method of discerning the modules' ratings has been by the holographic sticker on the top-right corner. All we can gather is that it's a twin set of 512MByte (16 chips of 32M x 8) modules rated at 550MHz with 3-4-4-8 latencies. You just have to take Corsair's word for it, it seems.
Never ones to be afraid of a bit of tampering, we carefully removed a heatspreader that was held on by a thin strip of sticky film. Much like the XMS4000 series of RAM, the XMS4400 uses Hynix chips on a custom PCB. The HY5DU562822CT codes are very similar to those modules', too. It's difficult to ascertain exactly what speed Hynix rates these chips at - the codes have more in common with DDR333 memory than DDR550, but the D5 naming scheme appears to denote DDR500 speeds. What it appears, and call us cynical if you wish, is that Corsair's expertise lies in buying in Hynix's chips and speed-binning them for various high-speed modules. Whatever the case, if they work at the ultra-high frequencies that Corsair claims, we'll be satisfied.
Official specifications
- 512MB and 1024MB kits available
- Implemented using 16 256MBit chips per module (1GB kit)
- Hynix HY5DU56288CT-D5 chips on a custom Corsair PCB
- 100% tested at 275MHz (DDR550), as a pair, on an ASUS P4C800-E motherboard
- Lifetime Corsair warranty
- Latency: 3-8-4-4-1T @ 2.75v
