Appearance, analysis and specs.
Corsair's packaging of premium RAM modules has remained unchanged over the past year or so. Both modules are tightly sandwiched in a plastic shell that, along with the appropriate piece of backing card, forms an elegant retail package. Corsair claims that these modules are guaranteed to work as a pair, hence the Matched moniker. I've found it extremely difficult to source 2 modules of the same speed and latency that don't work together. Corsair simply zones in on that fact and promotes it to the high heavens.
Corsair's also gone back to basics in terms of module design. There are no flashy LEDs or oversized heatspreaders here. Instead, we're treated to black aluminium heatspreaders that have adorned XMS modules for a while now. One important aspect to note is that DDR2 memory is not backwardly compatible with DDR1. DDR2 sticks have 240 pins and the separating notch in a different place. Notebook DDR2, however, will continue to use the present 200-pin form factor. To smooth the transition from DDR1 to DDR2 usage, Intel has designed Grantsdale (i915P) boards to accommodate both DDR1 and DDR2 memory controllers. Obviously only one standard can be used at any one time.
The back is standard fare. Without the labels and a keen eye, it would be difficult to tell DDR1 and DDR2 apart.
If you recall the brief DDR2 discussion on the previous page, Corsair's 533MHz-rated DDR2 memory runs at an internal clock speed of just 133MHz. The data buffers operate at twice the core's speed, giving 266MHz, and DDR signals are transmitted on both the rising and falling edge of each clock cycle. That's why we'll see DDR2 ramp up to high effective speeds quickly. Corsair's already marketing DDR2 memory running at 667MHz; that's quick progress.
Specifications
512MB and 1024MB kits available
4-4-4-12 latencies (CAS-tRCD-tRP-tRAS) on a custom Corsair PCB
100% tested at DDR533 speeds
Lifetime Corsair warranty
Operating voltage - 2.75v
