Quantcast
BROWSE ARTICLES BY CATEGORY
Mushkin Enhanced XP2-6400 (DDR2-800) 2x1GB Memory Kit
 
Author:
Editor:
Sponsor:
Published:
Max Slowik
Beth
Mushkin
Oct. 31, 2007
Article Specifications Images User Reviews (0) Comments (0)
Overclocking

Performance Summary

With its tight timings, at stock voltages the Mushkin RAM could still pull off a 10% overclock. Not bad, but not stellar.

Of course, at loose timings and high voltages the memory overclocked much better, hitting 276MHz, or 138% of stock speed. Interestingly enough, the RAM booted past 310MHz, but just wouldn't operate with any stability. Another surprising problem was how it acted when unstable; instead of just throwing errors, the memory crashed hard with blue screens everywhere. It's a little finicky.

But, I do suspect that the RAM would happily accept more power, assuming there was adequate cooling. Adequate past 2.4V would probably mean watercooling.

Pushing the limits is part of the fun of building a computer, so it's important to check how well memory overclocks. Of course, as with all overclocking, your mileage may vary. We check three things: how high the memory overclocks with tight timings at 2.4 volts, how high the memory overclocks with loose timings at 2.4 volts, and, lastly, how high the memory overclocks at stock timings and voltages. To make sure that the processor is not affecting these results, we use a low multiplier; we underclock it.

Overclocking
(Show All Graphs)
OC @ Stock Timings OC @ 3-10-3-3 2.4V OC @ 5-15-5-5 2.4V
Crucial Ballistix Tracer DDR2-800
Crucial Standard DDR2-800
Mushkin XP2-6400 DDR2-800
OCZ Platinum DDR2-800 r2
260
234
222
216
0
MHz
500
 
 
OC @ Stock Timings OC @ 3-10-3-3 2.4V OC @ 5-15-5-5 2.4V
Crucial Ballistix Tracer DDR2-800
Mushkin XP2-6400 DDR2-800
Crucial Standard DDR2-800
OCZ Platinum DDR2-800 r2
212
208
208
0
0
MHz
500
 
 
OC @ Stock Timings OC @ 3-10-3-3 2.4V OC @ 5-15-5-5 2.4V
Crucial Ballistix Tracer DDR2-800
Crucial Standard DDR2-800
Mushkin XP2-6400 DDR2-800
OCZ Platinum DDR2-800 r2
300
282
276
0
0
MHz
500
 
 

Conclusion

It's unfortunate that this memory costs as much as it does. It didn't fly high compared to RAM with smaller price tags. Still, there are other reasons to pick up this kit.

It has a great warranty and the fact that Mushkin's facilities are all in the States means that they can respond with service faster than other companies. The company only uses Micron D-9 chips in the RAM, so it has an increased reliability and for-sure overclocking capacity. And, it's got EPP features that many cheaper kits lack.

This Enhanced DDR2-800 was, in all cases, a top-tier performer; just not the best. If you want a guarantee, go Mushkin.

Pros

Above-average stock performance
Good overclocker at all timings
A little Micron D-9 in every box

Cons

More expensive than other kits

 
<< Previous
Page 4 of 4
Home >>
Page 1: Introduction & The Memory
Page 2: Testing: Synthetic Applications
Page 3: Testing: Games
Page 4: Performance Summary, Overclocking & Conclusion


0 User Comments
Add Comment

To add a comment without being a member, you may omit the password field, but you must enter your name (or nickname) along with your comment. * Denotes required fields.

Username: *


Password: (optional)
(Remember my login information: )

Comment: *


What is 6+2?: *


 
 
 
Recent News
Jason Bradbury Mar. 19, 2010 - 10:52 pm
joystiq Mar. 19, 2010 - 6:58 pm
Mar. 19, 2010 - 2:25 am
Rock Paper Shotgun Mar. 18, 2010 - 11:58 pm
Fudzilla Mar. 18, 2010 - 11:57 pm
CVG Mar. 18, 2010 - 11:53 pm
Tech Radar Mar. 16, 2010 - 11:58 pm
Mar. 16, 2010 - 11:50 pm