We have received so many innovative packages throughout our time of existence, but I must say this was the most novel of them all. Everybody here were simply awe struck by the sight of this airbag. And yeah, it amply protects the module from most hazardous environments.
It's extremely important that you install your module. One of our writers got this bright idea one day to see what would happen if a RAM module was installed the wrong way. So stepping into his bright project, he got hold of a 64MB generic RAM module and powered the system on. A series of beeps continued with a burning odor coming from within the system. The machine didn't even boot up; well this is not surprising at all. Now it rests as a lovely key chain for his car keys. Anyway our loss is your gain. Now you know what exactly would happen if it were installed incorrectly.
So how do you get this right? It's pretty simple really, and if you have a dash of common sense there's no reason why it should end up a key chain. Line up the RAM Module's key with the DIMM slot's key and press it in. Never try to force it in. If you have done it correctly you'll here the memory retainer clips snapping to hold the module firmly. You can also do this by aligning the grooves in the RAM Module, correctly with the grooves of the DIMM slot.
After the physical installation I booted up the machine, and the system detected the module correctly. Now that we're ready to see how well these Mushkin High-performance RAM modules perform.
The Module
Taking a close look at the module, you'll notice the RAM chips are rated at 7.5ns organized in a 16MBx8 configuration. This effectively gives us the 133MHz speed. (1000/7.5). However as you'll see in our tests we were able to reach 143MHz at CAS2 with these modules with no hitches at all. Again this may not be the case for all types of RAM rated at 133MHz.
Rev 2 of Mushkin's High Performance RAM were rated at 7ns, therefore even though they were rated at 133MHz the true speed of it is 143Mhz. (1000/7) Nevertheless the good news is Mushkin says their High Performance RAM modules are hand picked, which means the very best memory chips are chosen. This ensures great stability as well as its ability to perform beyond its specification.
What makes these Mushkin High Performance modules so special? There are many memory brands out there, which are capable of running 133MHz without a problem; so most of you might wonder why the hell we are making such a big deal about. To start with most of the other brands, which are capable of running at 133MHz, are rated at CAS 3. Bring it down to CAS 2 and you'll experience all sorts of chaos. Running successfully at CAS 2 would bring in a whole load of performance to your system. The overall memory bandwidth increases dramatically and you'll also notice a huge difference in Gaming performance. (FPS increases).
This is just the start. Most of us today strive on overclocking don't we? Going beyond the 133MHz mark and not having good memory will most definitely mean disaster. Overclocking means going outside the parameters of the manufactures specifications. It goes unsaid that this causes a great deal of stress and heat on the components within the system and to ensure that your system remains stable in these harsh conditions, one must ensure to get top quality products.
This is where Mushkin's High Performance RAM stands out of the crowed. When they come out of the manufacturing process, they are rated at 133MHz CAS 2, which means they are already geared for good performance. When it comes to overclocking Mushkin RAM are renowned for their stability. Since the High Performance modules are hand picked and built for optimal performance we found them to perform well beyond their specification without any problem at all.
Mere talk would not convince any of you people now would it. So lets go ahead and put these babies to the test.
