Introduction

Mushkin Enhanced Memory Systems (EMS) doesn't require any special introduction when it comes to PC memory. Having been in the industry for over a decade now, Mushkin EMS has gained tremendous popularity as one of the best memory manufactures in the world.

With more and more reviews coming out showing the benefits of dual channel systems, memory manufactures themselves have decided to make the best of the situation by providing consumers with dual pack memory packages that are of more value for money than opting for single modules. Mushkin now offers really great dual pack memory modules that are hard to beat in value and performance. Mushkin has DDR memory offerings based on user requirements.

1. 1. Mushkin Blue line of Memory modules
      These are for mid-range users with tighter budgets
   2. Mushkin High Performance Black modules.
      Well as the word itself suggests, these are Mushkin's top of the line memory modules. If you want hardcore performance, then memory from this range should be chosen.
   3. Mushkin Dual Pack memory modules.
      These are pre-tested modules for dual channel systems. Dual channel modules come in their Blue and Black lines, catering to individual requirements.

Since Mushkin's dual pack memory modules are pre-tested in dual channel environments, it assures the user good performance even before the purchase. Each module that goes into a dual pack is well tested to work in its respective specifications.

Today we take a look at one of Mushkin's latest offerings, the 1GB PC 4000 DDR SDRAM Dual Pack memory modules. Thanks to Lewis at Mushkin for making this review possible.

The Modules

As usual the package was shipped to us in Mushkin's proprietary Airbox. The Airbox is undoubtedly one of the safest ways of transporting memory around. While most other manufactures simply ship their modules in small boxes, Mushkin has taken it one step higher. The modules were wrapped in an antistatic wrapper to prevent any damage by static electricity.

Mushkin does offer lifetime warranty on their memory modules; however please note that tampering with the heat spreaders will void this warranty immediately. There's absolutely no reason why you would need to tamper with these heat spreaders as you're not going to gain any extra performance by installing a different set of heat spreaders.

The modules we received from Mushkin carried black heat-spreaders. Each module has a configuration of 32MB x 16 = 512MB.

The modules are rated PR 4000, which means they have the capacity to run at 500MHz DDR. This leaves room for a load of overclocking room for the hardcore enthusiast. Theoretically these modules have a maximum data transfer speed of 4GB/s. Fiddling around with the CPU/Memory divider will allow you to get the maximum out of these modules if you're up for it.

As with all Mushkin modules, the memory is designed on a 6-Layer PCB and each memory module is rated at 4ns. Here are the specs for these modules:

Specifications

• CL3 @ 500MHz
• 4.0GB/s
• Double Bank
• 64Mx64 Module
• 32Mx8 chip density
• Latency - 3-4-4
• Jet Black 6-Layer PCB
• Gold Contacts
• 184pin
• 2.5V - 2.75V
• Unbuffered
• Installed Heatspreader

The PC 4000 spec is currently not officially supported by any motherboard available in the market. However Mushkin has tested these modules on various dual channel setups that support PC 3200 (DDR 400) such as Intel's 865, 875 chipsets.

Time to checkout Mushkin's claims on these modules...on to the tests