Manufacturer: Corsair
Price: $403USD (Newegg.com)

Round two begins and my AM2 single core test rig is looking to clock high with a pair of Corsair DDRII modules that promise to impress. The onslaught of DDRII memory will hopefully continue on for some time because I cannot stress enough how much fun I get out of pacing memory modules and getting every bit of performance out of them at the various timings. With that said, being rated to run at DDR2-1066 means there are plenty of timings to find in the Corsair Twin2X 2048-8500 C5s.



That's right folks, the crème de la crème, a pair of PC2-8500/DDR2-1066 monsters. The C5 in the name dictates a CAS timing of 5 which is the standard for the small handful of DDR2-1066 rated memory that are out there right now. Corsair was also kind enough to send a pair of 1GB modules as opposed to a pair of 512MB modules which makes sense as most users are going that route, especially with the introduction of Vista looming overhead. This memory is also available in 512MB modules for 1GB kits as well.



Corsair needs no introduction for a review so I will skip all of the boring details. Put it this way, they have been a pioneer in the memory game for over 10 years, back when a Mac was still just a Mac and happy to be so. Focusing particularily on mission-critical environments and high-speed applications which includes the highest-demanding customers of all... gamers. There isn't much more high-speed right now than PC2-8500 so Corsair is sticking to their company creto being one of the earliest to market in the DDR2-1066 category with the EPP-ready Corsair Twin2X 2048-8500 C5. As usual, there is plenty to cover so sit back, relax, grab a drink, and take a ride on the DDRII train to possibly DDR2-1200 and beyond...