Mushkin HP3 10666 2x2GB Review

Introduction:

While two gigabytes of memory was sufficient enough to run your Windows XP based computer, two gigabytes just is not quite enough for Windows Vista. So what do you do to fix the problems with slow loading programs and having those programs constantly paging out to the swap file on your hard drive? More system memory is usually one of the solutions. With DDR2, the costs involved really make this a no-brainer. I have seen standard 4 gigabyte kits available as low as 50 bucks after rebate if you can catch a deal. More realistically, 60 dollars is about the low point on DDR2. DDR3 on the other hand is not quite that inexpensive. A nice performance 2 x 1 GB set with decent timings will run you around $150 and up. A 4GB set of performance DDR3 will still take a chunk out of your computer budget. But you have to pay to play ,the question is how fast do you want to go?

With the cost of performance DDR3 coming down as its use becomes more widespread, it was time we showed what a 4GB set of DDR3 can do. The Mushkin HP3 10666 modules are part number 995562 and includes two, two gigabyte modules with timings of 7-7-7-20 at a frequency of 1333MHz(666FSB) using just 1.7 to 1.8 volts.

Closer Look:

If you have never seen Mushkin packaging before, it comes without all the flash that some kits carry. The logo is simple and understated and rides right under your radar. The front carries the modules in plain sight with the "Get More" slogan as well as the company logo. The rear view carries the installation instructions and some troubleshooting tips, should you have a problem with the modules.

Part number 995562 is the Mushkin HP3 10666 DDR3 2x2 gigabyte set of memory. This kit is designed to run at a frequency of 1333MHz with latencies of 7-7-7-20 with a modest 1.7 to 1.8 volts to the modules. The modules use Mushkin's proprietary Frostbyte Technology heatspreaders much the same as most of the Mushkin performance lineup. The heatspreaders are blue signifying that these modules are part of the HP line up. These modules are not rated for the extreme speeds and voltages of the Ascent lineup, so the Frostbyte technology will do just fine.

The Frostbyte heatspreaders had a little movement in them so i decided to try and slide them off, just to see what was underneath the blue anodized aluminum. The modules used for this set of memory are made by Elpida and carry the part number J1108BASE -DJ-E. After trolling Elpida's website, I found the documentation on these module. They are rated for 1333MHz at 1.5v with timings of 9-9-9. The increase in voltage to 1.7-1.8 is needed to run these modules at latencies of 7-7-7 at 1333MHz.

 

Now that we know a little more about the modules, I think it's high time to find out what kind of performance they offer.