Mushkin Redline XP4000 Review @ AnandTech

[JediMaster]

Mushkin’s answer to OCZ VX !

Requires active cooling !

Active Cooling Required *----Due to the extreme speed of these modules along with the added voltages used, Mushkin requires end users to Actively cool their memory modules. Modules that are not properly cooled will/may not meet rated timings and speeds, and may become susceptible to premature failure. We generally recommend 15-25cfm of direct airflow over the ram modules which can be easily accomplished with one 60mm or 80mm low rpm fan. This will insure increased stability and lifespan of your Redline modules.

Review compares a whole bunch of memories - premium as well as value:

Mushkin Redline XP4000
Kingston KVR400X64C25/512
Kingston KVR400X64C3AK2/1G
Mushkin PC3200 EM
OCZ PC3200 Value Series (VX)
OCZ PC3200 Gold (BH5)
OCZ PC3200 Premier
Transcend JM366D643A-50
Patriot PC3200+XLBT
OCZ EL PC4000 VX Gold
Corsair TwinX1024-4400C25
Crucial Ballistix
OCZ PC3200 Platinum Rev 2

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[_HeadShot]

Yeah, just read it at Anand’s!
BTW, do try to post the introduction and the conclusion in quotes, if you are referring to some external site!
Helps the lazy members!

@Introduction

OCZ st arted it all with their VX series memory. Combine Winbond die chips with voltages of up to 3.6V and you can likely reach over DDR500 at the fastest 2-2-2 timings. That grew into a successful line of OCZ VX memory that ranges from Value VX to a VX rated at DDR 500 2-2-2. Value VX impressed us with bang for the buck in our Value RAM roundup, and DDR500 2-2-2 VX is the fastest memory (in terms of bandwidth) that we have tested on the AMD Athlon 64 platform.

Now, Mushkin has introduced their own Winbond chip memory designed for high voltage and DDR500 2-2-2 performance. It’s a natural fit for Mushkin, given their long working relationship with Winbond. It was only a matter of time until Mushkin managed to put together memory that could give the OCZ VX a run for the money.

Whoever at Mushkin came up with the Redline name should be congratulated. It’s nice to see a memory with a catchy name instead of confusing model numbers with even more confusing naming schemes. Even the bright red heatspreader “says” Redline. But in the end, buyers grab the high voltage memory and a DFI nForce4 (or OCZ DDR Booster) for the performance. So, how does Mushkin Redline stack up in the all-important performance area?

@Conclusion

OCZ may have been first to market with high voltage 2-2-2 memory, but Mushkin Redline XP4000 competes very well with the top OCZ VX Gold PC4000. Mushkin is clearly doing a very good job of binning the Winbond UTT chips, since performance in every area was as good as, or slightly better, than the OCZ that we tested a few weeks ago.

It is not faint praise to say that the Mushkin Redline we tested was at least the equal of OCZ VX Gold 4000 – the fastest DDR memory that we have tested up to this point. Mushkin Redline is a quality memory, which is the important point of this review. The Mushkin is actually the fastest DDR memory that we have ever tested at 2-2-2 timings, edging out OCZ at the top at DDR544 compared to DDR538. However, it would be a mistake to make too much of this, since the performance seen from OCZ VX Gold 4000 and Mushkin Redline XP4000 was virtually identical. The variations between them were what you would find as normal variations with any two memories using the same chips from lines using similar binning strategies.

Mushkin Redline XP4000 is some of the fastest memory that you can buy, but it requires special handling that will not be everyone’s cup of tea. You need to feed it about 3.5V for best performance. Only one production board family supplies those voltages out of the box – the DFI nForce4 series Ultra or SLI. If you want to use another board, you may be able to use the OCZ DDR Booster, which costs about $40, to supply the higher voltages. The DDR Booster won’t work on every motherboard, but it does work on most. Or lastly, you could go on Enthusiast Forums to find the latest volt mod for your favorite motherboard. Just keep in mind that a volt mod will almost surely void your warranty.

If these options don’t scare you away, then get ready for some outstanding performance with either Mushkin Redline XP4000 or OCZ VX Gold 4000. There are no other options that can deliver 2-2-2 DDR memory timings at almost DDR550 speed. It takes voltage to get there, but you can be sure that your memory performance is as good as it will get.

If, on the other hand, the options for reaching 3.5V frighten you or really are not something that interests you, then move on to another memory. Mushkin Redline and OCZ VX are not for everyone. There are many readers who will think all this effort is a waste of time and resources, and they should select another memory. That is why there are complete systems, separate components, a wide range of component performance levels, and Dell and HP, all serving the computer market. Not everyone has the same goals, interests or passions for computer technology.

Mushkin Redline XP4000 clearly delivers what it promises to the Computer Enthusiast. If that level of performance is what you’re looking for, and you’re willing to provide 3.5V of memory voltage, then you will be very satisfied with Mushkin Redline memory.