Corsair memory

[scottw182]

I've been wondering about the differences in the different kinds of Corsair memory. I'll be looking at DDR2-800 for this thread's purposes.

First we have the XMS2 series, which has 3 different versions. There's the lowest, "base" version if you will, which is just the base XMS2 version. An example would be TWIN2X2048-6400C4. Next, we have the "pro" version, an example is TWIN2X2048-6400C4PRO. Finally, the "DHX" version, an example is TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX. How are these 3 versions different? It seems like the only difference between the base and pro versions are the LEDs on the pro version. Is this correct? Or does the pro version have better performance as well? Next, how does the DHX version differ from the other two? The only difference seems to be that it has the DHX (Dual Heat Exchange) design that the Dominator modules have, with the huge heatsinks. But does it perform better as well? Does it perform better due to the memory itself, or does it perform better simply due to better heat dissipation?

Next, is the Dominator series, an example being TWIN2X2048-6400C3DF. How do the Dominator modules differ from the XMS2 modules in general? It has the same physical design as the XMS2 DHX modules, but seems to be better. What is it about the Dominator memory that makes it better? Is it just more easily overclocked?

[18 is # 1]

First, check the Corsair IC thread to find out the different chips used:http://ramguy.com/v3/showthread.php?t=57334

CM2XP1024-6400
........................XMS640X v1.X...MICRON.......64Mx8...Rev.A

CM2X1024-6400
........................XMS640X v1.X...MICRON.......64Mx8...Rev.A
........................XMS640X v2.X...ELPIDA........64Mx8...Rev.E
........................XMS640X v4.X...QIMONDA.....64Mx8...Rev.B
........................XMS640X v5.X...PROMOS.......64MX8...90nm
........................XMS640X v6.X...NANYA.........64Mx8...Rev.B
........................XMS640X v7.X...PSC.............64MX8...90nm

CM2X1024-6400D
........................XMS640X v2.X...PROMOS........64MX8...90nm
........................XMS640X v3.X...ELPIDA..........64MX8...Rev.H
........................XMS640X v4.X...QIMONDA.......64MX8...Rev.C
........................XMS640X v5.X...MICRON.........64Mx8...Rev.D

CM2X1024-6400PRO
........................XMS640X v1.X...MICRON.......64Mx8...Rev.A
........................XMS640X v2.X...ELPIDA........64Mx8...Rev.E
........................XMS640X v3.X...QIMONDA.....64Mx8...Rev.B
........................XMS640X v5.X...NANYA.........64Mx8...Rev.B

CM2X2048-6400C5
........................XMS640X v2.X...QIMONDA......128Mx8
........................XMS640X v3.X...PSC.............128Mx8
........................XMS640X v4.X...MICRON........128Mx8
........................XMS640X v5.X...PSC.............128Mx8

Twin2x4096-6400C5
........................XMS640X v1.X...MICRON........128Mx8
........................XMS640X v2.X...QIMONDA......128Mx8
........................XMS640X v3.X...ELPIDA.........128Mx8
........................XMS640X v4.X...MICRON........128Mx8
........................XMS640X v5.X...PSC.............128Mx8


Twin2x2048/4096-6400C5DHX
........................XMS640X v1.X...MICRON........128Mx8
........................XMS640X v2.X...QIMONDA......128Mx8
........................XMS640X v3.X...ELPIDA.........128Mx8
........................XMS640X v4.X...PSC.............128Mx8

CM2X1024-6400C3
........................XMS640X v1.X...MICRON.......64Mx8...Rev.D

CM2X1024-6400C3DF
........................XMS640X v1.X...MICRON.......64Mx8...Rev.D

CM2XP1024-6400C4
........................XMS640X v1.X...MICRON.........64Mx8...Rev.D
........................XMS640X v2.X...ELPIDA..........64MX8...Rev.H

CM2X1024-6400C4/C4DHX
........................XMS640X v1.X...MICRON.........64Mx8...Rev.D
........................XMS640X v2.X...PROMOS........64MX8...90nm
........................XMS640X v3.X...SAMSUNG......64MX8...Rev.C
........................XMS640X v4.X...QIMONDA.......64Mx8...Rev.C
........................XMS640X v5.X...ELPIDA..........64Mx8...Rev.H
........................XMS640X v6.X...PSC..............128Mx8

CM2X1024-6400C4D/C4DHX
........................XMS640X v1.X...MICRON.........64Mx8...Rev.D
........................XMS640X v2.X...PROMOS........64MX8...90nm
........................XMS640X v3.X...ELPIDA..........64MX8...Rev.H
........................XMS640X v4.X...QIMONDA.......64MX8...Rev.C
........................XMS640X v6.X...PSC..............128Mx8

CM2X1024-6400C4PRO
........................XMS640X v1.X...MICRON.........64Mx8...Rev.D
........................XMS640X v2.X...PROMOS........64MX8...90nm
........................XMS640X v3.X...ELPIDA..........64MX8...Rev.H
........................XMS640X v4.X...QIMONDA.......64MX8...Rev.C

TWIN2X4096/CM2X2048-6400C4DHX
........................XMS640X v1.X...PSC...............128MX8

Next, you'll notice that most of the current production is using PSC (Powerchips). They don't run hot and don't need fancy cooling solutions (typically max out 2.0-2.1v).
That being said, DDR2 is so cheap right now, I would pop for some Dominators in a second. If you time it right, they are super cheap. I got som 2x1GB 1066 Dominators on Black Friday for $5 after MIR!!!

[scottw182]

So the differences between the different versions are just the memory chips they use, and then any extras, like the LEDs on the pro version or the DHX design of the DHX versions?

Are the Powerchips good? Compared to the Micron chips? I was under the impression that the Micron chips were the best, a lot of people seemed upset when certain modules switched from Micron to Promos.

I'll actually be getting the Dominator 2x2GB TWIN2X4096-8500C5DF, which I now know use Powerchips, I've just been curious about the differences between the different 6400 modules.

[scottw182]

Also, do modules of the same model # but with different memory chips play well together, or could that cause issues?

[18 is # 1]

Also, do modules of the same model # but with different memory chips play well together, or could that cause issues?

Yes it can cause issues...but MAY not.
Micron D9 (the "good ones") are not a made anymore. They were never available in a 2x2GB kit. The best right now in 2x2GB kits are Powerchips (Dominators, Reapers, GSkill, Mushkin) 1066 kits. Or GSkill 1100 & 1200 Promos kits.