Introduction:

   For high performance enthusiasts, Corsair needs no introduction. They'll be on the forefront of the high performance memory movement since the beginning. However each and every day, there are newcomers to this "enthusiast crowd" as we like to coin it. When I personally think of high performance memory, Corsair is the very first name that comes to mind.

   Interestingly enough, when I think of value memory, Corsair also comes to mind first. However today I won't be showing you some value ram, actually I'll be showing you a kit about as far away from value as you can get. In this review, I'll be taking a look at Corsairs finest, and fastest production memory kit: the Twin2X2048-8500C5. This 2x1GB memory kit is designed and tested to run at a bus shattering 1066mhz at just 5-5-5-15 at 2.2v.

   This high end 2GB kit is also "SLI-Ready" with a compatible AM2 motherboard and NVIDIA 590 SLI Chipset. Using Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP), this memory paired with the right hardware can overclock itself or set it own timings. How? Where? What does that mean to you? Read on young padawan. "Much to learn, there is"

Specifications:

TWIN2X2048-8500C5

• PC8500 (1066MHz)

• Classic XMS Heat Spreaders 2GB Kit

• Latency 5-5-5-15

• Features Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP)

Features:

  The lightning fast Corsair TWIN2X2048-8500C5 memory, featuring Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP), is the first production memory to hit 1066MHz. This 2GB DDR2 kit is fully optimized to work with new motherboards based on the new NVIDIA nForce® 590 SLI media and communications processor (MCP).

  Developed as an extension to the traditional Serial Presence Detect (SPD) found on today's high performance DIMMS, Enhanced Performance Profiles allow memory manufacturers to integrate additional module performance data in the unused portion of the JEDEC standard SPD, allowing compatible motherboards to read and take advantage of added performance capabilities. EPP brings simplified overclocking success for entry level enthusiasts, and access to more advanced memory specifications and a higher recovery point for hard-core overclockers.

  To take full advantage of the Enhanced Performance Profiles, motherboards designed with a special BIOS can recognize the presence of EPP settings. Once these settings are enabled, the system boots directly into the memory's specified settings and takes immediate advantage of the increased performance.

Retail Packaging:

Retail Front

Retail Back

   The retail packaging for this super high end Corsair DDR2 is just like most, if not all, of Corsair's typical ram packaging. It's snap together plastic so you can repackage it, or have a safe place to stick your old ram sticks when you replace them with Corsair.

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