Introduction:

     I don't think there is an PC or Gaming enthusiast out there today that has NOT heard about Corsair and they're exceptional memory. They've been producing some of the highest grade, and highest performing computer memory for years now.

   However is there a difference from using the so-called "cheap stuff" compared to the so-called "performance" RAM? Well it just so happens I have 2 sets of 2GB kits of DDR to compare today, both from Corsair.

   The first set being Corsair's extremely popular "ValueSelect" series rated at Cas3, and the other being their newest high performance, low latency 2GB DDR kit dubbed the "XMS Pro" series rated at Cas2. It not only has the fancy "XMS" embossed black module cover, but It's even got working LED's on them.

Corsair ValueSelect Series:

   The first thing to note about memory, is NOT how pretty the heatsink is covering the RAM, but more importantly the speed and timings of the RAM. The lower the better for timings and timing very much effect how the ram performs in your system.

   Capacity is also something to keep a close eye on these days with everything pretty much dual channel now, you want to be sure to get 2 matching sticks and Corsair makes it extremely easy to do that by providing pre-tested, and matched RAM kits.  

   It's amazing how far we've come in a few years in RAM Capacity and production. Not long ago 256mb was standard and anyone who had 512mb of Ram was considered an Enthusiast. Today however, I feel that 2GB of Ram is the standard if you do any modern gaming at all, or of course video editing, etc.

   Let's take a look at a 2GB Kit of Corsair ValueSelect Ram real quick before your senses get blown by the "good stuff".

   When I recently upgraded my entire system (spent thousands!), I decided to save some money on the RAM because I wanted MORE RAM rather then less RAM that was prettier. I have no plans to overclock right now since I got bleeding edge hardware and believe me, it's fast enough!

    Therefore, I bought a 2GB kit ( 2 x 1GB) of Corsair ValueSelect Ram and went about my purchasing. I opted for the VS2GBKIT400C3 which effectively breaks down like this:

• VS = ValueSelect

• 2GBKIT = 2 GB Kit

• 400 = 400mhz

• C3 = Cas Latency 3

   I knew I would be sacrificing some latency speeds since Cas2 is the enthusiasts way, but at the time I was willing to sacrifice to make the leap to 2GB of RAM.

   When my stuff arrived, I put it all together and it booted right up first try recognizing all 2gb (2048 in BIOS) without a hitch. I expected nothing less from Corsair, hence the reason I bought a brand-name memory. There's no substitute for quality, at any price.

  I've been extremely pleased with the stability and quality of the Corsair ValueSelect Ram during heavy gaming with the newest games on the market (FEAR & Quake4 specifically). I'll tell ya this, 2GB is the new standard in my eyes. The system just runs so much smoother now, along with being way faster as a whole since it's all new ;)

   Ok now that you're acquainted with the Corsair ValueSelect Ram series and it's "Value" moniker, let's take a look at the "good stuff", or maybe I should just say the "even better stuff!"