Mushkin 2x1GB EM2-6400 DDR2-800 Memory Kit

Introduction:

   Mushkin has been a key player in the PC memory business since 1994. They're no stranger to enthusiasts and quality products. I remember when I was looking for my first high performance memory kit back about 9yrs ago, Mushkin was THE memory to buy. That was of course well before the influx of competition in the memory market. Is Mushkin still the king?

   Well we won't be setting any speed records today unfortunately as Mushkin opted to send me their new EM2-6400 DDR2-800 Value memory kit. It's rated for a dual channel speed of 800mhz at a loose timing of 5-5-5-12 @ 1.9v. The one good thing is it's a sub-$200 2x1GB kit you can purchase directly from their website. This will allow many people to get out of the 512mb or 1GB slump and step up to the 2GB enthusiasts standard.

   In my opinion 512mb is too little, 1GB is sufficient, but 2x1GB is just so smooth. I don't ever want to go back to less than 2GB again. However I've been running 2GB for quite awhile now.

About Mushkin:

Founded in 1994, Mushkin is best known for producing “Enhanced” memory modules. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Denver, Colorado Mushkin provides performance enhanced computer products to users worldwide. Exceptional quality, enhanced performance and unparalleled customer support are what make Mushkin products the best in the industry.

Mushkin products include an enhanced power supply line and a complete selection of memory upgrades for desktops, servers and notebooks – we offer something for everyone from business user to gamer. Our enhanced memory products are available in several performance categories from standard to extreme, with our REDLINE(TM) series in a class of its own. Our enhanced power supply line offers superb regulation and ripple characteristics, modularity and plenty of power to supply the most demanding systems.

With customers including everyone from Apple Computer and NASA to gamers and web browsers, Mushkin knows what is important to customers - enhanced performance with uncompromised quality. With Mushkin you Get More.

Specifications:

• Frequency: 800MHz

• Latency: 5-5-5-12

• Parity: Unbuffered

• Voltage: 1.9V

• Pins: 240

• Module: 128Mx64

• Chip: 64Mx8

A Closer Look:

   As you can see the Mushkin retail packaging is like most others, just a simple thin clear plastic container that unfolds so you can access the memory sticks. One thing Mushkin does though is hot glue the sides so you basically have to rip the package open or otherwise try to cut the hot glue portions just right. This is a good and a bad thing at once. It's good because you know the package is factory sealed. It's bad though because you could damage the memory trying to pry open the packaging.

   Speaking of prying, I thought the memory sticks were just a bit too tight in the packaging. I had to literally stick my thumbnail under the spreaders and pry them out. I'm guessing that's because they use a "standard" size memory package, yet their memory module heatspreaders are quite large on top causing them to fit a bit too tight for my liking.

   On the modules themselves, you can see they're an attractive green aluminum design with a very unique ridged, or serrated design. All of the Mushkin modules from the value kit (as shown here) to the high-end "Redline" series use the exact same spreader design, just different colors.