Mushkin XP2-8500 2x1GB DDR2 Memory Kit

Introduction:

   Mushkin Enhanced is a world leader in the PC memory market. I've recently reviewed both their EM2 and HP2 DDR2 memory kits and I'm back with the hat trick. Today I'll be looking at Mushkins newest kit; the XP2-8500. It's so new in fact that it's not even on their website just yet, but it should be soon.

Official Press Release

Mushkin Enhanced, a leading manufacturer in high performance computer components, is proud to announce the addition of the new XP2-8500 memory modules to its XP DDR2 lineup. "With the industry moving rapidly in its transition to DDR2 applications, Mushkin strives to offer one of the most complete DDR2 lines available," said Lee Groninger, Mushkin Sales and Marketing Director, "The addition of the XP2-8500 brings us one step closer to accomplishing that goal". The XP2-8500 is available in both 512MB and 1GB memory modules and is rated at 5-5-4-12 at 2.2-2.4V.

991536- 512MB XP2-8500 5-5-4-12
996536- 1GB XP2-8500 DDR2 Dual Kit (2x512MB)

991535- 1GB XP2-8500 5-5-4-12
996535- 2GB XP2-8500 DDR2 Dual Kit (2x1GB)

The Mushkin XP2-8500 is an ideal choice for high-end PC enthusiasts that have adopted the DDR2 platform. "The new XP2-8500 is ideal for both stock and overclocked applications," said Brian Flood, Mushkin Research and Development Director, "Many new enthusiast-level Intel chipset motherboards allow for 8500 memory speeds at the default 266MHz FSB. In overclocking applications, the end-user can raise the HTT or FSB considerably with the use of these modules.

Extensive testing has been performed to ensure performance and compatibility with both AMD and Intel platforms. With better rated specifications than the competition yet in the same price class, the XP2-8500 DIMM's offer great value and exceptional performance". The Mushkin XP2-8500 joins a distinguished list of exciting new products from Mushkin to be released later this year.

Packaging:

   The clear plastic packaging is exactly like the other two products from Mushkin that I've reviewed. The only difference is the colors of the heatspreaders of the memory.

A Closer Look:

   While I've recently reviewed Mushkin memory kits with green heatspreaders and then blue heatspreaders, this time it's black. Black as the Ace of Spades black. As you can see they were so black they absorbed practically all the flash from my digicam. Other than the color, the "FrostByte" heatspreaders remain the same as far as construction goes. They're aluminum. They stick to the modules via thermal tape. They're held on with 2 chrome spring clips on top of each stick.