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Results
As we can see from Chart 1,
at CPU default settings, the XMS series RIB scores were within points of other
while the RIB score of the Crucial 2100 lagged significantly behind. We ran
this test multiple times as we did not anticipate the Crucial RIB scores to
have as wide a gap as it did when compared to the Crucial modules.
Chart 1
Chart 2
shows the maximum CPU overclock we were able to achieve with each memory
module. The XMS3500 leads the pack by enabling us to achieve a 504 MHZ
overclock! Surprisingly, the Crucial stick came in second, followed closely
behind by the XMS3200, while the other modules bring up the rear.
Chart 2
Chart 3
shows the RIB scores for each of the modules we tested measured at the point
of their maximum respective CPU overclock. As expected, the XMS3500 series
module was the winner.
Chart 3
Stress Testing
The Albatron PX845PEV Pro
motherboard has an interesting memory tweak in its BIOS which allows the user
to set memory bus speed manually as a multiple of FSB speed. The most
aggressive setting is "turbo mode". At this setting, the memory bus speed can
be adjusted to a value of 2.66 X FSB. All the memory modules we tested were
able to tolerate this setting at default CPU speeds, but none booted when the
turbo mode was activated after achieving their maximum respective CPU
overclock...none except the XMS3200 and the XMS3500 modules.
Here is
where the Corsair XMS3200 and the XMS 500 distinguished themselves, but once
again the XMS3200 is outpaced.
Here are the Sandra
memory bandwidth scores for the XMS3200 and the XMS3500 modules at bus speeds
of 410 and 429 respectively:
Chart 4
Conclusions
Once again Corsair has
delivered as promised. The XMS3500 has allowed us to take our system to new
levels. Is the upgrade from XMS3200 to XMS3500 worth it in terms of the
performance gain Vs the upgrade cost? Probably not, but if one is upgrading
from a lesser quality memory, then the answer is a resounding yes. As we have
already implied, there is a premium to be paid for this kind of performance;
however, if squeezing every last MHz from your system is of primary
importance, then you can’t go wrong by choosing the Corsair XMS3500 series
memory, which earns our:
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