Page 1: Intro, DDR2, Stuff
Since I can remember, <a href="http://www.mushkin.com">Mushkin</a> has been providing the enthusiast community with superior RAM modules that are known to overclock extremely well. We are in a new generation of RAM modules, DDR2. This new type is still uncertain and in its infancy in the market. Currently, only the newest Intel chips can use this type of memory, but that will surely change soon. Let's take a look at the new Mushkin PC2-4200 1024MB kit.
<B>DDR2?</B>:
What's the difference between DDR and DDR2 you may be asking. Well, let's go over the differences.
The first and perhaps most obvious is the socket difference. The normal DDR DIMM has 184 contacts. The new DDR2 module has a total of 240 contact and the notch is different, so you shouldn't have a problem determining which type of memory you have (or if you have the wrong memory for your motherboard). The second is the packaging used for the chips. While most of the DDR modules used the older TSOP method of chip packaging, the newer DDR2 uses FBGA. The other improvements to DDR2 include On-Die Termination and Off-Chip Driver calibration. While JEDEC says that DDR can go up to 1GB per module, DDR2 can go up to 4GB. And, normally, DDR memory runs at 2.5V while the newer DDR2 runs at 1.8V Laptop users rejoice!
Now that you know what we're dealing with, let's move on to the product of the review.
<B>The Mushkin Way</B>:
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</center>
Mushkin has a pretty funny way of packing their modules. Even though I got a kick out of it, the only way something bad could happen to the modules is if the protective balloon burst. Pretty intelligent packaging.
<B>The Modules</B>:
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</center>
Opening up the balloon and releasing the modules, you can see the ESD bag they are further protected it and shrink wrapped. More protection is good.
<center>
</center>
You can see the pins on the DDR2 module right here. They are smaller and more densely packed than DDR modules. The notch is also in a different place. Don't try to push these into the DDR1 slots, they'll break your motherboard and the module.
<B>DDR2?</B>:
What's the difference between DDR and DDR2 you may be asking. Well, let's go over the differences.
The first and perhaps most obvious is the socket difference. The normal DDR DIMM has 184 contacts. The new DDR2 module has a total of 240 contact and the notch is different, so you shouldn't have a problem determining which type of memory you have (or if you have the wrong memory for your motherboard). The second is the packaging used for the chips. While most of the DDR modules used the older TSOP method of chip packaging, the newer DDR2 uses FBGA. The other improvements to DDR2 include On-Die Termination and Off-Chip Driver calibration. While JEDEC says that DDR can go up to 1GB per module, DDR2 can go up to 4GB. And, normally, DDR memory runs at 2.5V while the newer DDR2 runs at 1.8V Laptop users rejoice!
Now that you know what we're dealing with, let's move on to the product of the review.
<B>The Mushkin Way</B>:
<center>
</center>Mushkin has a pretty funny way of packing their modules. Even though I got a kick out of it, the only way something bad could happen to the modules is if the protective balloon burst. Pretty intelligent packaging.
<B>The Modules</B>:
<center>
</center>Opening up the balloon and releasing the modules, you can see the ESD bag they are further protected it and shrink wrapped. More protection is good.
<center>
</center>You can see the pins on the DDR2 module right here. They are smaller and more densely packed than DDR modules. The notch is also in a different place. Don't try to push these into the DDR1 slots, they'll break your motherboard and the module.