OCTools - Reinventing the Tools of OC

The Modules

Packaging is your normal plastic enclosure type. The modules come with instructions in 5 different languages, a current newsletter and a "powered by Corsair" case badge.

The modules are a matched pair of Corsair CM2X512-5400C4PRO 240-pin DDR2 DIMMs tested up to 675MHz in high performance DDR2 motherboards. Each module is tested in an Intel-based motherboard before being packaged together.

SPD is programmed at 4-4-4-12 latency values and tested at 1.9V. It defaults at 266MHz (DDR2-533) but is rated at 667Mhz. So there is a lot of headroom for overclocking.

Corsair's high efficiency platinum heat spreader was custom designed for optimum thermal efficiency. Made from cast aluminum, it offers excellent thermal qualities. Through the mini fins, its air surface contact area is maximized and draws away heat from the memory chips for quick thermal dissipation. Corsair says that the new design offers an estimated 95% greater surface area than standard memory heatspreaders. The heatsink is bonded to the memory chips with a thermal adhesive, unique to Corsair, apparently.

Belonging to the Pro Series, we again see the innovative diagnostic LEDs Corsair pioneered. It's a feature unique to Corsair that gives an instant, at-a-glance estimate of the level of memory activity. While not a performance booster per se, we can't argue against a feature that looks damn cool in a windowed or clear-case box.

There are a total of 24 Activity LEDs on each XMS2 Pro module, 12 per bank. They line the top edge of the module and displays the real-time memory activity level. These LEDs light up as the level of memory activity increases.