The Modules
The Mushkin PC2-5300 1Gb DDR2 Dual Pack arrive to us in Mushkin’s trademark “airbag”. Each module is shrink wrapped with an anti-static packaging. Included with the goods is a free Mushkin pen and aluminum "powered by mushkin" case badge. Freebies are definitely most welcomed.
Mushkin’s PC2-5300 modules are built with sixteen 32x8 bit chips in a dual bank, double sided configuration mounted on a green PCB using A-Data chips. These modules are designed for use on any DDR board using 400MHz, 533MHz or 667MHz memory bus at CL 4-4-4-11. As to whether each module is hand picked and manually tested, we don’t know as it not mentioned anywhere on their site. However, having vast experience with Mushkin’s modules through the years, I am most certain that these modules passed all their extensive testing and quality control measures before being packed and shipped to the end user.
SPD is programmed at 4-4-4-11 latency values and tested at 1.8v - 2.0v. It defaults at 266MHz (DDR2-533) but is rated at 667Mhz.
Besides its aesthetic appeal, the custom-designed aluminum Silver Heat Spreader reduces the risk of localised hot spots within the memory core and further increases overclocking margins of the modules, according to Mushkin. Note though that heatspreader color may vary and that tampering with them VOIDS warranty.
