PC Mark 2002 - Memory
This is one synthetic benchmark that we here at VL don't exactly put a lot of emphasis on, but we're aware that many of our readers do use it.
400DDR, 2-2-2-7
Max OC
The TwinMOS ram runs neck-in-neck with the Corsair TWINX, though for the most part, comes out slightly ahead when using the same memory timings. You'll have to keep in mind that the Corsair ram is fully capable of running with better timings, and you can see those results in that review. Although the TwinMOS appears to be the victor, we handicapped the TWINX here.
When it comes to each memory's overclocked performance, the Corsair wins convincingly. If you're wondering why we didn't use the same timings, it's because the TwinMOS would not run at the same settings, so in these scenarios, we can see clearly the difference between the two brands when it comes to raw performance.
PiFast
A good indicator of CPU/Motherboard performance is PiFast version 4.2, by Xavier Gourdon. We used a computation of 10000000 digits of Pi, Chudnovsky method, 1024 K FFT, and no disk memory.
400DDR, 2-2-2-7
Max OC
Much as with the synthetic tests, the TwinMOS performs a little better when the TWINX is brought down to the same timings, but at each modules tweaked setting, the TWINX pulls away.
3D Mark 2003
Rather than testing for video card performance, I elected to run the CPU tests instead. This should give some indication of how the CPU/Memory subsystem should perform in this synthetic test.
400DDR, 2-2-2-7
Max OC
As was the trend with the application benchmarks, the TwinMOS holds a slight lead when running at 400DDR, but once we overclock things, the Corsair pulls away.
Unreal Tournament 2003, 400DDR, 2-2-2-7
Unreal Tournament 2003, Max OC
Dead even at 400DDR, but like a broken record, I'm going to again point out the wider gap once the clock speeds and memory timings are tweaked for performance.
Final Words
The TwinMOS PC3200 Dual Channel kit faired pretty well through our tests, outperforming the Corsair TWINX in some cases, though the reality is, it is not as fast when the Corsair ram is allowed to run at full speed.
In terms of stability, TwinMOS lived up to its reputation as being solid ram manufacturers. It passed all our Memtest86 tests, stock speeds and overclocked (with the right amount of voltage), as well as zero crashes during benchmarking and regular use.
Compatibility was very good, working without any problems with our Abit and MSI nForce 2 boards, and a Chaintech i845PE board. I can't say the same for Corsair, as it did initially have some problems with the Abit board (this is a known issue, which has since been resolved).
Performance was good, and all our motherboards performed as one can expect with the faster ram, and if you're running anything less than PC3200, the added performance is worth the upgrade. The nForce 2 performance was especially impressive, and I'm anxious to give this a spin in a Canterwood board.
Overclocking was something of a mixed bag. Clock speed-wise, the ram did well. I had expected a little better since these are 5ns chips, but the disappointment was with the SPD settings. We weren't able to finely tune the timings to Corsair's levels, especially when jacking up the clock speed. Does this hurt performance? Yes, it does as both synthetic and our PiFast tests reflected this. Day-to-day work may not be a concern, but people who live and die by benchmarks will take issue with this.
If there's one thing that concerns me, it's the lack of a concrete method in certifying the ram as being Dual Channel. From my understanding, TwinMOS took the safe way, and certified that their ram will work in a variety of motherboards, and work well. I suppose the logic is if one works, so should two. It makes sense, but having two sticks perform at their peak potential is a bit trickier, and in my opinion, a little more R&D should be put into this department.
Availability is now, and it's selling for 50$ US per 256MB module depending where you shop. Now, I did receive two of these sticks, and they do work in Dual Channel motherboards, but as far as I can tell, they are not currently sold in pairs. It'll be interesting to see if their will be "kits" popping up on store shelves in the future.
Pros: Good performance, lower priced than some other brand names, stable.
Cons: Overclocking was mixed, and questionable dual channel certification process.
Bottom Line: Despite some of its shortcomings, this is quality stuff that is worthy of finding a home in your box. It's a lot cheaper than Corsair's offering, and performance isn't bad. I'm not sure if I would call this a Dual Channel kit, but it is up to the task. If you have any comments, be sure to hit us up in our forums.
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