Reviewer Tryouts: Mushkin 4GB HP2-6400

[Eldonko]

Mushkin 4GB HP2-6400 Review

Content:

Specifications
Packaging
Test Bed
Testing Methodology
Test Results
Testing Summary
Observations
Conclusions and Impressions

Specifications:

In May 2007, Mushkin launched a new 4gb kit, HP2-6400 5-4-4 modules, designed for both high-performance and value. Mushkin includes a lifetime warranty and the specifications are as follows:

Packaging:

In the spring of 2007, Mushkin has changed their branding and packaging to a more modern look with the white and green making a nice crisp color contrast. Heatspreaders range in color with blue, black, red, and green being some of the more popular choices. A few of the Mushkin flavors using the new packaging and logo:

A closer look at the HP2-6400 packaging:

The HP2-6400 uses the FrostByte™ (blue) heatspreader spreaders. I like this color alot, more than the Red for the Redline and Black used in the PC8500.

Test bed:

For testing, I’m using an E6600 Conroe setup with a DFI LANParty UT ICFX3200-T2R (RD600). Additional specs are as follows:

DFI LANParty UT ICFX3200-T2R
E6600
BFG GeForce 7800GTX @ stock
Mushkin XP-650
Windows XP, 32bit, untweaked
CPU Cooling - Custom H20 and stock cooler on the NB
RAM Cooling – 120mm Panaflo


Testing methodology:

Mushkin rates this RAM at 2.0v, but who needs a warranty right? ;) I spoke with Brian Flood, head of R&D at Mushkin and he recommends keeping voltage at max 2.3v for prolonged use, so that is what I'll use for the time being.

Also, I realize that I am only using a 32bit OS which can only test a lil over 3gb at a time, however I don’t have a 64bit at the moment so that will have to do for now.

Benches used:
Super PI v1.5 (two instances of 32M)

Tools:
AMD System Manager (clockgen and mem tweeking tool)
Smart Guardian
SetFSB

I am going to test 4-3-3, 4-4-4, and 5-4-4 using 2.0v, 2.1v, 2.2v, and 2.3v for the mem.

Testing:

Now for some test results:

4-3-3 – 2.1v – 435Mhz



4-3-3 – 2.2v – 451Mhz



4-3-3 – 2.3v – 460Mhz



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4-4-4 – 2.0v – 411Mhz


4-4-4 – 2.1v – 435Mhz



4-4-4 – 2.2v – 457Mhz



4-4-4 – 2.3v – 472Mhz



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5-4-4 – 2.0v – 478Mhz


5-4-4 – 2.1v – 505Mhz



5-4-4 – 2.2v – 534Mhz



5-4-4 – 2.3v – 538Mhz



Observations:

I test alot of memory so I always like to add a few suggestions that may help others get that extra few Mhz. Here are some tips that may help with this kit.

1) For secondaries I found that this RAM is quite responsive to loosening trp and trcd a bit. Don’t expect to run the same settings as GMH.
2) tras should be kept above 10 for best results, it actually effects stability in this case
3) Lower drive strength seems to be better than high.
4) CAS has a huge impact on clock speed

Testing Summary:

Longevity:
I thought it was important to mention that I have been running this kit 24/7 for 6 months now at 2.1-2.15v. This is above spec voltage and shows us that this kit is quite durable if ran at reasonable voltages. It has also been active cooled, which is feel is important with all memory.

Conclusions:

When the 4GB craze started, 4GB kits of memory were retailing at $500-600 for anything that would overclock to a decent level. This kit found it niche as a reasonably priced kit of memory that would also oc just a few mhz below kits retailing for double the price. For the enthusiast, this is the holy grail, anytime you can find something cheap that clocks well.

Pros:
Clocks great
Cheap compared to other 4GB kits
Lifetime warranty
Durable
Looks cool
Excellent compatibility (works great on RD600, P35, 965p chipsets)

Cons:
May be tough to find now

Overall I think you can't go wrong with this kit if you are looking for a 4GB option. It gives great bang for the buck, overclocks near the level of a good 2GB kit, and is quite durable.

I personally test more kits of memory than an average user and this kit is still running my 24/7 machine, and for that reason Mushkin 4GB HP2-6400 gets:

[AkG]

Nice review Eldonko. Its a small world as this is the RAM that I will be using in my next system. Thanks for the 2nd opinion on those sweet, sweet sticks!

[Apollo4g]

Very nice review!

Its a shame these sticks are so hard to find though!

I would get two if these if i could find them!!! or the XP2 kit :)

[MpG]

Nicely done. I've got the cheaper EM series version of this, and it's been running at 400 MHz, 4-4-4-12 timings, at 2.1v now for 6 months. At this rate, their memory is going to wind up in my next build too.