The Kingston Hyper-X KHX4000K2/1G DDR modules are standard 184Pin-DIMM TSOP packaged modules for use in DDR compliant
motherboards and chipsets that utilize the dual channel memory architecture such as the NVIDIA nForce 2, and Intel
Canterwood/Springdale solutions. Each module sports a royal blue aluminum heat spreader designed to aid in dissipating
the heat produced, realistically, the heat spreaders serve more of dominance in the aesthetic department rather than
function. The heat spreaders are slipped over the modules and secured using thermal tape and clipping mechanisms. The
top portion features the HyperX name and Kingston logo along with a small white label listing operating frequency and
model number. Prior to shipping, each module is 100% tested at published speeds on high-end Advantest memory testers.
The Kingston Hyper-X KHX4000K2/1G DDR Memory Kit comes complete with a Kingston a lifetime warranty and free tech support.
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Installation of the Kingston Hyper-X KHX4000K2/1G DDR Memory Kit is very straightforward and is clearly outlined within
the user manual. Dual Channel operation can be automatically achieved by inserting the modules in the corresponding DIMM
slots, which are usually slots 1 and 3 or 2 and 3. It is recommended running the modules in dual channel configuration
for maximum performance. The comparison modules I will be using are 2 x 256 Corsair XMS PC3500C2PT v1.1 which are rated
for 217MHz at 2.6V using 2-3-3-7 timings.
Testing:
With an operating speed of 500MHz and a conservative CAS latency of 3, the Kingston Hyper-X KHX4000K2/1G DDR Memory Kit
is clearly optimized for the bandwidth hungry Pentium 4 on the Intel i865/i875 Canterwood chipset. Unfortunately, an
Intel base test machine was unavailable at the time of testing and will be installed onto my nForce II Ultra 400 test
machine. Both the Kingston Hyper-X KHX4000K2/1G and Corsair XMS PC3500C2PT v1.1 were tested at three different speeds
with a synchronous (1:1) ratio to the processor in dual channel configuration. Testing frequencies reflect the maximum
rated frequency modules the majority of enthusiasts would use when overclocking on the nForce II Ultra 400 platform.
Test frequencies include PC3200, PC3500 and PC3700 which equal 200MHz, 217MHz and 233MHz DDR respectively. A sustained
processor speed of approximately 2GHz was used throughout the testing. Windows XP Professional complete with the Service
Pack 1 and all critical updates was used along with the latest NVIDIA nForce 2 drivers version 3.13 and DirectX version 9.0b.
In order to test the test the Kingston Hyper-X KHX4000K2/1G I assembled the following spare components:
DFI LAN Party NF II Ultra B Motherboard
AMD Athlon XP Thoroughbred B 2100+ 0305 CPU
2 X 256MB Corsair XMS PC3500C2PT v1.1 DDR memory
2 X 512MB Kingston Hyper-X PC 4000K2 DDR memory
Western Digital WD800JB SE 80GB Hard Drive
LG 16X DVD ROM
SilverStone SST-ST360 Power Supply
ATI Radeon 7500 Video card
Thermalright SLK800 heatsink
Surprisingly, I was able to maintain respectable memory timings of 2.5-3-3-11 up to 233MHz DDR with Dual Channel enabled,
CPC off, on the DFI LAN Party Ultra B motherboard with a memory voltage of 2.7V. The tighter CAS latency is usually a
highly limiting factor yet with an increase in voltage to 2.9V, I was able to attain a maximum of 247Mhz FSB at 2.5-3-3-11
timings yet results were omitted due to lack of consistent stability when benchmarking. Any speeds above 210MHz required
an increase in CAS latency and to 2.5 and a minor voltage increase to 2.7V or more. The according settings for both the
Kingston Hyper-X KHX4000K2/1G and the Corsair XMS PC3500C2PT v1.1 are outlined below:
