Kingston ValueRAM memory - 512 MB - DIMM 184-PIN - DDR

Kingston Technologies claims to be the largest manufacturer of Memory modules in the world, this is true and I will enclose some additional information below, telling you a little about Kingston Technologies. In this review, I will also give you some detailed information about this Memory module.

-------------------- About Kingston --------------------

Headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, Kingston Technology ...
...digital cameras and hand-held computers. Kingston provides contract manufacturing for most of the large semiconductor OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer), several system OEMs, and supports large OEMs with supply chain management services. The company also has sister companies in the component packaging (Payton Technology), and test and validation test lab (AVL) sectors.

Kingston offers a range of memory products and services that ... more

Kingston Technologies claims to be the largest manufacturer of Memory modules in the world, this is true and I will enclose some additional information below, telling you a little about Kingston Technologies. In this review, I will also give you some detailed information about this Memory module.

-------------------- About Kingston --------------------

Headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, Kingston Technology Company, Inc. is the world's largest independent manufacturer of memory products for desktop computers, notebooks, servers, workstations, laser printers, digital cameras and hand-held computers. Kingston provides contract manufacturing for most of the large semiconductor OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer), several system OEMs, and supports large OEMs with supply chain management services. The company also has sister companies in the component packaging (Payton Technology), and test and validation test lab (AVL) sectors.

Kingston offers a range of memory products and services that satisfy current and next-generation product demands. Memory options for new systems are introduced and supported on a daily basis, usually with Kingston engineering working in conjunction with the system OEM. For those requiring legacy memory - memory no longer available from the original manufacturer - Kingston is often the only source. Kingston operates on a just-in-time model based on customer needs. Kingston's products are built-to-order, which minimizes the risk of stagnant inventory for Kingston and its customers.

A global company that offers more than 2,000 products to support over 10,000 systems, Kingston corporation's sales exceeded $1.8 billion in 2003. Kingston serves an international network of distributors and OEM customers in the US, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and Latin America, representing more than 3,000 locations worldwide.

-------------------- About the Memory --------------------

As I've already written a similar review regarding the 256 MB, PC3200 DDR - a lower capacity module than this 512 MB PC3200 DDR type. I guess I will have to input some similar information already on my other review - just in case readers don't read my previous 256 MB PC3200 DDR's review.

As some of you may be aware that handling electronic devices without due care can cause damage to the device by electrostatic shock, I suggest new-users (or continuous users) to touch full stainless-steel kitchen taps (or any unpainted, grounded metal object) to drain electrostatic that's already charged around your body (clothes, hands, etc). Alternatively, if you're considering on handling these sensitive devices more often than just a single-module installation, then you can purchase a wristband from your local computer dealer such as PC World, or Maplin in order to keep you Earthed (better than frequently running to the taps). Wristbands can come in different styles and they cost between £3 to £5. I bought my wristband from Maplin for £4.99, but you can get it a little cheaper than that from somewhere at your local PC shop.

I remember coming back from shopping at Tesco, I had emptied the bags and was about to open the CPU packet, but thought to touch the taps first - when I did that, I felt a little shock on the tip of my finger. Had I not touched the taps, I would've been disappointed with that faulty CPU.

What is "electrostatic"?
-----------------------------------

Electrostatic is like an electrical current which is charged by the handling of shopping bags, silk, balloons or any material capable of producing electrical currents. I'm not a Physicist, so don't laugh at something I haven't put properly, I'll try not to make those mistakes though. I don't have time being like Albert Einstein who constantly gets shocked by the looks of his messy hairstyle, maybe he plays with balloons?

The PC3200 Memory Module
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This here module is a 512 MB PC3200, Non-ECC DDR400 (200 MHz) DIMM.

Non-ECC stands for "Non-Error Checking and Correction", DDR stands for "Double Data Rate", DIMM stands for "Dual In-Line Memory Module".

It has 184-pin gold-plated contact fingers, fitting suitable motherboards capable of handling a DDR400 (200 MHz) memory device. The Memory has one-notch, nearly on the centre of the module and those 8 chips shown on picture are both-sided, adding a total of 16 chips. Works perfect on Intel Pentium 4, AMD and other types of computer systems where requirements are met, this Memory gives you great performance increase, good reliability and comes with a lifetime-warranty.

I have two of these already installed in my computer, totalling a good 1024 MB (MegaByte) capacity, enough for users who like to work on Graphic design programs such as PaintShop Pro 9, Corel Draw 12, or even using Microsoft Office programs. Works great on games too, there is a lot of noticeable difference on gaming with 1024 MB DDRs which I have right now since my previous review regarding testing with two 256 MB PC3200 modules - totalling 512 MB, the test was fine, but there was a blink of pause from two 256 MB DDRs (512 MB). With two 512 MB modules (1024 MB), I've played the same game for the same duration and have yet to see a pause... nothing like that has occurred or been noticed with these two 512 MB DDRs so far - good news.

With this 512 MB, PC3200 DDR400 Kingston DIMM:

Large files or programs work well without crashes.
Programs have better response.
More than one program can be run without problems.
Movies are viewed at a smoother quality.
Games can be played with better quality and performance.

Features
-------------

Power supply : Vdd: 2.6V ± 0.2V, Vddq: 2.6V ± 0.2V
Double-data-rate architecture; two data transfers per clock cycle
Bidirectional data strobe(DQS)
Differential clock inputs(CK and CK)
DLL aligns DQ and DQS transition with CK transition
Programmable Read latency 2 (clock)
Programmable Burst length (2, 4, 8)
Programmable Burst type (sequential & interleave)
Timing Reference: 2-3-2-6-1 at +2.6V
Edge aligned data output, center aligned data input
Auto & Self refresh, 7.8us refresh interval(8K/64ms refresh)
Serial presence detect with EEPROM
High Performance Heat Spreader
PCB : Height 1.250" (34.75mm), double sided component

Dimension
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Width: 5.250" (133.35mm)
Height: 1.250" (34.75mm)
Thickness: 0.150" (3.81mm)

Performance
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Clock Cycle Time (tCK): 5ns (min.) / 10ns (max.)
Row Cycle Time (tRC): 55ns (min.)
Refresh Row Cycle Time (tRFC): 65ns (min.)
Row Active Time (tRAS): 40ns (min.) / 100,000ns (max.)
Power (IDD0): 3.744 W (operating)
UL Rating: 94 V - 0
Operating Temperature: 0o C to 70o C
Storage Temperature: -55o C to +150o C

I don't have a program that tests Memory performance and such, but I can tell you that I used to have two 256 MB PC2100, DDR266 (133 Mhz) types and replacing them with these PC3200 DDR400 (200 Mhz) Kingston Memory modules has made a great difference in its performance and reliability. Programs load faster than the PC2100 type. I've experienced no program crashes at all, even tested with several programs running in the background - especially with the music studio that requires couple of add-ons running in the background. The total cleanliness of your hard-drives isn't necessary, as I haven't even optimised the hard-drives like I did before on the previous review regarding 256 MB PC3200 DDR when testing.

The faults and errors I used to have, seems to have become history (so far) where those "blue screen" messages saying something like "memory dump" or "your system is running low on resources and will be shut down" - which in fact is annoying as you also lose all your unsaved work. With these two 512 MB DDRs, I haven't even noticed any of that, I've even thrashed the memory with the same number of programs running, but this time I've included a game... still nothing, amazing eh!

Overall, I do recommend these Memory upgrades for all you potential buyers who think "I want an even better memory". I hope this review helped make up your mind. On my previous review, I stated that I will be getting two 512 MB DDRs and I kept my promise. But this time, I'm going to be adding all the memories and will fill up all the available slots on my motherboard - will total a hefty 1.5 GB (Gigabyte) in total (1536 MB). Completing this lot after posting this review will sure increase performance and reliability... I'll be left with a grin.

By the way, you can get them from your local computer shop/store such as PC World for £29.99 (per module), but they are also available at a cheaper price from your local PC dealer/shop, some will save you at least £5 or a little more. There are other online stores where you can also get them from at a fair price, such as eBuyer.com.

I definitely think Kingston is a King =O)

Thank you for reading and all the best. 

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