Mushkin HP2-6400

1. Introduction

Review Pages

1. Introduction
2. Testbed
3. Benchmarks - 1
4. Benchmarks - 2
5. Conclusion

Founded in 1994, Mushkin is best known for producing “Enhanced” memory modules. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Denver, Colorado Mushkin provides performance enhanced computer products to users worldwide. Exceptional quality, enhanced performance and unparalleled customer support are what make Mushkin products the best in the industry.

Mushkin products include an enhanced power supply line and a complete selection of memory upgrades for desktops, servers and notebooks – they offer something for everyone from business user to gamer. Mushkin enhanced memory products are available in several performance categories from standard to extreme, with our REDLINETM series in a class of its own. With customers including everyone from Apple Computer and NASA to gamers and web browsers, Mushkin knows what is important to customers - enhanced performance with uncompromised quality.

- Mushkin HP2-6400

Mushkin Enhanced announced back in October 2006, the addition of the 512MB and 1GB HP2-6400 to it's product lineup. With the XP2-6400 and the EM2-6400 amongst the most popular DDR2 modules available today, the HP2-6400 offers users a middle ground in terms of both price and performance. The HP2-6400 is available in both 1GB and 2GB dual packs and is rated 4-5-4-11 at 2.1-2.2V.

991532- 512MB HP2-6400 4-5-4-11
996532- 1GB HP2-6400 DDR2 Dual Kit (2x512MB)
991533- 1GB HP2-6400 4-5-4-11
996533- 2GB HP2-6400 DDR2 Dual Kit (2x1GB)

With DDR2-800 still in the early stages of its existence, users often have to pay a premium for the newer technology. Mushkin feels HP2-6400 is the solution to this problem. According to Brian Flood, Mushkin Research and Development Director :"...The HP2-6400 is ideal for gamers and enthusiasts who desire added low-latency performance at an affordable price...". We plan to find out just how true this statement is correct later in our review.

- Main features

Part Number: 996533 (2x1GB)
Module Size: 2GB kit (1GBx2)
Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
Configuration: 128Meg x 64
DIMM Type: UNBUFFERED
Error Checking: NON-ECC
Speed: DDR2-6400
Voltage: 2.1~2.2V
Memory Timings: 4-5-4-11
Warranty: Life Time Warranty

- Retail package

Mushkin provided us with the retail package of the HP2-6400 (GB). Mushkin sells the modules directly, at a retail price of around US$274, making it quite affordable for most users. The retail kit is typical with nothing fancy, just the two modules packaged in a protective plastic shell.

Removing the memory modules from the plastic shell, we have a clearer view. The memory modules are encased in blue aluminum heatspreaders, adding an extra touch of "color" to your system. Mushkin calls them "FrostByte heatspreaders", and are supposed to offer superior thermal efficiency which improves durability and performance. We will see later in our review, exactly how much FrostByte heatsinks actually help. On both sides of the heatspreader, there is the "Mushkin" logo, while one side of each has a sticker with the part number and other information.