Centon Advance PC2-5400 DDR2 Memory

Whats under the hood?

Key Features:

• Memory amount: 2 x 512MB
• Access time: Micron 32mx16 D9 IC’s
• 667MHz (PC2-5400) Unbuffered non-ECC DDR2 Modules
• CAS latency: 4 clock cycles
• RAS precharge: 4 cycles
• RAS active to precharge: 12 cycles
• Command rate: 1T (1 cycle)
• Blue heat spreader for thermal diffusion
• Latency: 4-4-4-12
• 1.8V
• Lifetime Warranty

As DDR2 matures, clock speeds and latencies are improving to the point where DDR2 is finally starting to show its potential. With the SPD set at speeds of 667MHz at timings of 4-4-4-12, Centon’s PC5400 Advance memory jumps right into the mainstream enthusiast/gamer niche. With boards such as ABIT AA8-XE and ASUS’s P5AD2-E Premium supporting up to DDR2 800, DDR2 667 is really the new standard, replacing 533MHz memory.

Under The Heat Spreader:

When we removed the heat spreader we found Micron IC’s are used in a 32 Meg x 16 configuration. This is a good thing, because right now Micron IC’s are the best DDR2 IC’s for low timings and high frequencies. The above image shows Micron D9 IC’s that are like the ones being used on the Centon Advance modules. Now that we know Centon is building modules using the best brand (for now) of enthusiast DDR2 IC’s let’s take a look at the performance.