Mushkin Blackline Ridgeback 2000 MHz DDR3 8GB review

Product Showcase

So here we have the DIMMs after unpacking. This is the 8GB 2000 MHz kit = PC3 16000 with 2x 4GB DIMMs. Overall a nice design. I wish that the PCB would have been black though.

The heat spreaders are made out of aluminum for good heat conductivity. This kit can manage latencies of 9-11-9-27 at 1.65 Volts, and that is a pretty high latency for memory this dense (4GB per DIMM). The label does not show a Command rate 1T/2T but we ran it at a command rate of 1T at all times and had no probs whatsoever. For optimal stability we do recommend you stick to the manufacturer suggested settings though.

Okay then, behold and watch the Mushkin Blackline series armed with dark colored Ridgeback heatspreaders.

Very simple stuff, but the details of the modules can be read from a small sticker. You can spot the SKU code and generic info on there. Also primary info like latencies are displayed.

It is the very same for the packaging below, it's very good to see voltages being reported on there as well. A lot of memory producers lack this info, yet it is so important. Missing on the sticker is the command rate though, at default that is 1T.

With enthusiast class memory often come some extra's. Muskin offers a life-time warranty with these memory modules, you can't beat that. Look at the heat spreaders, it's fairly unusual to see a design like that. One thing is a sure fact, you either like or hate the aesthetics. We would have LOVED a black PCB, styling wise (hey it matters in a  high-end cool looking rig) this is a very tasteful kit aesthetically otherwise.

The heatspreader is designed to enhance heat dissipation allowing better tweaks and overclocks. As a result this is not 100% low profile memory. The idea is that heat is moved away from the actual memory chips and this increases potential overclocking and stability. Still with this design any cooler in close vicinity of the memory should install just fine.