Date: August 25th, 2004
Article by: Nathan Glentworth (Owner, Head Editor & Hardware Reviewer)
Product was donated by: PQI Memory
<--SHOP FOR DUAL CHANNEL MEMORY HERE

PQI CORPORATE PROFILE

Founded in 1998, PQI designs, manufactures and markets computer memory modules, flash memory storage devices and peripherals.


Addressing the need for reliable and versatile storage with much faster access times and lower power consumption than conventional drives, PQI products are recognized as category leaders. Two of the company's patented products—Intelligent Stick™, the smallest USB flash drive available, and DiskOnModule™, a cost-effective and secure solution for the embedded system market—have helped to reshape the memory storage industry.


The acquisition of PMI, a leading manufacture of computer memory modules, further strengthens our goal to be a complete memory solution provider in the convergence of computing and digital entertainment. We are committed to maintaining our industry leading position through leading-edge technologies, continued product innovations and the assurance of total customer satisfaction.

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION

With DDR400 firmly entrenched as the going PC memory standard, consumers that were at one time happy with standard DDR memory latencies are now getting more interested in lowering their memory timings on their stock computers for extra performance. What is often not know or considered is the double edge sword that lower memory timings bring to the performance fight through increased overclocking potential.

When you have a memory kit with the lowest latency ability at stock speeds, when you completely relax the timings to 3-8-4-4 and crank the DDR voltage to 2.8volts, you unlock the REAL hidden overclocking potential in faster memory. All that is needed is a locked AGP/PCI speed and enjoy the surprising increase in FSB you can obtain.

Another deciding factor is always price. Sure, the memory has fast stock timings, but is a small latency decrease really worth US$50-US$100 more? If you are thinking that it is, you are unfortunately mistaken.

To back that up I will be reviewing the new Turbo Ultra Low Latency Series memory from PQI (Formerly PMI). With fast timings and a very reasonable price around the US$170 range, you just cannot beat the value of this memory when compared to similar kits from other major brands that are priced US$100+ higher.

But that is, "IF" it performs like the other major brands. Come and check out the review.