It's time to turn our attention to some new DDR from Corsair that is targeted directly at the enthusiast. Known as the XMS Pro Series, these modules actually have LEDs build into the back of the modules that light up as data is transferred through the memory! This is a very cool idea, and is just the thing for the case modding lunatic like myself! Flashing LEDs are attractive, but I'm more concerned with performance, than looks.

     In recent weeks we have been busy testing several brands of PC4000 DDR memory. To our disbelief, most of the DDR 4000 we've been receiving has stability and/or compatibility issues, even at default settings. The bad thing is, we are not the only ones having problems. Several trusted trusted hardware sites are busy reviewing the same DDR, and they too are having similar issues. This spells trouble for memory industry, as well as motherboard manufactures. However, these issues can be quickly overcome if the memory and motherboard manufacturers work closer together. On the other hand, these issues could have been avoided all together if they had worked closer together in the first place. Knowing these problems exist, I was very concerned about this memory before I even got started.

     Corsair has always been a trusted name in memory. In the past we have staked our reputation on Corsair and even granted them permission to print our logos on their memory packages. We have always recommended Corsair memory above all the rest, but can their new Pro Series carry on the Corsair legacy, or is it just about pretty lights? There is only one way to find out...

     Corsair sent over a matching pair of 512mb XMS4000 Pro Series modules for testing. The modules are quite fancy looking, and even have the XMS logo formed into the heat spreaders. Right away you will notice the weight difference with these modues. The extra weight is from the new heavy duty aluminum heat spreaders that encase the entire module.

     On the back side of the modules you can see a dual strip of LEDs that light up when the memory is active. I have to hand it to Corsair on this one, this is a great idea that really enhances the looks of any computer with a window mod.