Darksaber
12-13-2007, 09:12 PM
[page=Introduction & Packaging]
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/cellshock_logo.jpg
We would like to thank Cellshock (http://cellshock.flagbit.com) for supplying the review sample.
Cellshock is a brand of the MSC Vertriebs GmbH. The company was established in 1979 and has made a name for itself as one of the leading high-tech distributors of electronic components in Europe. The Cellshock brand made some waves as they offer enthusiast memory from Germany and entered the marked with full force. The brand is offered in form of DDR2 and DDR3 memory with very unique heatspreaders.
From the manufacturer CellShock (http://cellshock.flagbit.com/en/products/ddr2/ddr2-1066-cl5.html):
1066MHz DDR2
CL 5-5-5-15 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
Micron D9GMH Chips
Unbuffered
5 Year Warranty
2.3 Volts
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packfront_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packfront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packrear_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packrear.jpg)
Every manufacturer packs their memory differently, just so it sticks out on a product shelf. Cellshock packs theirs into a black, very compact cardboard package. There is a small window on the front, showing one of the two DIMMs of the kit. This may be slightly confusing, as some may think the package only contains a single module. On the back you will find the features of the Cellshock memory in multiple languages.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packlabel_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packlabel.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packopen_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packopen.jpg)
A white label on the bottom not only seals the package, but also features the part number, speed, CL rating, kit size and voltage in plain black writing. Once this seal is broken, the inner cardboard tray can be pulled out of the bottom.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packtrays_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packtrays.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/manual_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/manual.jpg)
The two modules are placed on top of each other, even though there would be enough space to place them side by side within the black box. Below the memory you will find an installation manual, which is purely text based. This may not be of much help for those who are installing memory for the first time. A few general, grayscale images would have been a nice addition.
[page=A Closer Look]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/memnew_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/memnew.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/memsides_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/memsides.jpg)
Cellshock uses solid aluminum heatspreaders. These are held in place with real screws. These covers are made of solid aluminum and actually make installing the DIMMs much easier.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/lable_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/lable.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/logo_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/logo.jpg)
The front of the memory, which is visible from the outside of the retail package, features an engraved Cellshock logo, while the back holds a silver sticker with all the usual information.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/heatspreadersoff_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/heatspreadersoff.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/pcbprint_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/pcbprint.jpg)
Once the four hex screws are removed, we discovered a little surprise. Cellshock uses real thermal paste instead of frag tape to transfer the heat from the ICs to the spreaders. The model number and the various certifications of the PCB are also only visible when you remove the heatspreaders.
[page=Performance & Overclocking]
Test Setup
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="systable">
<tr><th colspan="2" style="font-size:larger;text-align:center">Test System</th></tr>
<tr>
<th width="100">CPU:</th>
<td>Intel E6300 Conroe<br />1.8 GHz, 2 MB Cache</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Motherboard:</th>
<td>ASUS P5B Deluxe BIOS 1004 <br>
Intel P965 C1 </td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Video Card:</th>
<td>PowerColor X800XL Pro 16 PCI-E</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Harddisk:</th>
<td>Samsung P80 80 GB</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Power Supply:</th>
<td>Ultra V-Power 450W</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Software:</th>
<td>Windows XP SP2, Catalyst 7.6</td>
</tr>
</table>
Performance & Overclocking
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/cpuz.jpg
Once the memory was installed, the SPD programming of the memory is correct and reflects the two possible settings. It also featurs EPP, so that you may let the BIOS set the correct speed and timing for you.
Testing the memory is done by a specific method. First we run the kits at the intended settings - in this case 2.3V and 1066 MHz with CL5-5-5-15. This worked flawlessly. Then the timings were set at 3-2-2 with 667 MHz. The memory did not boot at these settings. When relaxing the timings a bit to 3-3-3, the system became stable once more at 1.95V. This is where the smile on my face became bigger and bigger after each test run. The first milestone is 800 MHz at CL3-3-3, the second came in form of 1000 MHz CL4-4-4 and then even 1066 MHz at the same setting with 2.35V. The kit even manages 1066 MHz CL5-5-5-15 with default timings of 1.85V. The maximum this kit managed was 1170 MHz stable at 5-5-5-15 and 2.35V. Cellshocks warranty only coveres an operation up to 2.3V, but even at 2.45V and CL5-5-5-15, the memory did not manage 1200 MHz.
<table width="640" border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable">
<tr>
<th colspan="9" ><strong>Cellshock 1066 MHz CL5 2GB Kit</strong></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th nowrap="nowrap">CPU Clock &<br />Memory Ratio</th>
<th>Memory<br/>Speed</th>
<th>Memory<br/>Timings</th>
<th>Everest<br/>Read</th>
<th>Everest<br/>Write</th>
<th>Everest<br/>Latency</th>
<th>Quake 3<br/>Timedemo</th>
<th>3DMark<br/>2001SE</th>
<th>SuperPi<br/>Mod 1M</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 320 3:5</th>
<td>533 MHz </td>
<td>5-5-5-15 1.85V </td>
<td>8064 MB/s </td>
<td>5814 MB/s </td>
<td>57.7 ns </td>
<td>439.8 fps </td>
<td>27799</td>
<td>24.01 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 324 3:5</th>
<td>540 MHz</td>
<td>5-5-5-15 2.15V </td>
<td>8365 MB/s </td>
<td>6041 MB/s </td>
<td>55.2 ns </td>
<td>456.5 fps </td>
<td>28392</td>
<td>23.07 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 351 3:5 </th>
<td>585 MHz </td>
<td>5-5-5-15 2.35V </td>
<td>8752 MB/s </td>
<td>6391 MB/s </td>
<td>53.4 ns </td>
<td>478.5 fps </td>
<td>29179</td>
<td>21.96 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 294 2:3 </th>
<td>442 MHz </td>
<td>4-4-4-12 1.85V </td>
<td>7262 MB/s </td>
<td>5373 MB/s </td>
<td>65.6 ns </td>
<td>404.8 fps </td>
<td>26373</td>
<td>26.15 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 333 2:3 </th>
<td>500 MHz </td>
<td>4-4-4-12 2.15V </td>
<td>8207 MB/s </td>
<td> 6070 MB/s </td>
<td>58.1 ns </td>
<td>453.9 fps </td>
<td>28450</td>
<td>23.11 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 355 2:3 </th>
<td>533 MHz </td>
<td>4-4-4-8 2.35V </td>
<td>8768 MB/s </td>
<td>6461 MB/s </td>
<td>54.7 ns </td>
<td>471.6 fps </td>
<td>29238</td>
<td>21.64 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 277 4:5 </th>
<td>347 MHz </td>
<td>3-3-3-10 1.95V </td>
<td>6341 MB/s </td>
<td>5059 MB/s </td>
<td>78.6 ns </td>
<td>374.2 fps </td>
<td>24638</td>
<td>28.43 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 320 4:5 </th>
<td>400 MHz </td>
<td>3-3-3-10 2.25V </td>
<td>7328 MB/s </td>
<td>5793 MB/s </td>
<td>68.3 ns </td>
<td>427.7 fps </td>
<td>26681</td>
<td>24.68 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 336 4:5 </th>
<td>421 MHz</td>
<td>3-3-3-10 2.35V</td>
<td>7623 MB/s </td>
<td>6108 MB/s </td>
<td>64.8 ns </td>
<td>439.8 fps </td>
<td>27064</td>
<td>23.50 s</td>
</tr>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph1.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph2.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph3.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph4.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph5.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph6.gif
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/voltage.jpg
As you can see in the Voltage graph, it becomes apparent, that the maximum memory is rises steadily with the increase of voltage. Then when the maximum is reached, simply change the CL setting and continue at lowest voltage from the same point. This makes this one of the most versatile memory we have tested so far. Remember, that every kit performs differently, so your milage may vary!
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The 2 GB kit of Cellshock DD2 1066 MHz CL5 will set you back around 139€. This may be a bit more than comparable kits from other manufacturers, but these do perform well across all voltages and CL settings.</td><br>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Great linear voltage/CL rating!
Will do 1066 at default voltage of 1.85V
Does 1000 MHz at CL4
Capable of 800 MHz at CL3
Plenty of overclocking headroom up to 1170 MHz
PCB sports CE and RU certifications
Thermal paste instead of tape used
Incredibly solid heatspreaders
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Pricey
Rated at 2.3V for 1066 MHz
Won't work with CL3-2-2 at 667 MHz
Packaging may be confusing
Cellshock should put two or three ratings on the memory
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>9.5</th>
<td>The Cellshock PC2-8500 memory can almost be described as perfect. It comes rated at 2.3V, which may turn some people off, but our review kit managed to do the rated speed at 1.85V without much trouble. Cellshock impresses at every CL rating with great performance. For those who cannot use 1066 MHz, the 800 MHz CL3 rating may be of interest, but sadly this is not something that is apparent for the potential buyer. If Cellshock were to also mention that the memory can handle CL3 at 800 or CL4 at 1000 MHz, it may be more attractive to a larger user base. The great attributes of the memory do justify a price premium, but you may be hard pressed to spend 40€ more when you know that other brands doe the same speed for much less. The Cellshock memory gives you pretty much the complete spectrum of speed and CL ratings available, which makes the memory one of the most versatile kits out there.
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/editorschoice.gif</td></tr>
</table>
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/cellshock_logo.jpg
We would like to thank Cellshock (http://cellshock.flagbit.com) for supplying the review sample.
Cellshock is a brand of the MSC Vertriebs GmbH. The company was established in 1979 and has made a name for itself as one of the leading high-tech distributors of electronic components in Europe. The Cellshock brand made some waves as they offer enthusiast memory from Germany and entered the marked with full force. The brand is offered in form of DDR2 and DDR3 memory with very unique heatspreaders.
From the manufacturer CellShock (http://cellshock.flagbit.com/en/products/ddr2/ddr2-1066-cl5.html):
1066MHz DDR2
CL 5-5-5-15 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
Micron D9GMH Chips
Unbuffered
5 Year Warranty
2.3 Volts
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packfront_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packfront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packrear_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packrear.jpg)
Every manufacturer packs their memory differently, just so it sticks out on a product shelf. Cellshock packs theirs into a black, very compact cardboard package. There is a small window on the front, showing one of the two DIMMs of the kit. This may be slightly confusing, as some may think the package only contains a single module. On the back you will find the features of the Cellshock memory in multiple languages.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packlabel_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packlabel.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packopen_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packopen.jpg)
A white label on the bottom not only seals the package, but also features the part number, speed, CL rating, kit size and voltage in plain black writing. Once this seal is broken, the inner cardboard tray can be pulled out of the bottom.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packtrays_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/packtrays.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/manual_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/manual.jpg)
The two modules are placed on top of each other, even though there would be enough space to place them side by side within the black box. Below the memory you will find an installation manual, which is purely text based. This may not be of much help for those who are installing memory for the first time. A few general, grayscale images would have been a nice addition.
[page=A Closer Look]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/memnew_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/memnew.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/memsides_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/memsides.jpg)
Cellshock uses solid aluminum heatspreaders. These are held in place with real screws. These covers are made of solid aluminum and actually make installing the DIMMs much easier.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/lable_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/lable.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/logo_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/logo.jpg)
The front of the memory, which is visible from the outside of the retail package, features an engraved Cellshock logo, while the back holds a silver sticker with all the usual information.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/heatspreadersoff_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/heatspreadersoff.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/pcbprint_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/pcbprint.jpg)
Once the four hex screws are removed, we discovered a little surprise. Cellshock uses real thermal paste instead of frag tape to transfer the heat from the ICs to the spreaders. The model number and the various certifications of the PCB are also only visible when you remove the heatspreaders.
[page=Performance & Overclocking]
Test Setup
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="systable">
<tr><th colspan="2" style="font-size:larger;text-align:center">Test System</th></tr>
<tr>
<th width="100">CPU:</th>
<td>Intel E6300 Conroe<br />1.8 GHz, 2 MB Cache</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Motherboard:</th>
<td>ASUS P5B Deluxe BIOS 1004 <br>
Intel P965 C1 </td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Video Card:</th>
<td>PowerColor X800XL Pro 16 PCI-E</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Harddisk:</th>
<td>Samsung P80 80 GB</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Power Supply:</th>
<td>Ultra V-Power 450W</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Software:</th>
<td>Windows XP SP2, Catalyst 7.6</td>
</tr>
</table>
Performance & Overclocking
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/cpuz.jpg
Once the memory was installed, the SPD programming of the memory is correct and reflects the two possible settings. It also featurs EPP, so that you may let the BIOS set the correct speed and timing for you.
Testing the memory is done by a specific method. First we run the kits at the intended settings - in this case 2.3V and 1066 MHz with CL5-5-5-15. This worked flawlessly. Then the timings were set at 3-2-2 with 667 MHz. The memory did not boot at these settings. When relaxing the timings a bit to 3-3-3, the system became stable once more at 1.95V. This is where the smile on my face became bigger and bigger after each test run. The first milestone is 800 MHz at CL3-3-3, the second came in form of 1000 MHz CL4-4-4 and then even 1066 MHz at the same setting with 2.35V. The kit even manages 1066 MHz CL5-5-5-15 with default timings of 1.85V. The maximum this kit managed was 1170 MHz stable at 5-5-5-15 and 2.35V. Cellshocks warranty only coveres an operation up to 2.3V, but even at 2.45V and CL5-5-5-15, the memory did not manage 1200 MHz.
<table width="640" border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="ramtable">
<tr>
<th colspan="9" ><strong>Cellshock 1066 MHz CL5 2GB Kit</strong></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th nowrap="nowrap">CPU Clock &<br />Memory Ratio</th>
<th>Memory<br/>Speed</th>
<th>Memory<br/>Timings</th>
<th>Everest<br/>Read</th>
<th>Everest<br/>Write</th>
<th>Everest<br/>Latency</th>
<th>Quake 3<br/>Timedemo</th>
<th>3DMark<br/>2001SE</th>
<th>SuperPi<br/>Mod 1M</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 320 3:5</th>
<td>533 MHz </td>
<td>5-5-5-15 1.85V </td>
<td>8064 MB/s </td>
<td>5814 MB/s </td>
<td>57.7 ns </td>
<td>439.8 fps </td>
<td>27799</td>
<td>24.01 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 324 3:5</th>
<td>540 MHz</td>
<td>5-5-5-15 2.15V </td>
<td>8365 MB/s </td>
<td>6041 MB/s </td>
<td>55.2 ns </td>
<td>456.5 fps </td>
<td>28392</td>
<td>23.07 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 351 3:5 </th>
<td>585 MHz </td>
<td>5-5-5-15 2.35V </td>
<td>8752 MB/s </td>
<td>6391 MB/s </td>
<td>53.4 ns </td>
<td>478.5 fps </td>
<td>29179</td>
<td>21.96 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 294 2:3 </th>
<td>442 MHz </td>
<td>4-4-4-12 1.85V </td>
<td>7262 MB/s </td>
<td>5373 MB/s </td>
<td>65.6 ns </td>
<td>404.8 fps </td>
<td>26373</td>
<td>26.15 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 333 2:3 </th>
<td>500 MHz </td>
<td>4-4-4-12 2.15V </td>
<td>8207 MB/s </td>
<td> 6070 MB/s </td>
<td>58.1 ns </td>
<td>453.9 fps </td>
<td>28450</td>
<td>23.11 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 355 2:3 </th>
<td>533 MHz </td>
<td>4-4-4-8 2.35V </td>
<td>8768 MB/s </td>
<td>6461 MB/s </td>
<td>54.7 ns </td>
<td>471.6 fps </td>
<td>29238</td>
<td>21.64 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 277 4:5 </th>
<td>347 MHz </td>
<td>3-3-3-10 1.95V </td>
<td>6341 MB/s </td>
<td>5059 MB/s </td>
<td>78.6 ns </td>
<td>374.2 fps </td>
<td>24638</td>
<td>28.43 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 320 4:5 </th>
<td>400 MHz </td>
<td>3-3-3-10 2.25V </td>
<td>7328 MB/s </td>
<td>5793 MB/s </td>
<td>68.3 ns </td>
<td>427.7 fps </td>
<td>26681</td>
<td>24.68 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 336 4:5 </th>
<td>421 MHz</td>
<td>3-3-3-10 2.35V</td>
<td>7623 MB/s </td>
<td>6108 MB/s </td>
<td>64.8 ns </td>
<td>439.8 fps </td>
<td>27064</td>
<td>23.50 s</td>
</tr>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph1.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph2.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph3.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph4.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph5.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/graph6.gif
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Cellshock/PC2_8500/images/voltage.jpg
As you can see in the Voltage graph, it becomes apparent, that the maximum memory is rises steadily with the increase of voltage. Then when the maximum is reached, simply change the CL setting and continue at lowest voltage from the same point. This makes this one of the most versatile memory we have tested so far. Remember, that every kit performs differently, so your milage may vary!
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The 2 GB kit of Cellshock DD2 1066 MHz CL5 will set you back around 139€. This may be a bit more than comparable kits from other manufacturers, but these do perform well across all voltages and CL settings.</td><br>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Great linear voltage/CL rating!
Will do 1066 at default voltage of 1.85V
Does 1000 MHz at CL4
Capable of 800 MHz at CL3
Plenty of overclocking headroom up to 1170 MHz
PCB sports CE and RU certifications
Thermal paste instead of tape used
Incredibly solid heatspreaders
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
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Pricey
Rated at 2.3V for 1066 MHz
Won't work with CL3-2-2 at 667 MHz
Packaging may be confusing
Cellshock should put two or three ratings on the memory
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<th>9.5</th>
<td>The Cellshock PC2-8500 memory can almost be described as perfect. It comes rated at 2.3V, which may turn some people off, but our review kit managed to do the rated speed at 1.85V without much trouble. Cellshock impresses at every CL rating with great performance. For those who cannot use 1066 MHz, the 800 MHz CL3 rating may be of interest, but sadly this is not something that is apparent for the potential buyer. If Cellshock were to also mention that the memory can handle CL3 at 800 or CL4 at 1000 MHz, it may be more attractive to a larger user base. The great attributes of the memory do justify a price premium, but you may be hard pressed to spend 40€ more when you know that other brands doe the same speed for much less. The Cellshock memory gives you pretty much the complete spectrum of speed and CL ratings available, which makes the memory one of the most versatile kits out there.
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