Touted by Corsair as the "new sweet spot" for memory and system performance (and with numbers to back it up), 2GB kits have become the norm for performance systems. Gone are the days when lackluster memory management and slow timings limited 2GB system RAM to professional applications, as improved memory technology, increased popularity of high-definition video and games, and even programming shortcuts have pushed large modules to the forefront.

Manufacturing costs and upscale marketing have left value-seekers long on desire and short on cash, but Corsair believes it has a solution for frugal enthusiasts: Its TWINX2048-3200C2 provides 2GB capacity and CAS2 latency for around $200. (With a mail-in rebate available at press time on many e-commerce sites, the memory can be had for well under the $200 limit!)

The high-value counterpart to their latest XMS-XPert release begs the question: can moderate 2-3-3-6 timings provide enough performance to satisfy those with champagne tastes and beer budgets?