Who needs memory rated at data rates exceeding 800MHz? Overclockers, of course! And Corsair is, like many PC component specialists, always looking to appeal to the high-end buyers who seek performance beyond the capabilities of any mid-range part. We've already tested a motherboard capable of meeting these needs, but what about RAM? Capitalizing on the ever-expanding overclocking market, Corsair brings us memory capable of data rates well beyond 1000MHz -- and we're taking a look.

Conservatively rated at DDR2-1066, Corsair's XMS2-8500C5 modules have a useful trick: Automatic configuration for enhanced performance. This technology, dubbed Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP), allows the system to apply the necessary increased voltage automatically in response to the clock rate chosen, or use lower latency values at lower clock speeds.

The greatest benefits will be to new users, who often fear manual configuration. Motherboards that lack EPP capability can still use the standard SPD values, which also has the effect of allowing advanced users to configure these modules manually.

The Twin2X2048-8500C5 retail package includes two 1GB XMS2-8500C5 modules. Anxious to find its capabilities, we'll run the full barrage of tests to find the best timings and highest speed before rating its value in the target market.