CSX Diablo3 PC3-16000 (DDR3 2000) 2GB kit

 

Starting with the outer packaging, the Diablo3 has the popular blister-style packaging synonymous with the memory giants of Corsair and OCZ. Unlike the aformentioned manufacturers, CSX opted not to display the memory modules from the front and instead show a picture of the modules superimposed on a flame-esque background with “DDR3 Diablo – Extreme Performance” emblazoned across the middle.

I am not a big fan of this type of protection as blister packs can easily be bent by Mr postman when ramming (pun intended) them through the letter box. That said, as long as they are securely packed inside another cardboard box, then I’m sure they would be fine, but I can’t say anything other than blister packs are simply ‘adequate’.

 

 

Flipping the pack over, we get to see what we have purchased. The first thing we notice is the huge heatsinks placed over the ram module. The second thing I noticed and disliked was the font used on the ram, which I think cheapens the product again – surely a better font could be chosen? Opening the push-button style pack, we find that the budget theme continues as the insert feels very cheap, almost homemade in appearance. Strangely, there is no information about the ram other than the obligatory installation guide. I did have a chuckle when I noticed a warning at the bottom which states that the ram should not be used in critical or human affecting systems, which implanted the image of some power mad anaesthetist running around overclocking his instruments while some poor sap lay on the operating table.

 

 

 

As you can see, the featured heatspreader dominates the Diablo’s appearance, being almost double the size of the ram module itself. Rather than have the ends ending abruptly like your typical heatsink, the edges are rolled over on a hinge so there is little chance of injuring yourself when installing the modules. The same cant be said of the motherboard slots, however, as due to the height of them, it would be very easy to break the DDR slots if you slipped while applying pressure.

To the right of the modules, there is a sticker showing the ram’s speed and most interestingly the actual integrated chips, which in the Diablo’s case are premium Micron D9GTR IC’s. These chips are renowned throughout the overclockers’ world as being among the best overclocking IC’s available, something we will be putting to the test later in the review. Other than the rated speed, integrated chips, and module barcode/number, there was still no information regarding the specified voltage or timings of these modules, so a quick visit to the manufacturer’s website would be needed.

 

 

 

As this sticker identified the actual chips used, I felt little reason to confirm this by removing the heatspreader and thereby risk damaging the chips and invalidating the warranty. The ram chips are single-sided and are affixed from the 8-layer PCB to the heatsink using thermal pads. Due to the hinge nature of the heatsink, I would guess that the heatsink itself is easily removed, allowing you to fit alternative methods of cooling should you wish. However, the black aluminium sinks appear to be sufficient enough to stave off any overheating issues you may encounter.