Introduction

I would like to thank A-DATA for supplying the review sample. The company has a full line-up of memory modules. They first made a name for themselves in the European and American market when they introduced DDR1 500 MHz memory at extremely competitive prices. Their current line-up of DDR2 memory goes all the way up to 1200 MHz, which seems to be the current limit of most manufacturers.

From the A-DATA website:

• Suitable for: Desktop PCs
• Module specification: 240Pin Unbuffered-DIMM Non ECC
• Versions available: 2GB Kit (1GBx2)
• Pin layout: 128m x8
• Transmission bandwidth: 12800MB/Sec（PC3-12800）
• CL value: 7-7-7-20
• Working voltage: 1.75V-1.85V
• Lifetime warranty

Packaging

A-Data ships the memory in the most elaborate package I have seen for memory so far. The large box is made of cardboard and the full color paint job on the package is glossy. The A-Data and X-Series logo is clearly visible on the front, while the back holds the label. This is where you need to look if you want to know what's inside the package.


Opening the package is done in a "roll out" motion. The two parts hold a module each, which can be revealed by pulling the black box apart - very nice and certainly unique.

A Closer Look

A-Data has placed graphite colored heatspeaders on the memory. These are of the same format as the red ones found on their DDR2 memory, but have a different logo on them. There are no clips holding them in place - only thermal tape.


Both sides are identical, with the sticker being the only difference. The heatspreaders are very compact and are made of Aluminum.


Taking a close look at the logos on the heatspreaders, there are two. The first is the A-DATA company logo, while the second is the Vitesta brand name. Interestingly enough there is no mention of the "X-Series" line under which these kits are marketed. It looks like A-Data merely took the red speaders found on their Extreme Series DDR2 memory and changed the base color to granite. It would have been nice to see a bit more changed - at least a different, or additional logo printed on them. Some may mistake the memory for a DDR2 variant instead.


There are two different labels on the modules. One has a bar code and holds the general model numbers to identify the memory. On the other side the sticker holds the actual speed, CL rating and Voltage required for operation. This is the one of importance.


Taking a closer look at the modules inbetween the spreaders it becomes apparent that these are single sided. The clear side has been filled with a thick thermal tape, which holds the heatspreader in place. The side with the ICs has a thinner tape, which is supposed to hold tight. As was the case with the DDR2 memory modules we reviewed, it does not hold well at all. The problem is not that bad, but I was still able to pull the heatspreader off easily and taking a look at the thermal tape, it becomes apparent that it does not make proper contact with the ICs. This gives us the opportunity to take a close look at the Micron chips used - clearly labled D9GTR.