CES 2011 Coverage

Mushkin

Today, our path took us to Mushkin to take a look at what the company has to offer in the upcoming year. We got a quick look at some of the upcoming Ridgeback line modules that we at OverclockersClub have had the privilege of using. There were two sets on display, as well as a little something new coming out shortly in its new Hammerhead line made for the water cooling enthusiast. The Redline Ridgeback set part number 996973 is a 4GB kit with latencies of 9-11-9-27 at 2133MHz, while the Black set part number 996981 is rated for operation at 1600MHz with latencies of 9-9-9-24. Both run at the Intel specified 1.65v.

The Joule lineup of power supplies gets a refresh with the models gaining 80+ Bronze certification, adding another notch in their belt. This means that not only can you get good stable power, but high power efficiency as well.

The most interesting thing we saw was an EXCLUSIVE LOOK at a product that is targeted squarely at the enthusiast community — the Hammerhead memory modules and water cooling system. The Hammerhead modules come with the same cooling fins as the Ridgeback line as the standard cooling option. For those who would like to get a little more extreme with their cooling, you can purchase the modules with the liquid cooling solution. What looks like just a flat copper plate is a little bit more. Unfortunately, we were not able to remove the Delrin cover on the block, but were told there are Micro channels in the copper plate for excellent heat transfer. Screwed into the Delrin cover are what look like Bitspower compression fittings. These should be available in both 1/2" and 3/8" sizes. When asked why not a barbed fitting, the reply was that the compression fitting was a better solution to prevent leaks in the long term.

We were told that the Hammerhead would support all memory configurations up to a triple channel 6-DIMM setup with adequate spacing between the modules for added airflow over the modules. To connect the modules to the copper water block, you will need to remove the Ridgeback heat sinks (fins), install them in the DIMM slots, and then attach the block to the modules. There are three pre-drilled holes on each side of the block for a standard three-module spacing used on Intel X58 motherboards. But on top of that, there are slots that the screws ride in when using different memory combinations.

There are several liquid cooling solutions on the market, but this looks like a really solid combination with excellent cooling potential, which should bring another level of performance to this series. Look for a review coming up on OverclockersClub.com. When speaking with Mushkin, it looks like things are looking up, with increased support for and from the community.