Kingston Technology launched its first PC4000 memory module using DDR500 SDRAM chips dubbed the HyperX family.

The DDR500 is basically an overclocked DDR400 SDRAM that Kingston has tested and validated at the higher speed, said Mark Tekunoff, senior technology manager. The memory uses Intel Corp.'s 875 Canterwood chipset, which Tekunoff said is able to support the required high data rate.

Tekunoff said the DDR500 module is aimed at a niche market of gaming enthusiasts who regularly boost their memory clocks and adjust their BIOS settings to increase the performance of their systems.

Kingston said the modules, called the HyperX family, will initially be shipping in limited quantities in 256- and 512Mbyte capacities and in kits with 512Mbyte and 1Gbyte capacities using two modules.

The HyperX modules have been tested on Abit and ASUS motherboards and operate at 2.65V to meet low-power consumption requirements, Kingston said. The modules have an aluminum heat spread to allow for better thermal dissipation.

The PC4000, at 256Mbytes, sells for $112. The 512Mbyte version is $218. The PC3700, at 256Mbytes, is $99. The 512Mbyte module is $187.