MODTHEBOX would like to thank Jessica from OCZ Technology
for sending the OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 Dual Channel Gold (2-2-2-5) Kit for review.
Introduction:
The most logical solution for increasing overall system performance in a standard computer system is to seek
the upgrade path. By replacing a legacy hardware components with a new and improved model can increase system
performance almost ten fold. It is estimated that the average computer user will upgrade components inside
their computer systems at least every 2 years. In order to get the best performance, high quality brand name
components are often used which are known to offer significant advantages over stock components. Since August
2000, OCZ Technology has been supporting the special demands of computer enthusiasts by manufacturing the
fastest and best performing products. The company has recently released a series of DDR Memory Modules designed
for extreme performance at low latency. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 Dual
Channel Gold (2-2-2-5) Kit designed for dual channel DDR supporting motherboards.
Specifications:
The OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 Dual Channel Gold (2-2-2-5) Kit is one of several different memory modules packages available
on the OCZ Technology website. This kit is a matched pair of memory modules and has been designed to specifically
work for motherboards using chipsets with dual memory channels. Here are some of the specifications taken directly
from the OCZ Technology website:
OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 Dual Channel Gold (2-2-2-5) Kit: Manufactured by OCZ Technology
Part Number: 1GB (2x512) D/C Kit - OCZ4001024ELDCGE-K
400MHz DDR
CL 2-2-2-5 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
Also available in a 512MB Module
Unbuffered
Gold Layered Copper Heatspreader
Lifetime Warranty
Supports ATX/BTX/PCI Express/SATA
Voltage: 2.8 Volts
184 Pin DIMM
Features EVP® and ULN technology
Lifetime warranty
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The OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 Dual Channel Gold (2-2-2-5) Kit arrived in a colourful Perspex package suitable for retail display.
On the front of the package, you see the EL DDR PC-3200 Dual Channel Gold Memory modules as well as standard product advertising.
On the back of the package, there is a summarized list of industry awards and quotes from a few well known sites site as
Anandtech, Bjorn3D, Guru3D, hardCOREware, Legit Reviews, Riva3D, Techzone and Viperlair.
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Out of the packaging, my first impressions of the OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 Dual Channel Gold (2-2-2-5) Kit
were very positive. The modules are quite unique and have a cool aesthetic look to them sporting gold
layered copper heatsinks with black coloured OCZ company logos centered in the middle. The package consist of
two 512MB memory modules which have been implemented using DDR SDRAM chips. The part number
designation of this particular package is suited to run on dual channel supported motherboards at
400MHz DDR (2.8v) with a low latency setting of 2-2-2-5 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS). The low latency setting refers to the
CAS latency setting in your motherboard's BIOS. CAS stands for "Column Address Strobe" and is essentially
a ratio generated between column access time and the clock cycle time of 2 cycles.
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One of the unique characteristics of this particular kit is the addition of OCZ technologies EVP® and
ULN. OCZ EVP® (Extended Voltage Protection) is a feature that allows performance enthusiasts to use a
VDIMM of 3.0V ± 5% without invalidating their OCZ Lifetime Warranty. ULN (Ultra Low Noise) technology
uses various printed circuit board (PCB) techniques to reduce the amount of electrical noise that is
present in all high-speed ICs which results in faster and more stable memory. Another key component
that should appeal to those consumers who like to overclock their systems is the return of Winbond BH5
memory chips. OCZ has capitalized on the popularity of Winbond BH5 by re-using these memory chips from
previously made dyes for this particular package.
Testing:
The OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 Dual Channel Gold (2-2-2-5) Kit was matched against a Corsair XMS3200LL Pro Series Twinx Memory
Kit rated at 2-3-2-6 with a support voltage of 2.6V. Both kits were tested at two different speeds with
a synchronous (1:1) ratio to the processor in dual channel configuration. Testing frequencies reflect
the maximum rated frequency modules the majority of enthusiasts would use when overclocking. A sustained
processor speed of approximately 3GHz (200/200) and 3.2GHz (233/233) was used throughout the testing.
In order to test both kits the following parts were assembled:
ABIT IC7-G P4 Socket 478 Motherboard
Pentium 4 3.0E CPU
Albatron Gigi FX5900XTV 128MB Video Card Review
1 x Maxtor Diamond Max Plus 8 60 GB Hard Drive
1 x Western Digital WD800JB 80 GB Hard Drive
LG 52x32x52 CD-RW w/ SuperLink
SB Audigy Sound Card
Thermaltake Silent PurePower 480W Black PSU
Custom water cooling Kit (Swiftech MCW6002 Water Block, Delphi DDC 12V Water Pump, Typhoon 120x
Reservoir and Black Ice Extreme Radiator)
