OCZ PC3200 Platinum 2Gb Dual Channel DDR Kit

Testing

     Like always, overclocking is a very important part of a memory review. Overclocking the memory shows us how stable the memory is, and if the memory is overclocked or maxed out already. For this review, I decided to go with the following setup because I know for a fact that this system will run as high as 290MHz FSB (580MHz DDR).

     To benchmark the memory, I'll be sticking to SiSoft Sandra. I'll start out at the memory's default rating and settings and work my up the overclocking ladder, if possible. Here is how it went down:

     The memory cranked right up to 400MHz at very low memory timings of 2.5-3-2-7. For 1gb modules, this is very impressive. At those timings, I didn't expect to gain one single MHz more, but I was easily able to go all the way up to 460MHz DDR! Once at 460MHz, the memory was simply topped out. Even with loose timings and higher voltage, the memory was stuck at 460MHz. Just for fun, I decided to take advantage of the 1.6 multiplier for the FSB / DDR Ratio on my motherboard. With the FSB at 285MHz and the DDR at 465MHz, I was able to max both the CPU and memory out at the same time. This generated a pretty impressive score for an i865 based motherboard.

Conclusion

     There are just a few companies offering 1Gb sticks of DDR right now, but this is the first I've seen with such low timings. Needless to say, I'm very happy with my latest OCZ experience. As far as NEEDING 2gb of memory, that really depends on what type of work you do with your computer. If you just surf the internet, no. If you are a hard core gamer or someone who is into image rendering, you could benefit by increasing the amount of DDR you have. As for me, I can't tell any speed difference in day to day applications, but I can tell a difference in game load time. To some people, that's more than enough to upgrade. For price, expect to pay at least double what a 1gb kit of PC3200 goes for. As far as pricing goes, that remains a big question mark. We have seen some number tossed around, but nothing solid as of yet. Once OCZ officially releases this memory, we'll have more to go on.

     Overall, I'm very impressed with OCZ's new memory. It's great to see that 1gb modules are finally available for high performance systems!

Available in the USA very soon!