Review: OCZ Technology EL DDR PC-3200 Gold Edition Dual Channel

by Tarinder Sandhu on 8 July 2005, 00:00

Tags: OCZ (NASDAQ:OCZ)

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Physical look



OCZ's familiar packaging keeps the modules firmly in place. You can see why they're called gold now.



The weighty DDR1 (184-pin) modules have gold-coloured copper heatspreaders on either side. OCZ recommends 2.8v for the specified 2-2-2-5 timings at DDR400 speeds and, due to the company's Extended Voltage Protection (EVP), allows enthusiasts to increase the VDIMM voltage up to 3v (+/- 5%). The 1GB dual-channel kit, OCZ says, are hand-tested to perform flawlessly as a pair. Only the add-on sticker makes any reference to internal memory timings. You'll need to own a motherboard that provides VDIMM adjustment, however, as the dual-channel kit requires 2.8v to run at stated speed/timings.



The mirrored heatspreaders pick up smudges and fingerprints all too easily. Still amongst the best-looking RAM you can buy today, though. OCZ offers a limited lifetime warranty on these modules, and if you're lucky enough to live over the pond and in the 'States, OCZ also offers a toll-free (freephone) technical support line.



As Samsung's much-heralded, flexible TCCD memory chips are no longer produced, OCZ uses it chips with its own markings. There's not too much one can discern from the codes, other than a 5ns (DDR400) native rating. The only concern is whether they will run at stringent timings with 2.8v.