Appearance
We've mentioned that a number of new 200FSB chipsets have hit the retail shelves now, many of them running in dual-channel format. The obvious step for any RAM manufacturer is to release RAM that ably meets both the high FSB synchronously, and works in pairs.
Enter the best-looking modules we've seen.
Gift boxed, as usual. The boxes provide reasonable protection against transit knocks. An instruction manual is included in the package, too.
Dios mio. If awards were given out on the basis of appearance, these modules would take first prize. It appears that OCZ are doing pretty much what Corsair have done. Have a standard heatspreader (copper, in the case of OCZ) and then another that stands out. Here we have a standard copper heatspreader that's been plated for aesthetics' sake. Aside from the looks, the most pertinent information is contained on the stickers. PC3200 speed with dual channel EL (Enhanced Latency) timings. We'll delve into these a little later.
The back's equally impressive. It appears that these are still copper heatspreaders with a reflective, plated coating. The weight of the sticks is exactly the same as any other OCZ's.
These modules are single-sided in both meanings of the term. Technically speaking, 8 256-Mbit memory chips (8-bit width and 32M addresses) make up a single 64-bit bank. The 8 chips give a total of 256MB per stick. The chips are situated on one side of the PCB only, thereby being single-sided from a visual perspective. Notice how easily the finish smudges ?. The heatspreaders are fastened on well with clips and what looks like a slab of thermal tape.