OCZ Reaper HPC Edition DDR2 PC2-9200
Now we move on to OCZ, the first of the big names in the performance-memory market, and also to the first of our modules to break the PC2-9000 barrier - a scorching DDR2-1150.
With this increase in overall speed, however, we also see latencies pushed up to 5-5-5-18, the traditional upper bound of timings for DDR2 modules.
The clear blister packaging lets you get a good view of the Reaper HPC Edition modules with their novel cooling. Details of the modules and timings are tucked away on a small sticker on the lower edge.
The OCZ Reaper HPC DDR2 PC2-9200 modules are rated at DDR2-1150 with 5-5-5-18 timings at 2.3V. That's 0.5V over JEDEC specifications.
In addition, OCZ's Extended Voltage Protection (EVP) policy allows them to be run at up to 2.35V without affecting the user's warranty.
Support for NVIDIA's EPP is also included for easy configuration for optimum performance with supporting NVIDIA chipsets. This, however, sets the memory to 1142MHz, not the full 1150MHz. Clearly, that's not a big difference but we mention it to save confusion.
Each module has a fitted heatspreader along with an attached copper heatpipe that loops round into a secondary aluminium heatsink.
OCZ claims this design helps to quickly move the heat away from the memory modules and effectively doubles the overall surface area for cooling - helping to keep the modules cool and enhancing the overclocking potential.
Warranty
OCZ Technology offers a lifetime warranty with all
its memory
modules and this is handled by the company itself.
Because of its EVP policy, the modules are
warrantied up to 2.35V. That's a nice extra, even if it's only
a
minor increase over stock, and further increases confidence in a
product that, already as standard, is running well above the
JEDEC
specification.
OCZ does not give an absolute time for RMA turn arounds.
It simply
states
that for current-generation memory modules, testing is put on a 'rush
process' with immediate shipping via FEDEX.
Previous-generation modules, it says, may take longer and, in some cases, users may simply be offered 'current market value credit' against other OCZ Technology products.
There's no mention about second-hand memory but, since there's also no demand for proof of purchase, we'd assume that the warranty is not limited to the original purchaser.
For European owners, the RMA process is carried out through a Netherlands address - something that may add to the overall turn around time, as well as postage costs.
Summary
The OCZ Reaper HPC DDR2 PC2-9200 modules offer a novel cooling approach along with a reasonable price tag. The best we could find was £138 from MemoryC.com. Rather surprisingly, though, we struggled to find many stockists for these OCZ modules.
We'll tell you shortly whether OCZ's cooling does deliver better overclocking performance but our initial impression of the product was positive.
Speaking of positives, OCZ's warranty is another. You can't get much better than a lifetime warranty and the additional EVP coverage is a bonus for overclockers.
So, a promising-looking product and one to keep an eye on in the performance section.