| Summary : |
Overclocking & Prices
Now let’s look at the maximum frequencies that these memory modules can reach. For these tests, we used voltages ranging between 1.8 and 2.1 Volts. The presentation will be made as usual in order to ensure optimal visibility. We will test each module in 5-5-5-15, 4-4-4-12 and 3-3-3-12 modes. For each test, stability is evaluated with five passes of memtest86+ 1.20 and some additional tests for the highest frequencies. Let us proceed.
- Overclocking
- Corsair PC2-5300
Skipping the suspense, Corsair PC2-5400 is the most consistent memory that enabled us to reach the best frequencies. Let us see the table obtained:
As you can see here, we were able to reach 320 MHz in 3-3-3-8 mode and a sexy DDR2-740 at 5-5-5-12! The important thing is to note that the performance is very similar in these two modes, evidence that faster timings can help compensate for a slower frequency.
- Crucial Ballistix DDR2-667
Let us move on now to the Crucial Ballistix memory. This one particularly does not seem to like aggressive timings since we could scarcely reach 3-3-3-8 at 2.0 Volts or higher.
With a fine DDR2-740 in 4-4-4-12 mode, and with only 2 Volts, this module clearly offers a very high level of performance. The only weak point of the module is its inability to support low timings at high frequencies. That said, considering the service that backs the Crucial modules (no, this is not an advertisement in disguise), they can easily be forgiven.
- Kingston DDR2-533
Concerning the 'Value' modules from Kingston, we observed a very good tendency to overclock, although those do not form part of the specially selected "HyperX" range:
As you can see, although this module is a DDR2-533 module, it works problem-free to DDR2-667 frequencies. The Elpida chips used here seem clearly good quality. With HyperX modules, you would probably get this::
- OCZ PC2-4300 EB
As we saw, the OCZ and Kingston modules are precisely the same ones. OCZ only having screened its modules slightly more selectively, just like Kingston with their HyperX modules. Let’s see the results:
These results are also very good and consistent. It is still noted however that the behavior of these modules is very similar to that of Kingston exposed here above...
- Prix des modules
We still need to look at pricing of these modules before concluding. We put together here a small graph with the best online prices as of August 7. We also included "standard" Micron DDR2-533 modules and Corsair PC3200XL DDR1. All the kits are 1GB kits of 2*512 MB. OCZ was eliminated due to their to lack of availability in the immediate future.
As you can see, the prices of DDR2 modules approach those of top-of-the-line DDR1. Indeed, the very good Kingston DDR2-533 modules are available in France at a similar price to Corsair PC3200XL. If the DDR2-667 modules are still very expensive, they can only go down in the near future. Mass production of the DDR2 still faces some small hurdles.