OCZ PC3200 EL DDR 400 memory

In the past we tested memory at three different memory timings: 2-2-2-5 1T, 2-3-3-5 1T, and 2.5-3-3-6 2T.  We are shifting gears a bit on that.  Most people buying high end memory aren't buying it to run slack and loose memory timings.  With this in mind we are limiting our testing to 2-2-2-6 1T.  OCZ's rating on the Platinum version at 400MHz DDR is 2-2-3-5 1T.  This differs from their EL PC3200 in that that model is currently rated 2-2-3-6 1T.  So on paper it looks like the hand picked chips are expected to put out on the first date.

As we try to do in all our reviews, we use a comparison product to give some perspective on testing on two products on the exact same footing as products perform differently in different setups.  We selected our Corsair XMS3500 Platinum DDR to serve for comparison today.  Keep in mind our comparison unit is PC 3500 NOT PC 3200.

Test Bed

Please not that our test bed has changed.

• ASUS AV78X mainboard

• AMD Thunderbird 1.0GHz

• Inno3D Tornado GeForce FX 5600 Ultra

• Maxtor D740X-6L 40gb ATA-133 7200RPM HDD

• Generic 52x CD-ROM

• Windows XP Professional

Results

Conclusion

It looks like the hand picked memory chips did pay off.  Not in a huge way but they did all the same.  The Corsair proved to have a higher reach in our test bed but only by 2MHz.  This makes me curious what kind of ceiling the OCZ EL PC3500 or EL 3700 would have.  No glitches or stability problems reared their ugly heads during testing.  The mirrored finish over the copper heat spreader as we mentioned earlier is a big plus.  No more Tarn-X for me.  Don't forget that this memory comes with a lifetime warranty.

While we liked the memory and it performed well, it can't be overlooked that you can pick up better performing PC3500 RAM for the same price.  This includes OCZ's EL PC3500 which has a street price of around $150 matching the price of the EL PC3200.  If you decide to pick up some of OCZ's EL PC3200 memory you won't be disappointed.

Pros:

• Tight memory timings and it still bangs on 426Mhz DDR.

• Lifetime warranty

• Copper heat spreaders

• Heat spreaders won't tarnish because of mirrored finish.

Cons: 

• Priced the same as many PC3500 sticks.

• Heavy when compared to like performing RAM.
   

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