G Skill F2-6400CL5d-2GBNQ - Testing

Installing and getting the RAM to boot was very easy. The default voltage for this motherboard is 1.8 volts. This makes it hard to get some memory to work out of the box, like the OCZ RAM I previously tested. This RAM operates at 1.8 volts and boots without a problem. I did however bump it up to 2.0 volts, the maximum for which this memory is rated. I have the feeling that this RAM would benefit from more voltage, but I will only go up to the safe level recommended by G.Skill.

We will take a look at a few different benchmarks that have to do with computer memory. The variables are going to be the timings and speeds of the memory; we will observe the effects this will have on the benchmarks. The test computer is comprised of the following:

• Intel Pentium E2140 (3.2 GHz)

• Abit IP35-E

• 2 GB G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ

• XFX 8500 GT

• OCZ Powerstream 520 watt

• Windows Vista
  

The first test configuration is the stock settings and speed. Just as a reminder it’s DDR2-800, running at 400 MHz, with timings of 5-5-5-12. Next I tried to lower the timings some and see how far I can push it with those tight timings. I managed to get the memory down to 4-4-4-12. This is lower than I could push the OCZ memory, but like the OCZ memory, I couldn’t get it much over 400 MHz. Then I went back to stock timings and then pushed the memory as far as I could. I managed to get it all the way to 475 MHz stable. This is a little bit faster than I could push the OCZ memory. Remember, it has out-overclocked the OCZ RAM with less voltage.

One thing I did notice while testing this memory was that it didn’t get hot. I surely thought that it would. It has your standard heatspreaders. In the past I’ve seen this technology heat up quickly and need a fan over them to be cool enough for operation. This RAM didn’t need a fan and seemed cool to the touch while benching on the overclock speeds.

Next: Everest >>
 

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