OCZ EL DDR PC-3700 - OCZ EL DDR PC-3700

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Testing
For today's memory tests, we will be using the following system components.

System Setup

1. Memory - OCZ EL DDR PC3700 / 466MHz

2. CPU - Intel P4 2.4B (Provided by PLPC)

3. Motherboard - IT7-MAX2 V2.0

4. CPU Cooler - Swiftech MCX4000

5. Video Card - ABIT Siluro 64MB

6. Sound Card - CL Audigy

7. HD - 2 Western Digital 80GB SE's running RAID 0

Note: Stability was tested using 3DMark2k1, Folding@Home and SiSoft Torture Tests.

Unfortunately, running an Intel system gives me small drawbacks such as not being able to unlock the CPU so I can lower the multiplier and raise the FSB. However, with the IT7-MAX2 V2.0 and the Intel 845PE chipset we can set the HW/Memory Strap to low 3:4 for CPU/Memory. This gives us quite a boost in actual memory speed so we can test it much higher than if it were at a 1:1 ratio. Forget stock speed. Lets just max this setup out and see what we have here.  

WCPUID Memory Shot

 

Click the right arrow on WCPUID and you'll get an additional block of info that shows what clock your memory is running at. Circled, we see it at 230MHz which gives us an effective DDR speed of 460MHz as seen below with Cpu-Z. 

Some of our forum peeps hooked me up with Cpu-Z which I am starting to like more and more. Notice it not only shows what frequency my Memory is at (460.0MHz) but it also shows the CAS/RAS/Cycle settings. Pretty sweet. Previously, I had found my 2.4B's highest overclock was around 170 to 172FSB or so. Since I got the OCZ PC3700 I wanted to see if I was truly hitting my highest frequency with the CPU so I relaxed the settings to 2.5/7/3/3 and let her roll. Sure enough, my top clock is still at about the 171, 172FSB mark for the CPU, while only 170FSB is rock stable. And to prove I am at my CPU's limit in speed, I then set the OCZ PC3700 to aggressive memory settings of 2/5/2/2 and booted at 172MHz CPU/230MHz Memory as shown below.

While the OCZ PC3700 is actually rated at 466MHz, my system is simply not capable of running at that speed. However, I was able to reach 460MHz effectively and while doing it, had the memory at the most aggressive settings possible. That is what is truly amazing about this memory. While OCZ claims these memory sticks are capable of 466MHz at CAS 2.5, hitting 460MHz at CAS 2/5/2/2 is nothing short of amazing. Also notice how Cpu-Z recognizes the memory modules at PC3700, whereas most other memories are recognized simply as overclocked PC2700. SiSoft shows the same as seen below.

Lets take a look at some numbers from SiSoft Sandra 2003 OCA Edition.

OCZ PC3700 @230MHz 2.5/7/3/3

OCZ PC3700 @230MHz 2/5/2/2

Conclusion

Obviously memory bandwidth increases with more aggressive memory settings, and that shows here with the OCZ EL DDR PC-3700. Running at an effective 460MHz at CAS 2/5/2/2 at 2.7volts is simply amazing. No other memory I have used to date has even come close to this type of performance. OCZ Claims "OCZ Enhanced Latency PC-3700 is the best performing DDR memory on the market. Period." And they could very well be correct in that statement.

Recently, Dev Hardware released the ABIT IT7-MAX2 V2.0 review. Coupled with the OCZ EL PC3700, we were able to achieve some truly awesome performance from that system, surpassing Granite Bay, VIA KT400 and even nForce2 memory bandwidth scores. I'd say OCZ has something special on their hands here and plenty of reason to be proud. Lets take a look at a few highs and lows of the memory reviewed today.

High

1. Awesome performance at very low CAS settings

2. Super high memory speeds at a low voltage

3. Manufactured at .13micron

4. Smaller packaging than typical TSOP memories which helps keep it cooler

5. High quality copper heatspreaders

6. Lifetime Warranty

Lows

1. This was an engineering sample and may or may not be indicative of what consumers will purchase

2. Expensive

Since this is the best memory I have ever used, I am giving it the coveted Dev Hardware Editor's Choice Award. Additionally, OCZ will be sending Dev Hardware a standard stick of OCZ EL DDR PC-3700 / 466mhz to test in conjunction with the engineering sample we have on hand and I will update the article at that time. But again, I wanted to put this information out to our readers who may be looking for cutting edge memory that has the makings to provide you with some awesome overclocking possibilities. 

Finally. I'd have to say, if what we are seeing here today, is the same quality memory that will be available to the general public, then I think OCZ has some great stuff on their hands. I would not hesitate for a second to recommend this memory to anyone who is looking for great performance, and when the new memory arrives, I will be anxious to test it to see if it can live up to the same performance of the stuff we have reviewed here today.

DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware.

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