|
Page 3 of 3 Test setup
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition 3.46GHz ES (1066MHz FSB, using 12x multiplier)
Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP2 (32 bit)
Memory: 1GB (2 x 512MB) Crucial Ballistix PC2-6400 (default 4-4-4-12 at 2.1V)
Graphics card: BFG Technologies 7800 GTX 256MB, 81.85 version driver
Motherboard: Asus P5WD2 Premium (i955X chipset), 519 BIOS. PCB revision 1.02
Power Supply: Akasa PowerPlus 650W ATX 2.01 Software #1: RightMark Memory Analyzer version 3.6 (to test memory stability)
Software #2: Sisoft Sandra 2005 SP2a (to measure memory bandwidth)
Software #3: Lavalsys Everest Ultimate Edition 2005 version 2.20.405 (to measure memory latency)
Test methodology
Note: Yields of RAM will vary from sample to sample as does motherboard stability at high frequencies, for this reason the results displayed within this review should be used as an indication but not guarantee of the capability of this memory. All tests were performed until a highest stable overclock was achieved. Memory timings were never set higher than the defaults 4-4-4-12 in order sustain an improved level of performance. Test 1: (stability): We tested each of the memory configurations up to the highest stable speed and timings using RightMark Memory Analyzer version 3.6. In order for any given memory configuration to classify as stable it had to complete 1 hour of running this software. Unless a given configuration was proved to be 100% stable, tests 1 & 2 below were not executed. Test 2: (memory bandwidth) We tested the highest stable speed and timings obtained within test #1 using Sisoftware Sandra 2005 SP2. Test 3: (memory latency) We tested the highest stable speed and timings obtained within test #1 using Lavalsys Everest Ultimate Edition 2005 version 2.20.405. Test results
Conclusion
 As noted on earlier, despite this memory being marketed at timings of 4-4-4-12, there is some considerable headroom both in lowering these values and increasing the operational frequency. As our tests have revealed using one of the best overclocking motherboards currently available - the Asus P5WD2 Premium - this memory will scale right up to 933MHz at 4-4-4-12 and 2.3V. What is more impressive is a stable 930MHz at 4-3-3-4 and 2.3V making this DDR2 from Crucial something of a great product. Testing also revealed other surprises even if one does not want or need to run at 800MHz or more, how about 3-2-2-4 at 667MHz and 2.2V? Crucial has without doubt delivered what is essentially very good performing enthusiast memory with a very reasonable price to performance ratio thanks to a current selling price of $198. Could this be the ideal RAM for 800MHz FSB Prescott/Smithfield/Presler/Cedarmill owners wanting to fund themselves some overclocking fun? It sure seems this way and with a lifetime warranty where can anyone potentially go wrong? Pros:
- 930MHz @ 4-3-3-4 @ 2.3V
- Allows excellent bandwidth and low system latencies due to high overclockability
- Great price to performance ratio
- Crucial lifetime warranty Cons:
- Not all motherboards allow over 2.1 VDIMM required for maximum overclockability
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/Hide comment form