Still Testing:

The maximum result was the E6600 operating at 3.5GHz (1.450v) with the Flex XLC memory set to 4-4-4-15 timings at 1050MHz under 2.4 volts. The system's Front Side Bus had maxed out at 1550MHz and would go no higher stopping just short of Sisoft's Memory Bandwidth 8000MB mark. These are some great scores and results that reach in to the AMD memory bandwidth region not to mention a new record on this test bench.

Maximum CPU FSB Overclock

Maximum Stable Memory Overclock

The current 680i platforms have been reaching 1600MHz Front Side Bus frequencies. These gains are fantastic for the processor alone, but coupled with some very capable memory overclocking, the gains are improved upon even more. The Flex XLC memory proved to be capable with frequencies from 800Mhz all the way up to 1250MHz using the default 5-5-5-18 memory timings. The 680i test platform would automatically adjust the target frequency above 1250 most likely due to the FSB:DRAM ratio changing. Anything over 1250 resulted in system instability and random program crashes which all suggest I had hit the test board's maximum.

Now, we all know the OCZ PC2 9200 Flex XLC memory heat sinks are capable of being cooled using any liquid cooling kit. After letting curiosity get the best of me, the Flex XLC kit was connected to the trusty Koolance EHX-1050 Kit with the CPU-300-V10 block. Normally the unit experiences a cool 27 Celsius under normal load with the room temperature at about 20 Celsius. With the Flex XLC heat sinks connected, the temperature rose to 30 Celsius which indicates that some heat is being transferred mainly when overclocked to higher frequencies.

The 2006 Overclocking Champion!

The memory didn't produce any extra performance gains using liquid cooling which may be due to the modules not quite needing it. This isn't a negative thing either since most people don't use or have access to liquid cooling. OCZ obviously understands this and made a very smart move in making it capable of air and liquid cooling. That being the case, I would like to see some revamped heat sinks in the future doing away with the barbs since they aren't really necessary to reap 99% of the memory's rewards. That kind of revision could also help cut costs and possibly drop the retail price making it more affordable to more buyers. Its current price tag may keep it from being the quickest purchase choice with so many other kits to choose from. However, the extreme enthusiasts will definitely be drooling to get their hands on this kit.

While I was putting things away and clearing the test bench, my eight year old daughter walked by curious about what the "comb looking" things were plugged in on the board. After explaining a little of what they were, she then asked what do you do with the holes if there is no water cooling connected to them. As I'm standing there thinking of a good answer, she then runs off and returns with two blue and two red LEDs from an old toy. Before I could ask what they were for (and I'm sure you already have guessed), she says connect and fit them in the holes. I tried to resist, really, I did. In the spirit of what Virtual-Hideout has been about, I connected them to the heat sinks partly in hopes it can spur some future OCZ ideas.

No Light

Low Light

The Concept

Conclusion:

   The performance tests and images pretty much say it all. The OCZ PC2 9200 Flex XLC Dual Channel Memory is simply a fantastic dual channel kit whether you are running a stock machine using the best, lowest timings possible or whether you intend to drain every last possible drop of performance from your capable motherboard and processor. The memory proves to be extremely stable and reliable under and over its stock specifications.

OCZ did well in choosing the best Micron D series modules which contribute to the memory's ability in breaking and setting some new records. Coupled with any flagship 965X, 975X, and 680i chipsets, the Flex XLC becomes a very powerful tool. The OCZ PC2 9200 Flex XLC Kit pushes the Intel memory bandwidth in to new territory and will absolutely please any enthusiast AMD users alike. The Flex XLC price is one factor that may be held against it by the average user. However, the Flex XLC is currently the fastest memory kit in circulation and may be the kit you've been looking for especially if you really want to tap in to the latest performance motherboard chipsets hidden capabilities.