OCZ 2x1GB PC2-7200 "Special Ops Edition" DDR2-900 Kit

Introduction:

   OCZ Technology has really been taking the memory world by storm in recent years. Their relentless attention to gamers and high-performance have really raised OCZ into the very top tier bracket on the must have lists for enthusiasts. Also their attention to detail and their dedication in the looks department have really raised the bar for the competition. It's about time a company really listened to the people and starting making their products not only perform well, but look exceptional.

   Today I have for you the newly released OCZ 2x1GB PC2-7200 "Special Ops Edition" DDR2-900 dual channel memory kit. This particular 2x1GB kit is rated at speeds of 900mhz (PC2-7200) at a timing of 5-5-5-15. Let me just say right now that this is not an overclockers dream kit. What this is however is a fabulous looking kit rated at 900mhz.

   It's also a limited edition run so that makes it a little more special. I will also mention real quick that the camouflage color scheme goes really well with a most green and/or black motherboards. More on that during the installation portion of this review.

   So, do you want to buy just any DDR2-800 kit and hope to get to DDR2-900, or just get this kit and know what you've got? That is the question. I'd rather have the latter, but the penny pinchers out there will probably want the former. Let's learn some more about OCZ real quick.

About OCZ:

    Entering the memory market in August 2000, OCZ Technology was built around the determination to manufacture the best high speed DDR and RDRAM. OCZ was founded by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and our commitment to the end-user has not digressed. OCZ Technology has been an innovator in many areas. We were the first manufacturer to make Dual Channel optimized memory available to the public, which originally took advantage of nVidia's Twinbank or Dual DDR architecture, found in their nForce chipset. We have now taken that technology and tailored it for the Canterwood, and Granite Bay chipset's.

   OCZ developed and was the first to implement ULN technology, which has been a critical element in our manufacturing process for some time. We at OCZ diligently work to improve communication with CPU and motherboard chipset manufacturers prior to the release of their products. Only in this manner can we fine-tune our memory's SPD settings, ensuring a synergistic relationship between the memory module, memory controller, and microprocessor. In today’s rapidly evolving semiconductor industry, such communication is not simply research, but a necessary component of our manufacturing process.

Specifications:

    900MHz DDR2
    CL 5-5-5-15 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
    Available in 512MB and 1GB modules and 1GB (2X512) and 2GB (2X1024) kits
    Unbuffered
    Camo Motif XTC Heatspreader
    Lifetime Warranty
    2.1 Volts
    240 Pin DIMM

Special Features

      OCZ Enhanced Latency Technology
     2.2V EVP - OCZ's unique Extended Voltage Protection feature allows PC2-7200 modules to handle voltages up to 2.2V ±5% and still be covered by our Lifetime Warranty.

A Closer Look:

   As we can see, the retail packaging is nothing out of the ordinary and honestly that disappoints me a bit. I was really hoping the "Special Ops Edition" would be something unique. Like perhaps OCZ could've thrown in an S.O.E dog tag like they show on the product page for this memory. Ya know, "something" extra would've been cool. However nothing but the white specs stickers even mention Special Ops.

  And if you look close, they mispelled "Special Ops"! I guess I got the "Speeeeeecial Ops Edition!" w00t! Ahh well, misprints happen, but I wouldn't want to be the guy at OCZ in charge of grammar right now! The funny thing I didn't even notice the misprint until a reader (thanks J.O!) pointed it out to me after I posted this review. It's funny how the obvious things float right past. *sigh*

   Back to the memory itself: it's stunning. It just screams out to the person who's a military veteran, or combat video game user, or even just someone who just plain likes camouflage. I must say, I'm a big camouflage fan and OCZ pulls it off pretty darn well with this kit. We've all seen companies completely screw up camouflaging something, but this is actually not bad at all. Camouflage is not as easy as it looks. There is a method to the madness of colors and this kit pulls it off nicely. Kudos to OCZ for that.

   Underneath all that camouflage is OCZ's new XTC heat spreader design where the entire section of the spreaders that contact the memory modules are meshed. This allows for excellent cooling abilities, especially combined with good airflow in your chassis. The inner mesh is not camouflage, it's chromed, or mirror finished, or erm...shiney! The outer edges and the big "Z" in the middle is camouflaged. It's a nice balance of bling and invisibility!