Virtual-Hideout | OCZ 2x1GB PC2-8500 NVIDIA SLI Edition DDR2 Memory Review

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OCZ 2x1GB PC2-8500 NVIDIA SLI Edition DDR2 Memory Review

Date Published:
12-19-2006

Written By:
Diceman

Edited By:
Diceman

Provided By:
OCZ Technology

Where to Buy:
OCZ Technology

Discuss Article:
VH Forum link

Pages: 1 2

Introduction:

Well I'm back with yet another OCZ memory review. Today I'll be looking at their newest special edition memory marketed as PC2-8500 NVIDIA SLI Edition DDR2. This kit is rated for 1066MHz operation with timings of 5-5-5-15 @ 2.1v. It's also tuned for easy EPP operation (enhanced performance profiles) specifically programmed for high end NVIDIA SLI chipsets like the NVIDIA 590 SLI and of course, the newest NVIDIA 680i SLI chipset (which is what I'll be testing it on today).

Now I have kind of scoffed at just how handy the "EPP" specifications were in the past, however as these speeds crank up, and motherboard BIOS` get more and more complex, "EPP" is really beginning to appeal to me a little more. The reason for this is the fact that is doesn't just set the basic 5-5-5 timings, but it also adjusts many other in-depth settings in the BIOS that you may never actually see in order to enhance its performance and stability on qualified chipsets. Let's take a closer look at the specs and features of the OCZ PC2-8500 NVIDIA SLI Edition DDR2 dual channel memory kit.



	1066MHz DDR2
	EPP 5-5-5-15 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
	Available in 2GB (2x1024) dual channel kits
	Also available in a 1GB module
	Unbuffered
	SLI-Ready XTC Heatspreader*
	Lifetime Warranty
	2.1 Volts
	240 Pin DIMM Special Features
	NVIDIA® SLI™ certified
	2.4V EVP Part Numbers** 2GB Dual Channel Kit PN – OCZ2N1066SR2GK

A Closer Look:

Retail Front	Retail Rear	Sticker
Label Side	Back Side	2-Piece Spreaders/each

As we can see by the above pictures, the OCZ PC2-8500 NVIDIA SLI Edition kit has a few appearance options that set it apart from the rest of OCZ's lineup. First we have the green themed packaging versus OCZ's normal orange paper backing.

Next we notice that the heatspreaders are black and have a large 'NVIDIA SLI' badge on both sides of the module. That's right, both sides, so it looks good from either side. The heatspreaders you see here are exclusive to these NVIDIA SLI kits, similar to the ATI kits OCZ also produces. The spreaders may look different, but they're still OCZ's excellent XTC spreaders which offer lightweight and excellent heat dissipation. Since these spreaders are attached solely with strong bonding adhesive, I will not be ripping these off the modules. I will most likely damage the spreader in a way that will not allow me to reattach it. The spreaders are mesh and lightweight which make them flexible when pulled up on the ends. So if I try to pry them off, they'll bend like crazy and possibly kink. No thanks.

Installation:

Installed

I'll say it just like I've said in my many recent memory reviews, installing this memory kit is just like installing any other memory kit. The only real thing you need to be aware of is installing them in the correct slots for dual channel mode. You can do that by simply consulting your motherboard manual, or even the manufacturers website.

In my particular situation, I'll be using the ASUS Striker Extreme. I could put the two sticks in the white slots or in the blue slots for correct dual channel operation. You could also mix and match two 2GB kits, but honestly, I like to stick with identical brands and sizes.

When installing a completely new memory kit in a current PC, I also find it helpful to reset your CMOS before booting up for the first time with a completely different memory kit. Especially if you were currently in some strange overclocking mode when you last shut down. It will just might make your life easier, trust me. Some boards don't care and will boot no matter what while some boards won't even boot without resetting CMOS.

Once installed, It powered up without an issue and I hit the BIOS of the ASUS Striker Extreme. I set the memory to 2.1v and also the timings to 5-5-5-15 as stated by OCZ for this PC2-8500 Kit. I then saved changes and rebooted. The PC booted right up and went to desktop. No problems what-so-ever.

Keep in mind that even though this is one of those elite high end kits, it will still boot up and run just fine at 1.8v with timings of 5-5-5 @ 800MHz. So even if you don't have the motherboard right now to take advantage of the increased speeds and voltages, it'll run defaults also. DDR2 can actually run backwards on down the ladder from crazy high 1066MHz down to 800mhz and 667mhz, 533Mhz, and so on. It all depends on the voltages and timings. But even if you don't know what you're doing and set nothing, it'll boot up and run fine.

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