OCZ Reaper X HPC DDR2 PC2-6400 Enhanced Bandwidth 4GB Memory Kit

Introduction:

    Up for review today is a memory kit from OCZ Technologies that uses their latest memory cooling solution for enthusiasts: the Heat Pipe Conduit, or HPC. The particular product is the OCZ PC2-6400 800 MHz ReaperX HPC Enhanced Bandwidth 4GB Dual Channel Memory Kit. Here is how OCZ describes this module:   

“These high-performance modules will support the latest games and top of the line multimedia programs with a 4GB capacity, combined with the high frequencies and aggressive bandwidth for maximum system stability. Rated at DDR2-800 with 4-4-3 timings, the PC2-6400 ReaperX provides exceptional latencies for the extreme enthusiast and gamer. The sheer speeds combined with the 4GB capacity of this kit will provide you with unsurpassed reliability, system responsiveness, and stable performance.

Featuring an EPP (Enhanced Performance Profiles) programmed SPD, PC2-6400 Reaper X modules will immediately boot at the rated specs on the latest generation of NVIDIA® SLI™ chipsets. Although the OCZ Reaper X series caters to enthusiasts, EPP eliminates the need for manual configuration and makes the benefits of overclocking available to the complete range of consumers looking to get the most out of their systems.

The ReaperX series provides enthusiasts leading-edge cooling technology, with each memory chip in direct contact with a thermo-conductive pipe that guides heat away and quickly dissipates it through the aluminum fin array.

As one of OCZ’s legendary Enhanced Bandwidth (EB) editions, the ReaperX 4GB kit increases effective memory bandwidth through the optimization of memory latencies between the system memory, the chipset, and memory controller, resulting in the ideal balance of speed and enhanced timings.”

Specifications:

• 800MHz DDR2

• EPP 4-4-3-15* (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)

• Available in 4GB (2x2048MB) Dual Channel Kits

• Unbuffered

• OCZ Lifetime Warranty

• 2.1 Volts

• 240 Pin DIMM

Special Features

• ReaperX HPC Heatsink**

• 2.2V EVP***

• Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP)

A Closer Look:

Retail Front

Retail Rear

ReaperX 4GB Kit

    The ReaperX HPC 4GB kit comes packaged in a simple, clear plastic blister pack that shows off the large heatsinks. On the back side of the package some information on the heatsinks are listed, but nothing much on the RAM itself. The blister pack is held closed with snap-type clips and not heat sealed on all four sides.

Front View

OCZ Etched in

Spec Sticker

    The kit I received was the 4GB kit, or 2x2GB PC2-6400, that runs at 800MHz and has a timing rating of 4-4-3-15. The modules will run those timings at 1.8v - 2.1v and handle up to 2.2v without voiding the EVP (Extended Voltage Protection) warranty. The 4-4-3-15 timingd are really good for DDR2. With such tight timings I wouldn't expect high overclocking rates at the stock timing; but loosened up, the result might be impressive.

Dual Fin Array

Quad Fins

Just Showing Off

    With the RAM out of its packaging, the most prominent features, of course, are the cooling fins and the weight. At first glance, the heatsink looks to be a one-piece unit, but it's actually two separate pieces. Each heatpipe has its own set of heatsink fins. The setup is as follows: Thick aluminum heatsinks, with a matte black finish covering the RAM modules. In between the RAM modules and the heatsink plates are the heatpipes, one on each side of the module. The heatpipes are U-shaped, thus allowing the heatsink fins to sit above the RAM. Each heatpipe goes into its own bank of fins. When looking at the OCZ ReaperX HPC from the side, you will see two sets of teardrop-shaped fins, one set on each heatpipe. This design allows each heatpipe to work individually.

Installation and Testing:

Heat Pipe Conduit

Could be worse

Side View

    Installing RAM into a computer is not difficult. Find out which slots are needed for Dual Channel, and then make sure the tab in the RAM slot lines up with the notch in the RAM. Push firmly on the ends of the modules and not on the heatpipes or fins, and voila. Now it's time for testing. After the RAM is installed, it's always a good idea to reset the BIOS and start off fresh. With the OCZ ReaperX RAM kit installed and the BIOS reset, the BIOS oddly auto-detected the RAM at a different timing and needed to be manually set to 4-4-3-15, which are the stock specs of the RAM.

     Common sense will tell us that with the heatpipe and fins, this RAM may not install into every system. This is something to keep in the back of your mind; but as you can see with my install, although the RAM is close to CPU heatsink fan, they are not touching.

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