OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 Reaper HPC Memory

Introduction:

A few months back, OCZ dropped a heavy performer on the market for the seriously extreme enthusiast, hell bent on reaching some insane benchmarks and frequencies. The OCZ DDR2 PC2-9200 FlexXLC Memory operated all the way up to 1300MHz on the 680i platform before hitting an invisible wall most likely due to the BIOS. The memory seemed more than willing none the less. My test system went from a common dual core system to one crazy machine with the E6600 operating in the area of 3.5 to 3.7GHz with the memory running at a stock 1250MHz for days straight. This isn't the highest overclock one can achieve on the 680i platforms, but it's pretty close. I happen to be all about the performance and stability over the finite maximum overclock when it comes to every day use.

The pros and cons to the FlexXLC series is summed up in two words: price and design. The series looks great and is currently some of the fastest memory available, but it is also quite expensive with its "less than necessary" heat sink. Water cooling the Flex memory cools the memory nicely and adds a very nice effect, but doesn't help in gaining any performance. Again, the immature BIOS rears its ugly head. We all can appreciate an excellent performing memory kit with flash and style. However, if it really isn't necessary and the design isn't quite perfect, we would all rather save $50 or more for something a little more natural and worth the money. After having the privilege of meeting with OCZ marketing staff, I can't say I'm surprised to see something new and revamped.

If the concept works for motherboards, CPU, and VGA coolers, why not on memory modules? The OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 Reaper HPC Memory is such a creature now utilizing the heat pipe design accompanying some very capable PC2-6400, PC2-8500, and PC2-9200 memory modules. Being the power hungry user I am, it was an excellent treat to receive the kit in the mail. Allow me to give you a quick informative tour of what it can do.

Specifications:

OCZ / Products / Memory / OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 Reaper HPC Edition OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 Reaper HPC Edition
	1066MHz DDR2
	EPP 5-5-5-15 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
	Available in 2GB (2x1024MB) Dual Channel Kits
	Unbuffered
	OCZ Lifetime Warranty
	2.3 Volts
	240 Pin DIMM Special Features
	Reaper HPC Heatsink*
	EPP-Ready
	2.35V EVP** Part Numbers 2GB (2x1024) D/C Kit PN - OCZ2RPR10662GK

OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 / 1066 MHz / Reaper HPC Edition / Dual Channel The Reaper HPC is an innovative cooling solution developed by OCZ to effectively minimize heat produced by high-speed memory. As heat rises into the thermo-conductive copper heat pipe conduit, it is dissipated through the strategically-placed compact aluminum fin array. By guiding performance-robbing heat away from key memory components, the unique Reaper HPC design helps facilitate improved overclocking performance, while improving longevity and stability of the modules. The first modules to be incorporated with the new Reaper heatsink are rated at 1066MHz and run at CL 5-5-5. Featuring an EPP (Enhanced Performance Profiles) programmed SPD, PC2-8500 Reaper HPC modules will immediately boot at the rated specs on the latest generation of NVIDIA® SLI™ chipsets. Although the OCZ Reaper HPC series was coined for enthusiasts, EPP eliminates the need for manual configuration and makes memory optimizations a household item for the complete range of consumers looking to maximize system performance through overclocking. As part of OCZ’s line-up of premium memory, PC2-8500 modules are backed by a Lifetime Warranty and industry-leading technical support. * The Reaper HPC series uses heat pipe technology to rapidly remove heat from the main body of the memory modules and conduct the thermal load to the extended radiator fin array. The addition of the extended fin array nearly doubles the total surface area available for heat dissipation while the heat pipes warrant near isothermicity throughout the entire design. The result is a doubling in effective heat dissipation at equal delta t or, in real systems, a significantly lower operating temperature of the memory modules. **OCZ EVP (Extended Voltage Protection) is a feature that allows performance enthusiasts to use a VDIMM of 2.35V without invalidating their OCZ Lifetime Warranty.

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