DDR2 memory has been around since the second half of 2003, and while it was expected to provide a performance boost over DDR, it was gnerally not realized in the inital products offered. Eventually this changed as DDR2 became available in faster speeds and lower timings. Four years later a similar transitional phase has hit system memory as DDR3 looks to succeed DDR2.
DDR3 has been in use for several years, mainly in high-end graphics cards and console game systems, and it has recently been introduced for desktops and laptops. With initial offerings providing speeds higher than what is available from DDR2, it would seem like it could surpass DDR2 in performance. However, DDR3 suffers the same issue of higher timings that DDR2 once did. While this might be a drawback, DDR3 provides higher bandwidth, lower power requirements, and better thermal properties.
OCZ Technology is one of the many companies already marketing DDR3 modules, and their PC3-10666 Gold Edition 2GB DDR3 Kit is rated at 1333MHz and 9-9-9-26 timings. This review will take a look at this new DDR3 kit as compared to a 1066MHz DDR2 kit in order to see whether it is currently worth upgrading. Before taking a look at the OCZ Technology PC3-10666 Gold Edition 2GB DDR3 Kit provided for review, let's look at some published data taken from the OCZ Technology website...
Specifications:
» 1333MHz DDR3
» CL 9-9-9-26 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
» Available in 1GB and 2GB dual channel kits
» Unbuffered
» Gold Layered Z3 XTC heatspreader
» Lifetime Warranty
» 1.6 Volts
» 240 Pin DIMM
Special Features:
» 1.9V EVP - OCZ EVP (Extended Voltage Protection) is a feature that allows performance enthusiasts to use a VDIMM of 1.9V ± 5% without invalidating their OCZ Lifetime Warranty.
Packaging:
This memory kit is packaged in a form fitting plastic clamshell, just like almost all other OCZ Technology memory. You get a good look at the memory on the front, which allows you to see the specific model information on a label placed on each module. The back of the packaging features awards for other OCZ Technology products provided by various review sites.
