Conclusion:
The
OCZ Technology PC2-8500 Reaper HPC CrossFire Edition 2GB Kit performed flawlessly up to and beyond the manufacturer's rated speed. If you are not planning to overclock your system there are several cheaper options that will satisfy your needs, but if you want to push your system to its limits, this kit is a great choice.
PC2-8500 DDR2 memory is still considered a high end product and it's price reflects that. A search of
PriceGrabber finds the PC2-8500 Reaper HPC CrossFire Edition 2GB Kit from a good number of retailers with prices starting at just under $200 (US). This price is much more expensive than your typical PC2-6400 2GB kit, and generally a good percentage more than most PC2-8500 2GB kits.
I was able to achieve very good results with memory that cost 30 percent less, but the PC2-8500 Reaper HPC CrossFire Edition has a couple features that I feel offset the extra cost. EVP (Extended Voltage Protection) allows you to run the modules at up to 2.35V without voiding the warranty, and OCZ Technology's HPC design keeps the modules cool in comparison to the Crucial Ballistix and Buffalo Firestix. This memory also outpaced the other two sets by hitting 1174MHz with 5-5-5-15 timings. This is a mark I was unable to duplicate with the Buffalo Firestix. I came close with the Crucial Ballistix, but to do so I had to use voltages that void the manufacturer's warranty.
Given the performance at and above the manufacturer's rated speed, as well as some of the extra features OCZ Technology has included, the C2-8500 Reaper HPC CrossFire Edition 2GB Kit earns the award of "Recommended".
Pros:
» Good heat management design
» Performed well above advertised specifications
» EPP capable
» EVP to 2.35v
» Lifetime Warranty
Cons:
» Price
Special thanks to
OCZ Technology for providing the OCZ Technology PC2-8500 Reaper HPC CrossFire Edition 2GB Kit to Bigbruin.com for review!
