Corsair and OCZ: New Standards in Fast DDR2
by Wesley Fink on August 4, 2006 5:50 AM EST- Posted in
- Memory
Corsair CM2X1024 6400C3 Product Specifications
Corsair is the most widely recognized brand of enthusiast memory in the world. It is widely distributed, making the Corsair brand easy to find just about anywhere you might be located. Corsair has been manufacturing high-speed memory since 1994, and as a result the company has supplier relationships with many computer manufacturers. Corsair maintains an extensive line of memory, ranging from their Value Select brand of low-cost memory to their top-end XMS line.
The Corsair 6400C3 is a member of the top-end XMS family, based on specially-binned Micron DDR2 memory modules with Corsair's new EPP (Enhanced Performance Profiles) SPD which can set highest performance timings on NVIDIA motherboards designed to work with EPP. When Corsair first talked with us about this new memory, we were told it was their absolute best DDR2 performer - capable of tighter timings and higher speeds than their other high-end DDR2 products.
The CM2X1024 6400C3 was supplied as a 2GB kit with a matched pair of 1GB DIMMs. Corsair claims theses modules are 100% tested as a pair at 3-4-3-9 timings at 2.2V. The DIMMs feature black heatspreaders and distinctive purple and yellow XMS2 packaging. Product information shows the 6400C3 only available as a 2GB kit; the Corsair web site does not list a 1GB kit with similar performance.
Additional Information on these super high-speed DIMMs is available in PDF form at the Corsair website. Corsair offers a Lifetime Warranty and support is available in many forums.
OCZ Ti Alpha PC2-8000 VX2 Product Specifications
In recent years OCZ has won respect from enthusiasts as an innovator in memory and power supplies. Those innovations include their EL (Enhanced Latency) memory, their high-voltage VX line, and the very successful line of high-power OCZ power supplies.
OCZ was the first memory manufacturer to produce and ship new memory kits based on the latest Micron memory chips. We reviewed the OCZ EL PC2-8000 XTC in early April, and while there are many competing kits based on Micron memory these days, those early OCZ DDR2-1000 DIMMs still compete very well with any memory on the market.
OCZ has also been hard at work with some very unique binning of Micron DDR2 memory chips, but with a very different goal in mind. OCZ manufactured a very well-received DDR memory called VX that was designed to perform at very high DDR voltages to deliver unheard-of memory speed to the DDR market. OCZ has applied a similar binning philosophy to Micron DDR2 memory chips and has recently released the Titanium Alpha VX2 series of memory.
VX2 is guaranteed to operate at 2.4V +/- 5% without stability issues and without voiding the OCZ Lifetime Warranty. That translates into allowed voltages up to 2.525V. This basically equates to running DDR2 at DDR voltage.
Test DIMMs were a 2GB kit composed of two 1GB DIMMs rated at DDR2-1000. DIMMs have a really unique rainbow colored XTC heatspreader. Ti Alpha VX2 is available only as a 2GB kit or as individual 1GB DIMMs. Ti Alpha is also available as a low latency DDR2-800 kit without the VX2 designation.
Both members of the Titanium Alpha family feature the multi-colored heat-spreader.
Corsair is the most widely recognized brand of enthusiast memory in the world. It is widely distributed, making the Corsair brand easy to find just about anywhere you might be located. Corsair has been manufacturing high-speed memory since 1994, and as a result the company has supplier relationships with many computer manufacturers. Corsair maintains an extensive line of memory, ranging from their Value Select brand of low-cost memory to their top-end XMS line.
The Corsair 6400C3 is a member of the top-end XMS family, based on specially-binned Micron DDR2 memory modules with Corsair's new EPP (Enhanced Performance Profiles) SPD which can set highest performance timings on NVIDIA motherboards designed to work with EPP. When Corsair first talked with us about this new memory, we were told it was their absolute best DDR2 performer - capable of tighter timings and higher speeds than their other high-end DDR2 products.
The CM2X1024 6400C3 was supplied as a 2GB kit with a matched pair of 1GB DIMMs. Corsair claims theses modules are 100% tested as a pair at 3-4-3-9 timings at 2.2V. The DIMMs feature black heatspreaders and distinctive purple and yellow XMS2 packaging. Product information shows the 6400C3 only available as a 2GB kit; the Corsair web site does not list a 1GB kit with similar performance.
| Corsair CM2X1024 6400C3 Memory Specifications | |
| Number of DIMMs & Banks | 2 DS |
| DIMM Size | 1GB |
| Total Memory | 2 GB |
| Rated Timings | 3-4-3-9 at DDR2-800 |
| Rated Voltage | 2.2V |
Additional Information on these super high-speed DIMMs is available in PDF form at the Corsair website. Corsair offers a Lifetime Warranty and support is available in many forums.
OCZ Ti Alpha PC2-8000 VX2 Product Specifications
In recent years OCZ has won respect from enthusiasts as an innovator in memory and power supplies. Those innovations include their EL (Enhanced Latency) memory, their high-voltage VX line, and the very successful line of high-power OCZ power supplies.
OCZ was the first memory manufacturer to produce and ship new memory kits based on the latest Micron memory chips. We reviewed the OCZ EL PC2-8000 XTC in early April, and while there are many competing kits based on Micron memory these days, those early OCZ DDR2-1000 DIMMs still compete very well with any memory on the market.
OCZ has also been hard at work with some very unique binning of Micron DDR2 memory chips, but with a very different goal in mind. OCZ manufactured a very well-received DDR memory called VX that was designed to perform at very high DDR voltages to deliver unheard-of memory speed to the DDR market. OCZ has applied a similar binning philosophy to Micron DDR2 memory chips and has recently released the Titanium Alpha VX2 series of memory.
VX2 is guaranteed to operate at 2.4V +/- 5% without stability issues and without voiding the OCZ Lifetime Warranty. That translates into allowed voltages up to 2.525V. This basically equates to running DDR2 at DDR voltage.
Test DIMMs were a 2GB kit composed of two 1GB DIMMs rated at DDR2-1000. DIMMs have a really unique rainbow colored XTC heatspreader. Ti Alpha VX2 is available only as a 2GB kit or as individual 1GB DIMMs. Ti Alpha is also available as a low latency DDR2-800 kit without the VX2 designation.
| OCZ Ti Alpha PC2-8000 VX2 Memory Specifications | |
| Number of DIMMs & Banks | 2 DS |
| DIMM Size | 1 GB |
| Total Memory | 2 GB |
| Rated Timings | 4-4-4-15 at DDR2-1000 |
| Rated Voltage | 2.3V (Warranted to 2.4V+/-5%) |
Both members of the Titanium Alpha family feature the multi-colored heat-spreader.
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Beaner - Friday, August 4, 2006 - link
Just curious...The picture of the Corsair DIMMs show the bottom one as 512MB.
Was the wrong one used for the photo?
JarredWalton - Friday, August 4, 2006 - link
The model name is correct at the top of the sticker, so I'm guessing it's a pre-release sample and the "512MB" is simply a typo. As Wes mentions, it doesn't appear that Corsair has an equivalent 2x512MB kit (yet?).CrappyLuckMan - Friday, August 4, 2006 - link
I would still like to see how budget DDR2-800 performs too. For some reason you guys left them out of the feeding the monster article. Do you guys think it's better to just go with value PC5300/5400 and overlock it? However, I would think you could overlock value DDR2-800 to around 1000mhz. In honesty I'm posting this out of selfishness since I ordered Corsair XMS2 1GB kit (my games I run never hit 1GB PF usage) TWIN2X1024-5400C4 4-4-4-12 1.9V for $108 is great for relatively low latency low voltage highly compatible ram.Your articles with specifics such as voltage and latencies you use for stable overclocks really save us users some time and we thank you for that.
CrappyLuckMan - Friday, August 4, 2006 - link
Oops made a bad com error. I should mention I meant to say it would be nice to compare which is better, lower latency lower voltage value pc5300/5400 or higher volt higher latency value pc6400 ram. Sorry tired from waiting on news for new motherboards last night lol.EarthsDM - Friday, August 4, 2006 - link
Wesley,In the discussion of his article, “Conroe Buying Guide: Feeding the Monster” (July 19th, 2006) Gary Key replied to a question on G.Skill memory, saying “We still have additional memory selections from a variety of suppliers arriving for further memory reviews at this time.” Is this what he meant, or are you guys going to review the G.Skill? I don’t want to sound ungrateful for the reviews you do, but G.Skill is a memory that of a lot of us (system builders) are interested in because it seems to offer the best performance/price.
On a separate but related note, do you know when the next round of motherboard reviews will be posted? I’m sitting on some Core 2 Duos and I need systems to put them in for back-to-school. Thanks a bunch!
-EarthsDM
Wesley Fink - Friday, August 4, 2006 - link
We have the latest G. Skill on the way. We will schedule a review when it arrives.EarthsDM - Friday, August 4, 2006 - link
Thanks!yacoub - Friday, August 4, 2006 - link
The enthusiast, by definition, is always looking for more - more speed, more power, more performance. The quest is for the best - performance so good and speeds so fast that no one can touch their results. You may even consider the enthusiast an elitist, but that is no different than the car enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or any technology area where hobbyists can be found.Well that's your opinion and I'd disagree with it. Enthusiast does not always equal elitist (in fact it rarely does) nor a need to have the most expensive and latest item. One can be an enthusiast of cars without owning an exotic supercar. One can be a photography enthusiast without ever taking a picture, but simply appreciating the work of others.
I'm not picking a nit, but pointing out the fallacy that if you buy the most expensive and newest item you must be an ethusiast. On the contrary, (reviewers excluded) you're most likely just a sucker for marketing or poor monetary management.
Most computer enthusiasts for that matter are much more interested in building the best bang-for-the-buck system, not the most expensive one they can find, and generally not even using the latest parts. I would say the overclocker is the epitome of the computer enthusiast, as 'he' not only looks for the best performance but often elicits it 'him'self by taking budget parts and using 'his' knowledge and resources available, runs them at the speeds of much more expensive items, thus getting the best of both worlds - cost and performance.
Just a thought.
Wesley Fink - Friday, August 4, 2006 - link
The most expensive is not always the best performance, as we have pointed out many times. The enthusiast seeks the best. The quest for best performance for "x" dollars is also seeking the best. So is overclocking a cheap part for best performnace.I suppose my point was that the enthusiast is not one to "settle" for mediocrity or buy a cookie-cutter system. Your points are well taken and I am in basic agreement.
yacoub - Friday, August 4, 2006 - link
Then they aren't elistists, as elistist brings to mind a rich person who just buys the latest and greatest because 'it is'. Overclockers are economical people to a fault. The two don't match up, hence the discrepancy. =)