OCZ 2x1GB DDR3-1333 Gold Edition Memory Kit

Introduction:

If you've been browsing the DDR3 market in search for a good, affordable memory kit, then you've no doubt come to the realization that there currently isn't such a thing. Pretty much every DDR3 memory kit in the 2GB capacity are $250 and higher, with the cheapest kits offering something in the neighborhood of 1066MHz with CAS 8 or CAS 9 memory timings. This isn't all that bad for base Intel users looking for some memory to match their 1066MHz Conroe processor. But, what about the masses who bought their newest 1333MHz FSB Core 2 Duo?

Well, these users are probably out looking for a matching frequency memory kit and have experienced a bit of sticker shock. I know I have when comparing 2GB kit prices to 1GB kit prices. Corsair, G.Skill, Kingston, Patriot Memory, OCZ, as well as other makers, have produced some pretty low latency 1333MHz DDR3 kits which all cost more than higher latency kits. Low latency is great for those users who want the extra bandwidth for their data intensive programs and games. Higher latencies tend to be intended for the budget minded users. Lower timings typically equate in to higher prices while higher timings require a lower price. This has been the standard since the memory market has developed and released their products.

Since some users don't need the lower latencies, higher latencies can afford them a bit more avid performance at lower price. A good case and point is the new OCZ DDR3-1333 Gold Edition 2GB Dual Channel Memory Kit. OCZ has obviously been paying attention to the market comments and has done something to help their fans that are looking to make the move to DDR3. It isn't that there aren't many DDR3 kits to choose from, it's more that there aren't a great deal of DDR3 boards circulating yet. And there hasn't been a large enough performance boost from DDR3 boards that can draw people out to spend that pretty penny required to upgrade their motherboard and memory kit to tap in to their Core 2 Duo's hidden potential.

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        1.7 Volts        240 Pin DIMM Special Features         1.9V EVP** Part Numbers 1GB Module PN - OCZ3G13331G 2GB (2x1024MB) D/C Kit PN – OCZ3G13332GK Guides        Tuning on Asus P5K3 Deluxe DDR3 Based Boards

OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 / 1333MHz / Gold Edition OCZ’s hand-tested DDR3 solutions enable ardent enthusiasts to take advantage of the highly-anticipated Intel P35 platform while experiencing the legendary quality and reliability of OCZ memory. Initial OCZ DDR3 products will accommodate JEDEC specifications for third generation Double Data Rate memory. The OCZ PC3-10666 Gold Series is rated for 1333MHz and features standard CL 9-9-9 timings. OCZ Gold DDR3 modules will be initially available in 2x512MB and 2x1024MB dual channel kits. Each module is 100% hand-tested for quality assurance and compatibility with the latest Intel P35 motherboards and feature proprietary gold-mirrored XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders for the most effective heat dissipation. As part of OCZ’s line-up of premium memory, the DDR3 series is backed by a Lifetime Warranty and industry-leading technical support for unparalleled peace of mind. Not up to speed on DDR3 technology? Please enjoy these DDR3 FAQs. * XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders optimize the thermal management of memory modules by promoting greater airflow by means of micro-convection throughout what is usually the dead air space inside conventional heatspreader designs. In this manner, build-up of heat is avoided and thermal dissipation of the memory components is offloaded more efficiently through the honeycomb design. At the same time, mechanical stability is maintained. **OCZ EVP (Extended Voltage Protection) is a feature that allows performance enthusiasts to use a VDIMM of 1.9V without invalidating their OCZ Lifetime Warranty.

Closer Look:

Given that the price of DDR3 is still much higher than DDR2, that alone has been a powerful deterrent for buyers. DDR3 motherboards, however, are a bit closer in price. At one particular point, the prices of each kind of memory supporting board were almost identical. Both DDR3 memory kits and motherboards have come down just a bit with the biggest drop in favor of the motherboards. With prices continually dropping, OCZ saw the opportunity to offer up something a little more enthusiast balanced with a lesser price tag. This is where their Gold Edition DDR3 series comes in to play.
 

The Kit

OCZ's Features

There are three different kits currently in the Gold Edition Series: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, and even a DDR3-1600 edition. The average motherboard out there won't be able to handle DDR3 kits capable 1333 and 1600MHz memory kits. For that matter, the boards that do typically have native 1066MHz support by default or have a capable BIOS. Without those two options, you'd be changing your memory frequencies manually in the BIOS which one can hope is up to the task. Without that, the upper echelon 1333 and higher memory kits are simply overkill.

Front

The OCZ DDR3-1333 Gold Edition kit holds true to its nomenclature and is built under OCZ's extremely well polished gold XTC heat spreaders. Their XTC heat spreaders have been pretty much a staple in their performance based modules. These spreaders are very light weight compared their Flex and Reaper heat spreaders. That's probably been one of the coolest things about the XTC spreaders in both the Platinum and Gold series aside from the fact that they are also some of the nicest around. If gold 'bling' is your thing, then these are for you. Otherwise, you can browse on over to their Platinum for the conventional chrome 'bling' which rarely gets old.
 

Back

Timings on the DDR3-1333 Gold Edition modules are higher at 9-9-9-26 than their Platinum Edition cousins which offer 7-7-7-20 respectively. Stock memory timings of the Platinum Editions typically offer lower latencies in comparison and are more overclockable frequencies. The Gold Edition can sometimes come close in timings but don't quite fair as well in overclocking. This isn't really an issue given that the Gold Edition will almost always carry a more affordable price tag. With a bit of extra voltage, even these modules may offer some better voltage timings. One thing is for certain. If you happen to use these modules for regular 1066MHz operations, memory timings can be lowered to 6-6-6 typically without issues. So, this bodes well for users who don't need their rated 1333MHz frequency from the start.
 

Timing Stickers

As with all memory modules, higher memory timings can cost you a little bit in terms of program performance and execution. Take games for example. Rather than a stout 100 frames per second in your favorite game, you may only see 95 frames which isn't really a big deal at all. Regular data intensive programs may require just a little extra time due to the slower access times of the modules as well. But then again, does the average user notice that .5 to 1.5 second time variance? Is that extra second or two really going to cost you a great deal in life? As with all perspectives, some users like a well tuned lower latency system and others don't mind a well tuned higher latency system. Let's check out some bandwidth.
 

Gold XTC Heat Spreaders

Got News? Send 'em in!