Installation and Testing:

As I mentioned, you need a reliable DDR3 motherboard or newer Core 2 Duo 1333MHz Processor in order to enjoy these modules' performance potential, not to mention just to function. These modules fit any DDR3 based motherboard which all currently overclock quite nicely. As with all memory kits, we look for proven stability and reliability at stock performance. Anything extra especially in terms of overclocking earn it that extra credit that some of the enthusiasts are hoping for as they lurk in the shadows of overclocking.

Going for the Gold

After confirming that the BIOS was set to AUTO, the memory timings were double checked via CPUZ which has been very handy lately in validating components being tested. As I suspected, the memory booted to 1066MHz matching the processor's 1066MHz Front Side Bus and also maintained 6-6-6-18 timings. MemTest tested the modules for any errors at these frequencies which came up clean. This should appeal to the users looking for some better than stock memory modules for their 1066MHz Core 2 Duo users looking for a good DDR3 kit. At these timings and frequencies, the memory pretty much matched the performance gained from the G.Skill memory. It isn't unusual for memory kits to match when down clocked and memory timings set lower.
 

CPUZ

Mainboard

SPD Supported

Next, the memory timings were set straight to 1333MHz, where they were tested for their stock rated performance. This is where the kit was slightly out paced by the comparable Mushkin kit with lower timings. The OCZ kit was much less forgiving using AUTO BIOS settings when frequencies were increased from 1066 to 1333MHz. The Mushkin is rated to 7-7-7 timings at 1333MHz while the OCZ kit is rated at 9-9-9 timings which can take a performance hit in memory bandwidth. Since the memory carries a 1.9 volt Extended Voltage Protection warranty, I had a hunch the memory may be capable of lower timings with the higher voltage applied. After manually adjusting the memory voltage to 1.9v, the kit indeed perfectly operated with 8-8-8 timings which is actually a great feature.
 

1066MHz 6-6-6-18 1.7v

1333MHz 9-9-9-24 1.7v

1333MHz 8-8-8-20 1.9v

Overclocking proved to be surprisingly successful in that the memory held its own up to 1460MHz with 9-9-9 timings with 1.9 volts. Memory frequencies and timings higher than 9-9-9 are simply not worth the time and money with any DDR3 memory especially in terms of performance. Other than a bragging right, the performance often comes up short even with a little extra frequency. What really helps this memory overclock so nicely is the ASUS Blitz Extreme. This has been one of the easiest platforms to test DDR3 kit after kit.
 

CPUZ 1333MHz

CPUZ 1460MHz

1460MHz 9-9-9 1.9v

Here you can see that the memory's timings set to 8-8-8 at 1333MHz actually helps keep the OCZ kit within a close range to the Mushkin kit's performance in 3DMark. When comparing memory bandwidth, the OCZ kit's higher timings reveal just how sensitive timings are compared to the lower latency Mushkin kit. For a budget kit, this is always a good thing and is a noticeable improvement over the stock 9-9-9 timings.
 

Keeping in mind this is a budget intended kit, the real question is whether or not the timings cause too much of a performance hit to other programs and games. As expected, performance was similar to the Mushking DDR3-1333 memory kit. Obviously, lower frequencies using 6-6-6 timings are very, very close. However, the higher 1333MHz frequency score comes up just a little short which is to be expected when it comes to higher memory timings. Is this enough to drive away performance seekers? I'd have to say not. There isn't a large enough performance loss to really matter, unless you are wanting a more memory kit capable of higher overclocking.
 

Frame rate loss is minimal especially using the lower 8-8-8 timings. The kit is still capable and not crippled by the higher timings, nor is it completely out classed under normal use. Obviously, the kit can't quite keep up with more aggressive kits like the Mushkin which are built with different modules which can overclock with better timings.
 

Program access times are some what trivial. To the untrained eye, programs open, close, and function just like any other day. Avid users who are more inclined to notice if they know what and when to look for the change in system characteristics. I personally didn't notice much of a change or anything really worth giving any negative marks. If the DDR3-1333 memory kit was an actual "Special Forces Extreme Low Latency Ninja Attack Kit" and intended for serious system users, then we would have something to talk about. But in retrospect, the kit was on par and a little ahead given the memory can operate with 6-6-6 timings at 1066MHz which is surprising given the stock memory timings. You'll also find that the OCZ kit will cost considerably less than those aggressive competitors.
 

OCZ Technology

Summary and Conclusion:

It isn't uncommon for memory kits to make some sort of performance improvement when extra voltage is added. But, what is uncommon is an extended warranty that encompasses the use of higher voltage. This is one of OCZ's greatest trademarks and also what makes their kits probably the best choice around. Not all their kits offer this feature, but if you purchase their more extreme kits intended for the enthusiast, you very often find that in the product specifications. Their cheapest modules won't always include that added benefit, so it's really great to get something extra even if the upper echelon kits require a bit more money.
 

Budget Approved!