Testing:

Simple as that

Before giving the memory a permanent system to call home, I tried the memory out in both the Blitz Formula and GA-EP35-DS3P "Green Machine" to see how each platform would react. First, each system's BIOS CMOS was reset to default and then configured as needed. Using Auto settings brought the memory to 1066 MHz at 5-5-5-15 which booted without issue in both cases.

Go for testing

Both platforms behaved pretty much the same, except that the Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3P seemed to move a little quicker in accepting various settings. It could very well be the Dynamic Energy Saving feature helping clean things up a bit. So, for test purposes this board was selected.

CPUZ

Mainboard

Memory 1066 MHz

SPD

Since we know these kits don't have to operate at 1066 MHz, I like to see how well it'll do with some lower timings and frequencies. If a user's motherboard doesn't quite support its native specs, then at least they can pick some up based on its capacity and speed for a future upgrade. And in the same respect, we have to see where the memory tops out based on timings and frequencies.

The memory's timings were set 4-4-4-12 and frequencies clocked 800 MHz on up till the system was unstable. The memory topped out at 975 MHz with 2.2 volts at these timings which isn't half bad at all for a 4GB kit. From this point on, memory timings had to be 5-5-5-15 till the memory eventually hit a maximum frequency of 1160 MHz. Most of this was achieved leaving the memory voltage set to Auto in the BIOS which is further testament to the benefits of a great motherboard.

Auto BIOS Voltage

CPUZ @ 1160 FSB

1160 MHz @ 2.25 Volts

A little tweaking may afford you a bit better, but I doubt it'll be worth the strain and risk just to gain a few more MHz. This isn't bad overclocking results what so ever and are actually a little surprising. 4GB kits have rarely had much to offer in this area mainly due to design. But, with better modules, tuned BIOS, and drivers, things have seemed to be coming around lately.

And now to see what kind of All 3D benchmarks you can expect. I remember thinking how nice a 22" monitors are when gaming, but 24" is even nicer if it's capable of higher resolutions. Alas, I'm limited to the 1680 x 1050 this one can produce.

As you can see, there's always a performance gain when coupling some faster DDR2 modules to keep up with a processor's Front Side Bus. The gains range from some what noticeable to very noticeable all depending on the application. Pumping the OCZ PC2-8500 4GB Reaper kit up in frequency adds a few more frames throughout each game.

Higher memory frequencies coupled with lower timings will always allow the system to stretch it's legs and sometimes improve the processor's execution power a bit. That extra head room benefits just about everything within and connected to the system. Access and read times improve which benefit applications that depend on the processor.

Now, the 2GB kit tested months ago was far more aggressive. But again, this is due to the PCB and IC design. We can always squeeze more out of a 2GB dual channel kit compared to a 4GB especially when exceeding the specs. For a little comparison, here's a little chart to show you the difference.

This doesn't mean the 4GB kit is a lesser performer. Operating in the Vista environment does have it's benefits. There's at least more memory available to block off for the OS to stretch its bloated DLLs. And if you're a resource hog and like to seriously multitask, the OCZ 4GB PC2-8500 Reaper HPC Dual Channel memory comes in really, really handy. The fact that it looks pretty darn cool is just a bonus.

Conclusion:

DDR2 memory is finally coming to the crest of it's own hill. It can't get any faster without severe thermal and power issues. Most DDR2 boards are squeezing every last Megabyte from the memory ICs and doing it very efficiently. The only thing left to do is pack more memory on each module and tune the platforms to better handle larger volumes at already maximum speeds.

This is a tricky road to maneuver. Previous extreme DDR2 motherboards had a perfectly easy time of making a 2GB Dual Channel kit fly. Sometimes the results were extremely excellent while other times hampered by BIOS issues due to some incompatibility with larger 4GB modules. Fortunately for all of us, newer BIOS patches and drivers have removed some of those issues.

Top notch stability

Well one thing is for certain, the OCZ PC2-8500 4GB Dual Channel Reaper HPC Memory is fully compatible with the Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3P and ASUS Blitz Formula Motherboards. The memory is definitely capable of exceeding it's rated specs. Given the complexities and obstacles associated with a 4GB kit, 1066 MHz is a worthy achievement in its own right. The 4GB Reaper kit remained completely stable throughout testing as well as passed several hours of further scrutiny from our trusty RST PRO 2 provided by Ultra-X. If there were any type of weaknesses in the memory, the RST PRO 2 would have definitely found them.

From 800 MHz 4-4-4-12 to 1150 MHz 5-5-5-15, you get sweet 2 x 2GB Dual Channel memory kit built with quality ICs backed by OCZ's Lifetime Warranty. Performance is top notch with excellent results for the most avid gamer or application guru. Vista users will also appreciate the larger capacity allowing their system to stretch its legs fully without worrying about system resources. This is the largest 4GB overclocking memory kit thus far I've had the pleasure of testing and now understand its hidden benefits. I highly recommend this kit the next time your seriously considering a DDR2 upgrade.

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