OCZ 4200EL: Tops in Memory Performance
by Wesley Fink on October 13, 2003 9:33 PM EST- Posted in
- Memory
Final Words
Without a doubt, OCZ has produced the fastest DDR memory ever tested at AnandTech. It is rated at DDR533 and performs at that speed using better than rated timings. The highest stable overclock of the 4200EL was an astounding 280FSB at 1:1 or synchronous settings. At the other end of the scale, OCZ 4200EL performs at the Intel chipset rated DDR400 using fast CAS 2 timings.OCZ joins Corsair and Mushkin in producing memory that is outstanding for high 1:1 overclocks, but will also perform with fast timings at DDR400. However, OCZ goes even further, creating the fastest memory we have ever tested. We like the recent trends that we are seeing in high-end memory. While we could argue all day whether anyone really needs such fast memory, and whether synchronous or asynchronous operation gives the best performance for the dollar, it is hard to dispute that the latest DDR500+ memory gives it all to the buyer. You can run at fast speed at DDR400, which early DDR500 could not do. Or you can run at the highest synchronous (1:1) settings that your CPU can likely handle. And you can do them both with the same memory — albeit expensive memory.
We stated in our review of Mushkin 400 High Performance and Corsair XMS4000 PRO, that if your goal is the highest 1:1 overclock that you can achieve, then OCZ PC4000 or Geil 4000Platinum should be your choice. We would now add that there is a new chanpion of the highest overclock, and that is OCZ 4200EL. It soundly outperforms both OCZ4000 and Geil 4000. If you want the fastest DDR400 memory performance that you can get and a reasonable overclock, then Mushkin 3500 Level2 or OCZ 3700 GOLD are still the fastest choices for DDR400.
However, if you want great timings at DDR400, top performance at DDR533, and the top overclock you can achieve above DDR500, then OCZ 4200EL should be your choice. If you can settle for a little less top-end overclocking, then Corsair 4000 PRO or Mushkin 4000 High Performance are great choices built on the same “Universal High-Speed” philosophy.
We don't know how OCZ managed to do it all with 4200EL, but they did. Until we start seeing CAS 2 DDR500+ memory, we can say with assurance that OCZ 4200EL is the fastest DDR memory that you can buy.
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Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
#24What do you expect? Companies push overclocked memory as something "new"? When in fact each module gets pushed up with voltage to get the specs they are saying. It's a joke to sell the same speced DDR400 modules as something else. I'm just suprised Samsung allows remarking of falsely advertised products. To say you are getting true DDR533 is the biggest joke. Considering they are OVERCLOCKING a product and selling it as something else.
Couldn't you say that they are remarking chips and selling them at a faster mark? I wonder if you could get away with sueing a company based on false advertising a product
Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
21 is right. These RAM reviews are presented simply with the pointless synth benches and there is no analysis or interpretation. Since the vast majority of people simply don't know any better, they see "fastest" and assume their system will be boosted into the stratosphere. As anyone who actually bothers to test these modules properly knows, that is false.Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/OCZ+E...Voltage is listed at 2.8V, this is board specific, some boards will run at DDR533 at 2.7V or less.2.8v is stated for compatiblity.
The ram will be available from today from http://www.atacom.com they will show stock as soon as it arrives.
oczguy2
Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
#21, your comments are foolish at best when it's a fact that there are PLENTY of people that buy 875P boards. Christ, get a clue.Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
"For the most part the 865PE comes within 2 - 5% of the performance of the 875P, which makes the 875P a tough sell. For the majority of users, we would strongly recommend the 865PE because of the significant cost savings. If you're the type of user that must have the fastest thing on the block and will not rest without the knowledge that you do in fact have the fastest thing on the block, then the 875P is for you, but for everyone else, the 865PE is more than sufficient."http://www.anandtech.com/chipsets/showdoc.html?i=1...
Why doesn't Anand just do all the reviews? :-( The above clip is exactly what these memory articles need-sanity and perspective.
Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
"You are correct that it makes no difference at all if you only run Microsoft Word and surf the web with dial-up."Ironic statement, since Quake 3 is less system intensive these days than Word.
Wesley Fink - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
OCZ will have the full info up in about an hour according to the email I just got. OCZ will post a link in these comments as soon as the page is up.Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
#16 just because your broke doesn't mean all of us are....for me it will be awesome I run an a64 on a prommie and run at high 1:1 speeds this stuff will allow me to get to 560mhz fsb easy with my cooling which to me and many other overclockers is absolutely awesome....just because you can't afford good components doesn't mean we're all broke. And why does it matter what wes said he showed the performance increase in the benchmarks if you don't think it's worth the money then don't buy it....Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
wes is this the memory your reviewing....http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/OCZ+D... really appreciate an answer because I'm looking for the stuff you reviewed with the 2.5-4-4-7 timings and can't find it....
Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
Come on man, you're smarter than that. People buying this stuff aren't programmers or content creators, they are gamers. So if you can prove that this RAM offers more that a few % advantage, then it would be nice if you did it. Simply saying that it does carries little weight. So it's the highest 1:1. So what? Does turning a dirt country lane into a superhighway let more cars through if there wasn't any traffic to begin with? This stuff will likely cost over $400 for 1GB. So I'd like to think it offers more than a dent in the wallet.