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
awesome review wes...thanks for the good work...i was less then an hour away from ordering the corsair xms4000pro and you changed my mind to ocz (i have ocz el 3200 now).....Wesley Fink - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
#13 -OCZ says it will be available beginning 10/14, which is today's date.
Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
I might have missed something, but when will it be available? Screw all the crap said above. I want to try some out, thats what it is all about.Wesley Fink - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
#11 - This memory performed at 2-3-3-5 at DDR400 as shown in the review. If you choose not to buy anything but official Jedec DDR400 memory then that is your business, but I would appreciate it if you read enough of the article to get your facts correct.#4 and #7 - We can also show you that in REAL APPLICATIONS in Content Creation that the Intel integrated Graphics are just as fast as a 9800 PRO XT. To state from those REAL APPLICATION tests that the 9800 PRO XT is just as fast as Intel on-chip graphics would be a lie - just as your supposition is only a portion of the true picture. Memory is only one part of the performance puzzle, but it does make a difference. It is not serving our readers to overhype it's importance, but it is also not serving readers to pretend it makes no difference at all. You are correct that it makes no difference at all if you only run Microsoft Word and surf the web with dial-up.
Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
I agree above. How can this be better then using DDR 400 with timings a hell of a lot better? Cas 2.5 with a 4-4-7 timing? That's sad. I rather be at 400 with a Cas 2 with 2-2-5 any day....Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
Got to love OCZ ripping off quotes from other companies. "Powered By" ? Oh please................ Once again stealing quotes from other companies seems to be in their deck of cards. What a shame. Plus guys there really isn't such thing as DDR533. It's just overclocked memory! You're a fool if you buy this stuff.Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
Thanks for the awesome review Wes.Tony
Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
You crackface, there ARE performance benefits, that's the point. These modules are for extreme users, not some dope on a budget that can't afford an extra $100. No idiot in their right mind should go for DDR533 if they can't spare $100 for a system. Come on now...Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
#5, results? Here's results using ACTUAL APPLICATIONS instead of pointless synthetic benchmarks. If you can give me a reason to pay double the price or more for such minuscule benefits, I'm listening.http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/memory/display/co...
Anonymous User - Tuesday, October 14, 2003 - link
awesome memory now we can only wait for the "GOLD" version. I bet it will be faster.