OCZ DDR2 memory group test

Final Thoughts...

OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 SLI-Ready Edition:

The performance at stock speeds doesn't seem hugely great but we were comparing it to more expensive, higher rated modules. Overclocking these modules, within the warranted 2.3V allowed some superb results of low latency CAS-3 timings at 800MHz and 5-5-5-15 timings at PC2-9238/1156MHz: even faster than the 9200 FlexXLC's stock speeds.

EPP functionality makes setting them up really very easy, although to overclock them you'll want to turn it off. Some won't like the SLI branding which is fair enough but I have to admit I really like the black modules with chunky logo: all it needs now is a black PCB and perhaps some green LEDs behind, ala Geil Black Dragon series, it to really set it off; after all OCZ is all about the bling!

My only concern is that the branding will make people think they can only use them on Nvidia SLI motherboards which is just not the case. I know OCZ wants to have memory for all situations but its diverse range of Titanium, Gold, Platinum, CrossFire, SLI, Reaper and FlexXLC does tend to lead people, like myself included, into questioning the actual differences and what modules are right for me.

Not only will these modules do CAS-3 at 800MHz but they should also do reasonably low latencies if you decide to upgrade to AMD's socket AM2+ processors when Barcelona launches, as its default memory bus speed is 1066MHz. If it was between these and the 1066MHz Reapers, we'd buy these modules every time. In general, if you are after for some good looking but cheap 2GB kit of 800MHz CAS-3 capable memory, we'd certainly recommend the OCZ SLI Edition memory.

• Performance
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• 9/10

• Features
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• 8/10

• Value
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• 9/10

• Overall
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• 9/10

OCZ DDR2 PC2-8500 Reaper HPC Edition:

To be honest we were disappointed with these modules. They certainly look the part but when you look closer and find the heatsink is made up of several bits screwed together and the heat is heatpipe ducted from nowhere near the actual source of the heat created by the modules. The Reapers do work better than the standard heatspreaders but given the size we expect that, so it's hard to see them as anything more than a bit of a gimmick.

For £110 though they're at a good price and they do look better than your standard memory sticks in a case. The problem is we wouldn't buy them over the SLI Edition which can do the same speed and latencies for £30 less. Alternatively, we'd opt for the PC2-9600 Kingston which is just £15 more and offers a whole load more performance potential. The EVP and EPP are great features but it just doesn't make up for the lack of core performance at the price point.

• Performance
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• 7/10

• Features
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• 8/10

• Value
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• 7/10

• Overall
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• 7/10

OCZ DDR2 PC2-9200 FlexXLC Edition:

The PC2-9200 FlexXLC's performance is very good, although it doesn't quite match the Corsair PC2-9136 on a few counts, even though in others it's comparable to the faster Kingston and Corsair PC2-10,000. The modules are still cheaper than virtually all other PC2-9200+ modules on the market, except the Reaper PC2-9200 which is around the same price. But it's the super value Kingston PC2-9600 again that hammers away at OCZ.

Having undercut everyone massively it must be hard to compete, and even with such a good looking, fully featured product like the FlexXLC that is offered for a much lower price than most others it's still not good enough. Yes, you do get EVP, better cooling and all that jazz but Kingston still provides the same lifetime warranty with its products. If you specifically need memory to add to the absolute pimped out look of your case internals, or you're after watercooling then there is really no alternative to what the FlexXLC offers on that front.

• Performance
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• 8/10

• Features
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• -
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• 8/10

• Value
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• 8/10

• Overall
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• 8/10

What do these scores mean?