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Testing Apacer DDR2 PC-5300 Memory Modules

Author: Date: 01.08.2006

Despite that no special changes have occurred in the sector of RAM modules so far, the global changes in the IT industry make us follow a different approach while selecting memory modules. First, AMD has migrated to the Socket AM2 platform. Therefore, the respective processors offer an integrated DDR2 memory controller, which determines the user's choice just in favor of this memory type. That is why all modern AMD platforms are aimed just at DDR2. In fact, we should mention that there is almost no performance difference between Socket939 and Socket AM2 systems. But if the user is first into the operating speed, then we should forget about AMD processors because Intel Conroe processors have emerged onto the scene which beat all the competitors (including the previous generation of Intel CPUs based on the NetBurst architecture) at all the applications. I think it doesn't make much sense to remind that all Intel systems use DDR2 memory only.

As a result, for computer enthusiasts only DDR2 memory modules are of interest. The choice of such modules is complicated by the fact that despite the long service life of DDR2 modules, the number of overclocker modules is not great. In particular, in our test lab we have the only choice of quality memory ( see a review on Corsair TWIN2X1024-8000UL) which is able running at both high speeds (up to 1066MHz) and at relatively low speeds (533 and 667MHz) with the minimum latency timings. In fact, our research into memory optimization have shown that there is no essential speed difference between these two modes. The remaining 5 or 6 memory kits appear to be regular modules of standard specifications (DDR2 533 or DDR2 667) which can be made available in any shop.

Recently, our test kit has been complemented with Apacer DDR2 PC5300.

These modules feature in golden aluminum radiators which completely cover the chips. On 512 MB modules, there is a label indicating the operating latency timings 5-5-5-15:

The CPU-Z utility displays the following SPD information:

With the nominal settings, the memory easily passed all the tests at 533 and 667MHz.

No less successfully, the memory was operating at 800 MHz, but ASUS P5W-DH motherboard set much higher latency timings:

Finally, with the rise of Vmem to 2.2 V, the memory was able running at 920 MHz.

As regards the operability of Apacer modules at the minimum timings, we were in for a small disappointment: the system wouldn't start up with the timings set to 3-2-5-2. The stability tests were passed only after setting the timings to 3-3-6-3 and at 533 MHz:

For comparison, Corsair TWIN2X1024-8000UL modules were running fine at 533 and 667 MHz with the minimum possible timings 3-2-5-2. In fact, unlike AMD systems, it does not make sense chasing low timings: even with high timings the memory also runs fast at higher speed.

To facilitate comparison of overclocker modules, we bring in the following table:

It's high time we summed it all up: Corsair DDR2 TWIN2X1024-8000UL1 memory are still the best overclocker modules. However, the technical specifications of Apacer modules are not much worse at at some price difference they can be a good alternative.

We now come back to the matter of optimization of memory settings for the Intel system. This issue was fully disclosed already in the previous materials, however, it does make sense to run a repeated investigation: there has appeared the Intel Conroe processor.

At the test bench, we used the following components:

Performance:

Kb/s, the more - the better

It is easy to notice that the performance difference isminimum, and for the regular user it is minor.

In my view, the memory capability to run at higher speeds is more important than support for low latency timings. And the most available CPU Conroe (E6300) runs at the clock speed 1.86 GHz. In other words, its multiplier is = 7. On the other hand, the technology limit for the Conroe core with air cooling is at about 3.5 GHz. That means the need for the overclocked system to run at FSB = ~500 MHz. Therefore, even if there are reducing multipliers of memory, the latter must run at ~800 MHz. Here is an example:

With the FSB on the ASUS P5W-DH motherboard set to the maximum 450 MHz, the minimum possible memory frequency is > 667 MHz.

So, the major advice in choosing the overclocker memory (even without mentioning that it should be DDR2 and that it is aimed at Conroe :) is its capability to run at high speeds (~800 MHz). Following this criterion, we are fully pleased with Apacer PC5300 modules. The only thing to keep it in mind is that different motherboards have different compatibility to memory modules. Also, new BIOS versions may both improve and deteriorate the compatibility.

So, one of the most important recommendations when buying expensive memory is to find out if the shop offers services like upgrade and "money-back guarantee".

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