2x1GB G.Skill PC3200ZX *AND* 2x1GB OCZ EB PC4000 Platinum OCing Report!

[bachus_anonym]

Heilooooo again :)

I got a hold on two (quite popular recently) 2x1GB DDR kits and decided to throw some stress at them. I'm gonna share some results and few photos with the rest of you XSers. This is in no way an official comparison of those 2 kits. Just a quick, down and dirty look at what I managed to get from those particular sets using Sandra, SPi32M, SP2004 and Memtest for Windows. Results may and will vary from what others are/will be getting as we all know OCing is a gamble.
I put as much effort as I could to OC them to the best of my abilities. At this moment, I was not able to bench them in 3D due to lack of a decent video card :( This will change in a very near future, though. So, don't moan that "2GB kits need to be benched in 3D as they do a lot worse compared to 2D" :lol: I honestly think, it's all in tweaking... ;)

http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/all.jpg

OK, let's get going...

[bachus_anonym]

G.Skill 2x1GB PC3200ZX

http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/GSkillPC3200ZX_a_8x6.jpg

http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/GSkillPC3200ZX_b_8x6.jpg

http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/GSkillPC3200ZX_c_8x6.jpg

http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/GSkillPC3200ZX_d_8x6.jpg


SPi32M i Sandra @ 260x11=2860MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/260x11_PC3200ZX_SPi32M_523.png)

SPi32M i Sandra @ 270x11=2971MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/270x11_PC3200ZX_SPi32M_523.png)

SPi32M i Sandra @ 273x11=3003MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/273x11_PC3200ZX_SPi32M_523_tight.png)

273Mhz was absolutely maximum I could get this pair to pass even SPi32M calculation. Also, 2.9v (2.95v with DMM) seems to be the point where sticks stop returning any gains. Anything above that, it will only produce errors, even at known stable speeds.
Once I found out max 32M clock, it was time to stress them a little bit more. I dropped clock to 270Mhz and gave them a bit more torture...

1000% Memtest for Windows 1817MB used @ 270x11=2971MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/270x11_PC3200ZX_M4W_1000.png)

4 hours of SP2004 LargeFFT 1731MB used @ 270x11=2971MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/270x11_PC3200ZX_SP2004_523_247mins.png)

As you can see, all was fine and dandy... To finish off my test, I jacked up HTT, put on a 183 divider, got memory clock to 273MHz again and tried 32M one last time to ensure divider stability.

SPi32M i Sandra @ 297x11=3267MHz div183/DDR546 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/297x11_PC3200ZX_SPi32M_523_div183.png)

Running a divider was totally plug-n-play. Just change it to 183 and viola. :)

*** Updated on Dec 18th, 2005 ***

I finally had a chance to bench those modules at 3D. As much as I believed I could tweak them to run 3D as high as 2D, it was illusive :( There must be something odd with early batches of Infineon CE-6 (???) because they are stable, but not stable at the same time :confused: I was able to pass 3D tests at 255MHz. Even 1MHz above caused lockups in ANY 3D test I threw at it. So, 27ish is max 2D stable, but 3D stability could be found lower - at 255Mhz.

3DMark2001 and 05 @ 255x11=2805MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/255x11_2805MHz_2x1GB_523_3DM01_3DM05.png)

3DMark03 @ 255x11=2805MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/255x11_2805MHz_2x1GB_523_3DM03.png)

Aquamark3 @ 255x11=2805MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/255x11_2805MHz_2x1GB_523_AM3.jpg)

[bachus_anonym]

2x1GB OCZ EB PC4000 Platinum

http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/OCZPC4000EBplat_a_8x6.jpg

http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/OCZPC4000EBplat_b_8x6.jpg

http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/OCZPC4000EBplat_c_8x6.jpg

http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/OCZPC4000EBplat_d_8x6.jpg


SPi32M i Sandra @ 250x11=2750MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/250x11_PC4000EB_SPi32M_523.png)

SPi32M i Sandra @ 260x11=2860MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/260x11_PC4000EB_SPi32M_523.png)

SPi32M i Sandra @ 268x11=2948MHz 6-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/268x11_PC4000EB_SPi32M_623.png)

As you can see, 268MHz was as far as that one particular kit went in SPi32M. Remarkable is that it only needed 2.7v (2.74v w DMM) to achieve that. I compared my result with few others I could find here on XS and it seems a tad low. There were few others that seemed to be able to bench SPi32M all the way up to almost 290MHz. Well, not the kit I had, though... Something worth mentioning is that above 2.7v that kit would not gain anything as far as full stability goes. Quite opposite to what I experienced with G.Skill kit. That confirms that bumping up voltage does not always translate to easy gains. Oh well :)

So, it was time for some more serious task ;) I went back to 265MHz and there are results.

1000% Memtest for Windows 1832MB used @ 265x11=2915MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/265x11_PC4000EB_M4W_1000.png)

4 hours of SP2004 LargeFFT 1727MB used @ 265x11=2915MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/265x11_PC4000EB_SP2004_523_244mins.png)

Just like with G.Skill kit, some divider action at the end...

SPi32M i Sandra @ 292x11=3213MHz div183/DDR530 5-2-3-3.0-1T (http://www.clockmehigh.com/ddr/OCZEBPC4000_GSkillPC3200ZX/292x11_PC4000EB_SPi32M_523_div183.png)

Again same pattern, no problems with running a divider. Just change it and go :)

*** Updated on Dec 18th, 2005 ***

Unfortunately, I don't have those sticks anymore. Therefore I could not run 3D benches with it. Sorry... But by looking at PC3200ZX results and others' experiences with EB PC4000 (and early batches of Infineon CE-6 based modules in general) I would assume that 3D stability would also be achieven at lower speed than 2D...

[bachus_anonym]

So, after almost 30 hours of playing around with those sticks I was quite impressed with results. Both kits were extremely easy to work with. Running a divider was just a matter of changing one setting in BIOS. All in all, very pleasant experience. It looks like there's more well performing and affordable 2GB kits on the market besides Crucial Ballistix or Tracer. And it's always great when we have a choice, right?

I hope you enjoyed my OCing report.

[CCUABIDExORxDIE]

Great review! looks like the ballistix may have a run for their money...maybe. also, did you pop the heatspreader on those badboys??

[RyderOCZ]

:clap: :clap: excellent work Bachus...I always enjoy your editorial skills :D:D

[Dave_Sz]

Excellent work. I'm waiting on my new ZX set to get here, my first set was rather poor

[SaFrOuT]

after this review i am more happy that i ordered the @GZX yesterday :)

[fullup3]

Very nice work sir! I'm getting ready to jump on the 2 gig bandwagon myself.
Both of these look very nice indeed.

[SaFrOuT]

Both of these look very nice indeed.

but when talking about the fact that the 2GZX costs 213 while the EB costs 307$ i think it is very clear now who is the winner

[SmokeyTheBandit]

Thanks bachus, :clap:

I recently bought these sticks but i cannot boot these sticks over 235 .. 3-3-2-5 ....
I have a feeling it has got something to do with my X2 mem controller :(

What bios revision did you use ?

[WesM63]

Nice write-up bachus! Makes my 2gb kit choice a bit harder, but with the GSkill only begin $213-221 I might just pick them up. I really want 280mhz 1:1, but beggers can't be choosers ;)

[bachus_anonym]

Thanks guys!

Just keep in mind what I said somewhere in there before. G.Skill kit I have seem to be doing very well. But I as G.S Technician said and I think, expected full stable average may be lower - between 250-265Mhz. OCZ kit I was testing, on the other hand looks to be on the bottom of their average results from what I have seen. There are results of even 270-280Mhz here on XS. Both are really nice memory kits and I really enjoyed playing around with them.

@SmokeyTheBandit

704-1. the one that was pulled out due to "vcore bug" but I just got used to using it. I also tried 623-3 and 704-2. They all returned same results.

[DAK1640]

Outstanding job bachus_anonym, excellent writeup. Looks like the GX can really fly...Too bad I already ordered Ballistix ($300).

[aicjofs]

Nice review, and good time for it as alot of people in this community seem to be looking to 2GB. Thanks.

GSkill's price to performance was the selling point for me.

[FlyBoyGeo]

Is the ZX better than the HZ or HX? Whats the major difference between the three?

I enjoyed your review, thanks for sharing!!!

[[XC] moddolicous]

Nice write up Bachus. Maybe if u take the heatspreaders off u can get more clocks (like 280 on the G Skill and 270 or higher on the OCZ). Always worth a try.

[longsiew]

Nice review. May I know are these rams are using TCCD???

[dimasdw]

Nice review. May I know are these rams are using TCCD???


AFAIK both RAM use Infineon chip...
Just got the ZX ,Save as the Screenshot for my reference :D
oh..BTW good Review

[Vapor]

Yeah, Infineon on both. Definitely not TCCD (not dense enough).

[Rattle]

Hello all
I'm looking to get a 2gb kit in the coming days and these G. Skills look to be the best bang for the buck, are they available yet?
Can anyone post a link?

Thnx

EDIT: nvm :stick:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231032&CMP=OTC-pr1c3watch&ATT=System+Memory

anyone know any place cheaper ?

[perkam]

Hello all
I'm looking to get a 2gb kit in the coming days and these G. Skills look to be the best bang for the buck, are they available yet?
Can anyone post a link?

Thnx

EDIT: nvm :stick:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231032&CMP=OTC-pr1c3watch&ATT=System+Memory

anyone know any place cheaper ?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?submit=PROPERTY&SubCategory=147&manufactory=8476&propertycodevalue=521:7965,523:8477&bop=and&order=PRICE

:)

Perkam

[Rattle]

wow which are the best stix out of those for 250-275 HTT ??

[bachus_anonym]

I'm glad you guys enjoyed my little write-up. :toast:

Decission on which kit is better has to be based on few factors. If one of them is OCing potential then here's what I think:

1. It's probably fair to say that G.Skill PC3200ZX will not take you in vicinity of 100% stable 280MHz 5-2-3-3.0-1T. The kit I have looks to be quite exceptional performer and results like that may not be easy to obtain with most of ZX. With OCZ EB PC4000 Platiunum, 280MHz can be done as we've seen (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=75205) few kits doing a lot better than the one I tested.

2. If 250Mhz 5-2-3-3.0-1T is all you need then clearly G.Skill sits better with it's rock-bottom price and it may be considered that many ZX kits will do that speed. But keep in mind that ZX's speed grade is PC3200 so If you will get only 245Mhz out of it then that's what you will have and cannot have any reason to complain about it.

I hope that my little test gave you guys an idea on how those 2x1GB kits perform and what can be expected.

:peace:

[Rattle]

Great I think the G. Skills look like my stix simply for the price and 245X11 on my 3700 suits me just fine. :)

[Pyr0]

i found some gskill zx memory, but on the site it says the timings are 2-3-3-6
2Gb ZX PC3200 2-3-3-6 Dual Channel kit
Partnumber: F1-3200PHU2-2GBZX

[edit] sorry my bad, on the specifications it lists the timings as 2-3-2-5

[CapFTP]

Great Bachus....very nice ram....and very good comparison !"

[J0hnB]

Wow, great report.

You should submit those results to EnJoY's 2x1GB/1x1GB OC Database,
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=67762&page=1

[kakaroto]

Very nice work dude, I like the way you test :D

[Master_G]

Nice report.
Im still wondering whether it is worth upgrading to 2GB as opposed to 1GB.

G

[Nedjo]

I’m using genuine Infineon sticks 2x1GB. They can be acquired with out no problems here in Serbia for ~120€ per module. Since I more prefer LL’s then high frequencies, I hold them on 208MHz CL2-2-3-5 on that freq. mine Venice 3200 is on its air/stock V’s 100% stable @2.5GHz (I’m using ASUS A8N-SLI32). Those sticks could go 10x250 MHz, but in that case I would need to rise latencies, and that’s not the way I want to go.

BTW kakaroto who’s that girl on your avatar? ;)

[mag|c]

Superb review bachus much appreciated, more of your kind would be nice :p: :cool:

[typer77]

Where can I find some EB in stock? My friend is in the US and can bring me back some to Hong Kong ... but he's leaving on Friday. Therefore I have to put the order thru quickly....
thanks.

[racinjimy]

Where can I find some EB in stock? My friend is in the US and can bring me back some to Hong Kong ... but he's leaving on Friday. Therefore I have to put the order thru quickly....
thanks.


EB is out everywhere.....

the new mushkin redline XP 4000 are very similar to the OCZ EB and should be out in retail this week.......(now available for a pretty penny from mushkin)

[bachus_anonym]

Thanks again for good words from all of you, guys :toast:
I hope that this thread gave some of you some idea on how those 2GB kits overclock ;)
:peace:

[perkam]

Thanks again for good words from all of you, guys :toast:
I hope that this thread gave some of you some idea on how those 2GB kits overclock ;)
:peace: More than what we're looking for actually...Sandra on these kits was just what i needed :D

Too bad for OCZ price though...here in Toronto they're $180 a pop for 1GB single channel (me-->s754)...which sucks bigtime.

Perkam

[Bar81]

Where can I find some EB in stock? My friend is in the US and can bring me back some to Hong Kong ... but he's leaving on Friday. Therefore I have to put the order thru quickly....
thanks.

Then you're out of luck. Your only option is the Mushkin XP4000 Redline. I am in the same situation as you. OCZ has confirmed that it won't be until sometime next month before any stock will be available in the US.

[ben805]

man...you'd put in some serious hours for this comparison, great write up man!!!

[Sume4]

More than what we're looking for actually...Sandra on these kits was just what i needed :D

Too bad for OCZ price though...here in Toronto they're $180 a pop for 1GB single channel (me-->s754)...which sucks bigtime.

Perkam

That price is not even bad :p:
Those sticks are like 185 euros here in europe which is about 250+ canadian dollars :D

And theyre all sold out.

[Xenom0rph]

I was going to get the EB for 287 euros here in Spain, but the retailer says they're out of stock. Now i don't know what ram to buy, i don't want UCCC stuff, but also i want 250MHz or more with 3-3-3 or better. I can get GSKILL ZX for 250 euros and HX for 300 euros, but the problem is that both are only tested for DDR400, you don't know if they will do 270 or 220 MHz :'(

I need some help here!! What should i do? Will it be too long for OCZ stock to arrive in Europe?

[ben805]

I was going to get the EB for 287 euros here in Spain, but the retailer says they're aout of stock. Now i don't know what ram to buy, i don't want UCCC stuff, but also i want 250MHz or more with 3-3-3 or better. I can get GSKILL ZX for 250 euros and HX for 300 euros, but the problem is that both are only tested for DDR400, you don't know if they will do 270 or 220 MHz :'(

I need some help here!! What should i do? Will it be too long for OCZ stock to arrive in Europe?

your best option now is Mushkin Redline XP4000 2GB kit.....use the same ICs as OCZ EB so they'll clock about the same.

[Xenom0rph]

Yeah, but the Mushkins are almost imposible to get here in Spain, and they would be VERY expensive =/

[G4h4o8s6T]

Anyone have any idea where I can find the G Skill ZX here in the US??? They were in stock on newegg this morning and of course they are out of stock now when I was gonna order :p: Hopefully newegg will get more in stock soon.......