Intel’s new Core i7 & P55/X58 platforms are really exciting for overclockers who not only require stability but also high frequency memory operation. Nowadays, almost every memory module brand seems to focus on the overclocking module market. I was fortunate enough to have some extra money to upgrade my PC recently, so I now own an i7-920 and an Asus P6T (X58 series) – a platform that should be exceptional for overclocking.
When it came time to purchase RAM for my new system, I was hesitant about which brand of memory to use, and finally settled on Transcend’s aXeRam TX2000KLU-4GK. I chose Transcend because I have been using their modules for a long time with great results, though their overclocking modules are not very popular with enthusiasts. In any case, the price of the aXeRam kit was pretty good, and didn’t cost much more money than a 4GB kit with normal 1333MHz modules. Transcend emphasizes that its TX2000 kit has already passed Intel’s XMP certification and is fully compatible with Core i7.
Factory Specs:
Transcend’s kit only requires 1.6V voltage when operating at 2000MHz, which means that it has extra available overclocking potential. The memory timing is 9-9-9-24, and the speed stated as “2000+”, implying at least 2000MHz and probably even more:
The 4GB (2GB x 2) Dual Channel Kit:
Aluminum heatsinks covers the module to increase the area of transpiring heat, and efficiently the heat when operating at high temperate.
Next, its time to find out the frequency limits of the TX2000 kit!
Testing Platform:
CPU: Intel i7 920
MB: ASUS P6T
RAM: Transcend TX2000KLU-4GK
First, I entered computer BIOS to apply Intel XMP (Extreme Memory Profiles) and adjust BLCK to 200MHz, and set the DRAM frequency to 2000MHz. This means DRAM frequency is 5 times the FSB frequency (the most common ratio for Intel’s current processors)
CPU-Z/EVEREST Memory Benchmark — 200Mhz FSB, 2000Mhz DRAM:
To further increase the FSB, I used Asus’ overclocking software called “TurboV.” With this software, I was able to reach a limit of 214MHz. The system ran stable at a DRAM frequency of 2130MHz.
CPU-Z/EVEREST Memory Benchmark — 213MHz FSB, 2130Mhz DRAM:
Next, I adjusted the ratio of FSB to DRAM from 5 to 7, resulting in a FSB of 143MHz.
CPU-Z/EVEREST Memory Benchmark — 143MHz FSB, 2000MHz DRAM:
CPU-Z/EVEREST Memory Benchmark —156MHz FSB, 2184MHz DRAM:
I finally failed at 157MHz FSB (2198MHz DRAM), though I was still able to get a snapshot of CPU-Z:
Conclusion:
According to my TX2000 testing and other posts by several notorious overclockers, the aXeRAM’s performance is nearly tha same with popular brands like G-Skill, Corsair, etc (although my poor overclocking abilities should also be taken into account). Nonetheless, I think the cost/performance value of the TX2000 kit is very high, given the current price for these 2000+ MHz modules. This is a great product for gamers and enthusiasts who want to try overclocking for the first time, just like me. Anyway, I am guessing that it is possible to reach over 2200MHz with the Transcend kit, and next I will try adjusting the CPU or DRAM core voltage, which should allow me to achieve this goal!
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Originally Posted by Massman
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