Install and CPU-Z
In order to get to work dual-channel configuration, you’ll have to insert identical memory modules in available RAM slots (on most motherboards they are labelled with same colour. Upon booting (as shown in picture 2*1Gb DDR2-667) were recognized as dual-channel modules on motherboard. So here comes the fun part, testing the modules and yes – overclocking! I was able to push FSB by 11% to 295.
So that was accomplished without raising any of the voltages on motherboard. And both of memory types (ddr2-667 and ddr2-800) were able to overclock 11% without any issues. Now by raising voltage to 2.25 I was able to run the on 325 FSB and everything was rock-solid. So that’s about 23% performance increase!
Nothing spectacular, but hey I sure I’m not ungrateful about it. I’ve run multiple test applications (from memtest to cpu-burn in, games, office application, web surfing etc. etc.) and haven’t noticed any problems with my computer.
When I’ve pushed the RAM over its limits – I didn’t have to remove the BIOS chip. Luckily my motherboard (Asus) has one great feature – the C.P.R (CPU Parameter Recall) and reset BIOS settings to default. So this Asus feature was really helpful when I’ve overclocked my rig, since I’ve sometimes overclocked too much – and it helped me cause I’ll surely would have to hassle myself with opening my computer case and re-inserting the BIOS chip.
One last thing about overclocking… is that lots of people think that the value is determined on which series of product is released – and it’s valued more if it has overclocking potential. In a long run.. overclocking really decreases the lifespan of computer components.. and the way this spring has started – it’s going to be one hot summer this years. So what I’m trying to say is that without any additional cooling of all computer components (or with some liquid cooling in your computer case) you shouldn’t really harass your computer if you want to run it without any troubles.
I noticed that when overclocking those modules, temperatures increased from 5-10 degrees and that fact certainly cannot be ignored. Now let’s plug these modules so we can see how well they perform.
Next, test set up, testing and conclusions.
takeMS 667/800 DDR2 Memory Review
Warranty - 9.5
Performance - 9.5
Compatibility/Stability - 9
9.3
So you can prepare yourself for Windows Vista - and in a year or two it will surely become a 'standard' operating system. One last thing I wanted to mention is that DDR2 prices are constantly falling, article 'Users will continue to see bargains in DRAM memory prices throughout May and June. But this situation on DDR2 market will not last forever. Since Intel has practically launched P35 motherboard chipset, and we'll see first DDR3 modules to debut on market. So who knows will DDR3 modules have effect on current DDR2 prices or not.
