OCZ Platinum 7200 EPP DDR-2 Memory

INTRODUCTION

Today we have the a very special opportunity to review some splendid new OCZ DDR-2 memory modules. After this introductory sentence you might be thinking to yourself "just another memory review, what's so special"? To start with this 2GB pair of DDR-2 sticks is equipped with EPP. What Is EPP, you say? First the official version and then our commentary.

The following is scripted from NVIDIA's Technical Brief, SLI-Ready Memory with Enhanced Performance Profiles: "System memory modules (DIMMs) are built using an electrically-erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) that can hold up to 256 Bytes of data." "The EEPROM is used to store Serial Presence Detect (SPD) information defined by JEDEC which include manufacturer part number, manufacturer name, some timing parameters, serial number, etc." "Only a portion of the EEPROM is defined by the JEDEC SPD specification. Bytes 99 to 256 can be used arbitrarily or left unused by memory manufacturers."

"EPP technology was defined to utilize the extra space in the EEPROM to store memory configuration settings that are sufficient to optimize and maximize the performance of a memory module. Bytes 99 to 127 are used to store this additional information so that DIMMs with EPP are fully compatible with non-EPP enabled system BIOS."

When I initially began to read about NVIDIA's development of Enhanced Performance Profiles I was completely stoked! I saw it as a way for someone totally new to the Computer Enthusiast scene to achieve highly respectable performance out of their system without the hassle of doing it the old fashioned way. We veterans of the art know this can be an extensive, time consuming task that can be frustrating for those that have yet to gain the addiction.

This technology holds quite a bit more potential than just for the newbie! It gives the experienced Computer Enthusiast an established memory overclocking baseline for those who wish to push memory performance to its absolute limit. Most of us that own a current version of any high performance motherboard realize that setting the half-dozen or so memory options that we used to rely upon is now simply a beginning. I personally have seen as many as 20 different memory settings available on some boards and have had to extensively research both their short and long-term benefit to my system's performance before touching the first setting. Imagine EPP setting all of those functions to a very solid baseline along with a rock solid front sided BUS speed for these optimized settings.

I'm in no way advocating taking all the fun out overclocking, quite the contrary, I'm talking about bypassing the initial arduous and sometimes boring preliminary steps and getting straight to the matter at hand. As systems become more complex this technology can be a real boon to all of the truly hard-core overclockers.

It is my understanding that the Chairman of JEDEC initially rejected the acceptance of this new profile into their series of standards for memory. As we all know standards and such are very often quite political but if this technology is as good as it looks on paper in real life scenarios and a few more companies get on the bandwagon I'm hopeful eventual acceptance will be assured. When companies like Corsair and OCZ adopt this standard for a certain series of their memory modules you can bet that they have done their research and it's not just hype.

Well so much for explanation and speculation! Please join me as we attempt to discern with a high degree of objectivity how well OCZ has meshed NVIDIA's EPP profile into their Platinum 7200 EPP modules. I assure you we'll leave no table unturned and after reading this review you should be able to readily determine: 1) If this technology fits your needs and the needs of future patrons of our art; 2)  If you're ready to invest your hard earned $$$ in these memory modules; and 3)  If you feel this technology is worthy of being included as one of the many JEDEC standards.

OCZ:   A Brief Overview

Entering the memory market in August 2000, OCZ Technology was built around the determination to manufacture the best high speed DDR and RDRAM. OCZ was founded by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and our commitment to the end-user has not digressed. OCZ Technology has been an innovator in many areas. We were the first manufacturer to make Dual Channel optimized memory available to the public, which originally took advantage of nVidia's Twinbank or Dual DDR architecture, found in their nForce chipset. We have now taken that technology and tailored it for the Canterwood, and Granite Bay chipset's. OCZ developed and was the first to implement ULN technology, which has been a critical element in our manufacturing process for some time. We at OCZ diligently work to improve communication with CPU and motherboard chipset manufacturers prior to the release of their products. Only in this manner can we fine-tune our memory's SPD settings, ensuring a synergistic relationship between the memory module, memory controller, and microprocessor. In today’s rapidly evolving semiconductor industry, such communication is not simply research, but a necessary component of our manufacturing process.

At OCZ we have one primary goal, and it is to make sure that every customer is 110% satisfied. Every employee at OCZ is dedicated to accomplishing this goal. Our engineers are constantly developing the fastest and best performing products. Our finance department works every angle to bring customers our product at the best price. Our marketing department ensures all the information needed to make an informed purchase is available and presented in an easy to understand format. The technical support department constantly studies and tests the latest hardware to be as informed as possible to help you with any issue you may have. Our customer service department is filled with customer satisfaction fanatics who will refuse to let you be unsatisfied.