OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 Platinum Triple Channel Kit Review

DDR3 has come down in price tremendously. Today we look at a triple channel kit from the ever popular OCZ.

Product on Review: OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 Platinum Low-Voltage Triple Channel
Manufacturer and Sponsor: OCZ Technology
Price: £112 At time review was written

As we draw closer to the end of 2009 we naturally reflect on the previous year, and speaking primarily of computer hardware – the products that have wowed us. We’ve seen the awesome power of Intel’s Core i7 processor and indeed the smaller Core i5 chips, and those who have gone down the socket 1366 route will have been forced to move to a new motherboard, and to higher frequency DDR3 memory. The Core i7 brings a new memory controller that demands DDR3 but not only this, it also allows for triple channel.

This you may think could cost you a small fortune, but DDR3 prices have been dropping as the months have passed and you can now pick up a kit for not too dissimilar price to how much a DDR2 kit would cost you.

We’ve also seen Microsoft’s new operating system Windows 7 replace the notorious Vista, and again if you move forward to this new suite its going to demand greater of your system, but the benefits from upgrading to Core i7 along with triple channel DDR3 are unparalleled. We can now stick inside our system massive capacities of memory and maximize the bandwidth by using triple channel. It’s a win, win situation.

Today we have the pleasure of looking at our first DDR3 triple channel kit provided by the memory experts – OCZ Technology. Back in the DDR2 department OCZ provided us with the platinum, titanium and gold series that allowed huge overclocks whilst being rock solid. We will be taking a look at the OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 Platinum Low-Voltage Triple Channel kit and a little later putting it into the ultimate of test environments by analysing its performance in Windows 7 64-Bit.

Specifications
• 1333MHz DDR3
• CL 7-7-7-24 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
• Available in 6GB Triple Channel Optimized kits
• Platinum Z3 XTC Heatspreader**
• Lifetime Warranty
• 1.65 Volts
• 240 Pin DIMM

Part Numbers
6GB (3x2048MB) T/C Kit PN – OCZ3P1333LVA6GK

The statistics above make for a very interesting memory kit. OCZ Technology have the following to say about the OCZ PC3-10666 triple-channel memory kit:

The OCZ PC3-10666 triple-channel memory kit is designed specifically for the Intel® Core™ i7 processor / Intel® X58 Express Chipset. Optimized for the Core i7’s triple channel mode, these new 3GB, 6GB, and 12GB kits ensure optimal performance via an ideal combination of low voltage requirements, speed, and latency.

Developed for enthusiasts and early-adopters, the low voltage OCZ Triple Channel solutions are the choice counterparts for leading-edge performance that won’t inhibit the functionality of Core i7 CPUs. In addition, modules are tested in matched triplets ensuring superior compatibility.

OCZ’s Triple Channel kits are 100% hand-tested for quality assurance and compatibility and feature propriety XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders for the most effective heat dissipation. Furthermore, each OCZ memory module is backed by the industry leading OCZ Lifetime Warranty and technical support for unparalleled peace of mind.

Modules

Our OCZ modules come vacuum sealed in a plastic casing. There isn’t much to say about this, it serves its purpose nicely. Taking the modules out the first thing you would notice if you haven’t read the packaging is that there are three sticks of RAM. DDR3 now allows us to run our memory in triple channel so that we can maximize memory bandwidth.

The modules are united with the infamous XTC heat spreader that we have seen on the DDR2 kits in previous times. They not only dispel heat efficiently (thus allowing you to push them further) but they also look really sleek next to your CPU heatsink – so if you have a windowed case, all the more chance to show off to you friends.

Testing

In order to gage whether the OCZ DDR3 kit is good or not we will benchmark the kit in various applications. I’m also going to try and push the memory and see where we can get with overclocks.

Test System
Processor: Intel Core i7 920
Motherboard: ASUS X58 P6T Deluxe
Memory:
OCZ PC3-10666 DDR3 3x2GB
Mushkin (3x2GB) DDR3 PC3-10666 9-9-9-24 Silverline
GPU: ATI Radeon HD5870
PSU: Antec Signature Series 850W

Software
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 64-Bit
Benchmarks:
DirectX 11
Everest
SiSoft Sandra
PCMark Vantage
Street Fighter IV Benchmark

Everest

Here we have a program that provides up to date, accurate information about your computer. It lists all the components inside and allows you to benchmark the memory in your system.

In this first test, our OCZ DDR3 kit falls short when up against the Mushkin memory. It seems that during read, write and copy operations the Mushkin were significantly better. The Mushkin memory is exactly the same speed and capacity yet it beats the OCZ in this test. This must be down to the higher latency timings found on the Mushkin modules.

Mushkin

OCZ

SiSoftware Sandra

This program is another great application for providing information on your system. It’s used by enthusiasts around the world to effectively test various hardware. Sandra actually stands for ystem ANalyser, Diagnostic and Reporting Assistant. There are a variety of tests we can actually run on the memory side of things. The test that we will be focusing on is the Memory Bandwidth.

We now see the OCZ memory pull ahead slightly. Though the results above may not be that noticeable to the human eye it is a clear winner nonetheless.

PCMark Vantage

This is the latest version of the ever popular PCMark series (3DMark/PCMark. 3DMark is the more common of the two software to be used and focuses on the graphical side of benchmarking rather than the system as a complete unit. So PCMark differs in that it provides a thorough benchmark of the entire system, and so this will be more suitable for our memory test.

The PCMark Vantage test is where the OCZ memory shines, it pushes in front in a clear 200 point win. A combination of gaming, video and other benchmarks take advantage of the lower latency on our OCZ modules.

Street Fighter IV

Capcom recently released a neat benchmarking tool along-side their much anticipated beat em’up Street Fighter IV. The SFIV benchmark tool provides an accurate score accompanied by a FPS rating. This gives us a good indication of how well our memory performs in the 3D environment.

In the Street Fighter IV benchmark test, the difference between the OCZ and Mushkin memory was only very slight. Such a small range in FPS would be un-noticable to the human eye and so these two modules are pretty much on par with one another. These things aside, the OCZ still came out victorious!

Overclocking
In order to find out how well the OCZ memory can overclock to I left the voltage, and timings to default and increased the bus speed. I was able to reach the heights of 1800MHz with 100% stability. This is a brilliant overclock, and I’m sure with some extra attention the 2000MHz mark is not unrealistic.

Conclusion

If you are planning on making the move to DDR3 the OCZ PC3 10666 Triple Channel kit is a brilliant choice. It may not be the fastest on the market but it certainly packs a punch. Out of the packet it runs at 1333MHz but with a few tweaks you can have it running at 1600-1800MHz with no hassle whatsoever, I\\\’m sure with some extra tinkering it would be able to reach that 2000MHz milestone.

This is really what makes this kit so appealing, because it isn\\\’t the fastest kit available it comes in at a very reasonable price. Those willing to enter the BIOS then have the option to boost bus speeds throwing that slower stock speed out of the window.

The bottom line is, this kit is solid, very overclockable, great value and an excellent transition to DDR3 for Windows Vista/7 enthusiasts or gamers and we highly recommend it. For this reason OCZ PC3 10666 Triple Channel kit attains the Vortez Gold award.

Pros
+ Look great
+ Very affordable
+ Offer great performance and overclock
+ Life-time warranty

Cons
– None