Conclusion
OCZ
One of the things we love about OCZ’s memory
is that it looks phenomenal, the gold and platinum
edition modules just ooze quality and the XTC
heatspreaders which have been used for a while
now add a real cool factor to the product. Looks
clearly are not everything, however in the performance
stakes OCZ’s modules do not disappoint.
Whether running at DDR2-800 settings with low
timings or the higher spec DDR2-1xxx speeds with
recommended timings the performance achieved by
the OCZ sticks are stellar. Stability was also
never in question and throughout our testing the
modules performed flawlessly.
Corsair
The Corsair modules will appeal to enthusiasts
as they have an ultra cool geek appeal with the
massively enlarged heatsinks. Enthusiasts will
also no doubt get a kick from the Airflow module
which keeps memory temperatures as low as possible,
in theory extending the lifetime of the product.
As far as performance goes the Corsair modules
are the fastest DDR2 sticks we have seen and the
timings the tightest at speeds in excess of 1100Mhz.
Simply amazing performance.
Summary
Looking at the performance results alone it would
appear that there is a clear winner, however all
is not as clear cut as it seems. As both products
feature a lifetime warranty the decision on which
product is most suitable comes down to the price
consumers are willing (or able) to pay. Currently
the OCZ modules are available online for £290
where as the top spec Corsair Dominators are over
£450 (2gb kits). Clearly if the motherboard
to be used with the sticks only supports DDR2-800
the OCZ modules are better value however in terms
of the highest end motherboards and extreme timings
at overclocked speeds the Corsair modules fit
the bill better. There is over a £150 price
difference however, and we feel this might be
the deciding factor for all but the richest of
enthusiast.
What
do these awards mean?
