OCZ DDR3-1333 PC3-1066 PE - Corsair DDR3-1800 TWIN3X2048 - Review

Conclusion

Looking at the OCZ DDR3-1333 Platinum Edition modules first we see that these sticks provide us with great looks and performance when compared to older DDR2 memory results. The honeycomb design of the XTC heat sink seems to work well and the modules are stable even when run at voltages as high as 1.95v compared to the relatively low 1.8v at stock. It is also good to see that the product is able to run at 1T command rate on the Asus P5K3 Deluxe motherboard which is not a standard requirement.

Looking at the price of building a DDR3 based system around these modules the breakdown is as follows (compared to an equivalent DDR2 system):

2x1GB DDR2 1066 + Asus P5K Deluxe = £120+164 = £284 (Patriot)

2x1GB DDR3 1333 + Asus P5K3 Deluxe= £305+164= £469 (OCZ)

When written down like that it is hard to recommend the purchase of these particular sticks, certainly the system would be more future proof yet despite this we do not feel the small gain in real world performance is worth an additional £185. That money would be better spent on an extra 2Gb of DDR2 or even put towards a better CPU or graphics card.

The Corsair modules force us to reconsider this opinion through their incredibly high speeds. The overall bundle is better due to the inclusion of the Airflow cooler but it is the noticeable difference in real world performance which most sways us. Regardless of the task, running DDR3 at 1800MHz does provide increases in productivity and this is easier to sanction paying for than small gains.

The cost breakdown of a DDR3-1800 system would be as follows:

2x1GB DDR2 1066 + Asus P5K Deluxe = £120+164 = £284 (Patriot)

2x1GB DDR3 1800 + Asus P5K3 Deluxe= £432+164= £596 (Corsair)

It is a hefty price difference between systems but if wanting the fastest components money can buy we have to recommend these Corsair Sticks.

Clearly money is a huge consideration however the answer to everyone's prayers may be in an entirely different component. We will soon be taking a look at MSI's P35 Platinum Combo, a motherboard which allows users to install DDR2 or DDR3...giving us the price/performance benefits of DDR2 now with the ability to use DDR3 when the costs come down to a more affordable level.

Corsair

What do these awards mean?

Scan.co.uk £432
Newegg.com $650
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OCZ

Overclockers.co.uk £305
Newegg.com $450