OCZ’s 2GB PC2-6400 CL3 Reaper kit has impressed me; 840Mhz at CL3 with only 2.2v is no easy feat. The modules are officically rated for CL3-4-4-15 with 2.4 volts, so not only did they run with less voltage, they also ran at tighter timings and a higher frequency than stock. I know of memory that only runs CAS4 at 2.2v, so this is quite impressive. The memory also has flexibility to run at looser timings and a faster speed. I was not as impressed with the overclocking headroom these modules presented, 944Mhz was not stunning, but put they up a good fight all the same. I am hopeful that this limit was reached because my board is known to push memory quite hard causing the overclocking ceiling to be pretty low, and was not due to me hitting the RAM’s ceiling.

The RAM runs cool to the touch (although I do have a fan blowing across the modules, so that is a big help), so it is clear that the heatpipes do their job of keeping the memory cool, even at high voltages. When running the modules passive the HPC system managed to be keep the modules only slightly warm to the touch running at 2.2v (Granted I do have very good case airflow though as well, so truly passive cooling might be a different result).

For OCZ to release this kind of high performance PC2-6400 memory so late into the DDR2 game, when 800Mhz is pretty much enthusiast standard is an interesting choice. If you look hard enough, faster memory can be found for the same price of these Reapers, or similar performing memory for cheaper (although at a higher CAS latency).

The 2GB PC2-6400 CL3 reapers deserve our Gold award.

Pros
• Tight timings
• Good overclocking headroom
• Needs less than advertised voltage (mileage may vary)
• Timings can be tweaked further (mileage may vary)
• HPC keeps the modules cool
• High in warrantee voltage

Cons
• Faster speed memory for the same price

Reality Check: For the price, they are one of the cheapest CL3 800Mhz kits around, with good overclocking headroom. I was able to lower the voltage and tweak the timings further over stock results. Make up your own mind if CL3 is worth the slight price premium over other CL4 kits.

Reviewed by Dan

Thanks to OCZ for supplying the ram for review

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