In order to test the new DDR2 PC2-5400 Platinum XTC Dual Channel 2x1GB modules, we used an ASUS motherboard, the P5WD2-E Premium, based on the 975X chipset, and the Intel Pentium 4 processor, the Extreme Edition 3.73GHz. Below are some screen shots from CPU-Z v1.33.1.

The memory, according to OCZ, is capable of running at 667MHz with CL 3-3-3-15 timings. The first measurements were taken with the modules running with SPD.

- SPD

Serial Presence Detect (SPD) is information that describes the memory module's size, data width, speed, and voltage, and is stored on the memory module itself. When your computer boots up, the BIOS uses this information to configure the installed memory at maximum reliability and performance. This is also convenient for ordinary, everyday users, who may not want to be bothered with or don't know how to set the memory timings. If the timings are not set correctly, the computer may not start up at all or can cause exception errors in the operating system.

- 667MHz CL 3-3-3-12

Afterwards, we set the memory to its certified speed and timings, according to OCZ, which is 667MHz and CL 3-3-3-12. At this point, we should mention that although this is the certified setup for this memory, Memtest86+ reported an error during the sixth test.

- 800MHz CL 4-4-4-15

We then decided to increase the timings a little, after getting errors with Memtest86+. The memory was set at 800MHz with timings of 4-4-4-15 and without over-clocking the processor.

- 870MHz CL 4-4-4-15

Finally, we over-clocked our processor and set the memory at 870MHz with timings of 4-4-4-15.

The reported memory bandwidth from Memtest for each setup, is given in the following table.

Here's a rundown of our testbed:

System Specifications

CPU: Intel Pentium 4 ED 3.73GHz
Cooler: Thermaltake Blue Orb II
Case: none
Motherboard: Asus P5WD2-E PREMIUM
Power supply: Thermaltake PurePower 520W
Memory: DDR2 PC2-5400 Platinum XTC Dual Channel 2x1GB
VGA: ASUS EAX1600XT Silent
Hard Disk Drive: WD800JD 80GB 7200RPM
OS: Windows XP Pro SP2
Drivers: 6.4
DirectX: v9.0c

Benchmarks & Applications used

Memtest86+-1.65
Sisoft Sandra 2005
PcMark05
Performance Test V5.0 ( PassMark)
Half Life 2 - VST
CPU-Z v1.33.1