Page 10 - Overclocking Continued, Conclusion
Given 2.1V, I tried to see the lowest latency I am able to achieve with OCZ's Flex XLC PC2-6400 CAS4 2x1GB Dual Channel kit. During our tests, CAS latency as well as RAS to CAS Delay cannot be reduced -- the computer will not POST at all.
RAS Precharge can be reduced to 3 from 4; however it is not stable at 4-4-3-15.
The only one I could reduce is the Cycle Time (TRAS). From 4-4-4-15, I managed to reduce it to 4-4-4-10 stably, which is not a bad latency reduction.
With the water cooler, you can try to raise the voltage and lower latencies could actually be possible.
Implementation of the OCZ Flex XLC heatsink into more budget oriented users is definitely a great idea. With integrated water cooling support as well as improved heat dissipation even without liquid cooling, personally I think it will appeal to a certain group of users. Plus, it looks very nice and separates itself from other RAM as it is really that distinct.
The effectiveness of the water cooler was not tested in this review. The effectiveness of this water cooler is regarded highly with our affiliates when paired with a water cooling system. Due to this, higher voltages could be used (Although you might void your warranty as EVP is still at 2.2V from OCZ) -- and even if it's not overclocking, as a source of heat, it can be more effectively pulled away from your system using a water cooling kit. And you don't need to pay any extra with the included Flex XLC heatsink.
Installation and compatibility is also nice and smooth -- despite the large heatsink, I experienced no problems with it interfering with other large objects such as our Scythe Infinity heatsink; in fact, it actually assisted in cooling down the memory by drawing air directly over the array of fins residing at the top of the Flex XLCs -- so even without water cooling, it will assist you in many way.
Stock performance is very commendable; but there's one thing you should take into account: Are the OCZ Flex XLC PC2-6400 CAS4 2x1GB Dual Channel kit worth approximately $50 over the longtime favorite amongst users, the OCZ Platinum XTC Rev.2 2x1GB Dual Channel kit? Initially, I did not think so. I had to be honest with you, I didn't because I didn't have much insight in this. Until I got enlightened!
I am not going to go over the benefits of an integrated water cooling ready heatsink, as I've done so already -- especially with the innovative flexible design of either air or water cooling implementations from OCZ. However, the point is that is it worth $50 more than a standard of OCZ Platinum XTC Rev.2? Maybe, maybe not.
If you have a water cooling kit, I would definitely say yes. Effective cooling of drawing heat away from your system is an added plus; but another advantage could simply be a better overclocking potential with safe usage of higher voltages. If you don't, I recently checked local online retailers and the difference is now approximately $20 USD -- not the $50 previously -- making it probably a worthwhile investment over the standard XTC heatsink -- by all means, it's more effective, and who knows, if you are a performance oriented user, you might need the cooling one day. The price for a better heatsink could actually be very well paid off over the long run.
The memory itself is not very overclockable; the heatsink makes no difference -- at least on air. I would expect more advantage as you move up the ladder with higher voltages. However, I would take a look at the CAS3 version of the Flex XLC PC2-6400 series (We will get our hands on it soon) as they seem to be much better in terms of overclocking, and if that's not what that matters when you buy memory -- get the OCZ Platinum XTC Rev. 2. In general, if you can find these at a small price incrase over the OCZ Platinum XTC Rev. 2, the potential or advantage -- depending on what you are looking for -- may be well worth the money. But it's all up to the end user. And we have an award just for that.
Special thanks to Andy over at OCZ for making this review possible.
Rating: 7.5/10 | APH equal.balance
- The rating 7/10 means "Great product with many advantages and certain insignificant drawbacks; but should be considered before purchasing".
- The rating 8/10 means "Definitely a very good product with drawbacks that isn't likely going to matter to the end user".
- More information in our Review Focus.
The Flex XLC CL4 -- paying extra cash for a better heatsink over Platinum XTC Rev. 2's. Is it worth it? If it comes available for a small price increase, I am sure paying a little extra cash for the advantage it provides, and the potential of better cooling may provide for you, is worth the increasement. It all comes down to what you need though.
And I would like to thank a good friend of mine for enlightening me in this subject. Big props to him for this revised review!
Page Index
Page 1 - Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
Page 2 - A Closer Look, Installation, Test System
Page 3 - 3DMark06 Results
Page 4 - PCMark05 Results
Page 5 - EVEREST CPU Results
Page 6 - EVEREST FPU Results
Page 7 - EVEREST Memory Results
Page 8 - SuperPI, Cinebench 9.5, EVEREST Memory Latency Results
Page 9 - Overclocking Results
Page 10 - Overclocking Continued, Conclusion
