Review: OCZ PC3500 EL DDR MEMORY

Conclusion and rating

I have tried to show you, the reader, why selecting premium memory is so important if your aim is to build a performance PC. Fast memory has fundamental benefits for both AMD and Intel platforms. Although the rated speed of 217MHz (DDR-434, PC-3500; take your pick) is faster than what most chipsets natively support, the fact that the OCZ EL PC-3500 can run at this elevated speed with a CL rating of 2 clocks means that it will be ready for future processors and motherboards. AMD have recently moved on to a faster FSB for their latest XP processors. Simply take 2 OCZ modules, run them at 166+ FSB with the tightest possible timings on an nForce2-based motherboard, and watch your PC just lap up benchmarks. The same can be said for the P4. All you have to do is ramp up your overclockable P4 CPU, make sure you have a motherboard that can run RAM asynchronously for the maximum benefit, tighten the timings, and enjoy.

The beauty of super-fast, low latency memory is that it will run at high frequencies with aggressive timings. The benchmarks used for evaluating the OCZ EL PC-3500 showed just what an increase one can attain from running a) memory at 217MHz+ and b) running it at tight timings. Our OCZ module allowed us to run at 217MHz at 2-7-2-2 (enhanced) with a small increase in voltage. The benchmarks certainly appreciated it.

The benchmarks speak for themselves - there's nothing more that I can add, really. The fact that the OCZ EL-3500 module scoffed at 235MHz (470MHz DDR) at CAS2 shows that it's amongst the very best system memory you can buy. Along with the Corsair XMS3500 C2, the OCZ EL PC-3500 is the very finest memory that I've tested. Both platforms can now take decent advantage from super-fast memory. If you're into performance PCs, do yourself a favour and put this on your shortlist. Availability in both 256MB and 512MB modules is an added bonus.

Highs

• Does exactly what it says on the tin (or copper)

• Super construction. Great looks

• Should allow you to run at high frequencies with tight timings - an ideal situation

• Available in 512MB modules with the same impressive specification

• Our test module managed to hit 235MHz (DDR-470) with relative ease.

Lows

• Expensive, but that is the nature of the beast