AnandTech: OCZ Introduces DDR3-1800

Bandwidth and Memory Scaling

As you saw in the overclocking graph on page 5, the OCZ DDR3-1800 reached DDR3-2040. This is slightly higher than the Super Talent which reached DDR3-2008 and it is the highest memory speed we have yet reached with DDR3. To better understand memory performance at speeds from DDR3-800 to DDR3-2040 we compared standard or buffered bandwidth on the OCZ PC3-14400 at all standard speeds. The processor in each case was running at 3.0GHz as detailed in the memory test configuration on page 3. The OCZ bandwidth was compared to all DDR3 memory we have tested to date.

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At DDR3-800 and 1066 the Elpida LL based Kingston is the best performer in the standard Sandra bandwidth test. However, at 1333 the lead shifts to the OCZ DDR3-1800 where it remains through the highest speed that could be reached with DDR3. It is interesting that the Elpida is very efficient in DDR2 overlap speeds but then loses steam at higher DDR3-only frequencies.

The new Z9 DDR3 memory owns the benchmarks from 1333 on. The Super Talent set new timing records and the OCZ extends that a bit further. The aggressive OCZ binning allows slightly faster timings at all speeds from 1333 to 2000+. In fact we were more than surprised that timings of 5-5-4-12 were stable with the OCZ PC3-14400 at 1333 speed. The Micron Z9 memory chips achieve high speeds and particularly tight timings on the OCZ memory. The TEAM memory is also based on Micron Z9 chips, and it competes well in the range it covers. Unfortunately, the binning on the TEAM has produced a memory that tops out about 100 MHz lower than the best Z9 DIMMs.

We also test memory with buffering schemes like MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, etc, turned off. While these features do provide apparent improved bandwidth, the unbuffered bandwidth tends to correlate better with real-world gaming and application performance. Unbuffered performance does not always follow the patterns of buffered memory performance.

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Unbuffered results show the same basic pattern as buffered results. At 800, 1066, and now 1333 speed the best unbuffered bandwidth is achieved with the Kingston LL memory. 1333 is neck and neck with the OCZ DDR3-1800 being reviewed. Above 1333 OCZ and other Micron Z9-based memory are the best performers. If you are looking for raw speed and performance it is increasingly clear that DIMMs based on Micron Z9 memory chips are the fastest DDR3 you can currently buy. There will still be variations based on the DIMM Manufacturers' experience and expertise in binning, PCB construction, and SPD programming.