The OCZ PC3700 Gold Rev 3 Dual Channel Kit

The OCZ PC3200 EL Rev 2 memory certainly impressed us with its ultra-low memory timings and high performance, but the PC3700 Gold Rev 3 dual channel kit made just as big an impact, but in a different area. This memory is designed to overclock easily and offers 2.5-3-3-8 timings at up to 466 MHz with a rated voltage of 2.8V. When using the SPD setting at 400 MHz, the 2.5-3-3-8 timings were the default, but on some platforms, 2-3-2-7 timings at 400 MHz were easily attained.

Due to the high-speed design, OCZ states that this memory may not run at lower timings than noted, but while we have trouble recommending this as true CL2@400 MHz memory, it is definitely close. The key ingredient that makes OCZ PC3700 Gold DDR so attractive to prospective overclockers is its ability to maintain CL2.5 timings, even at extremely high memory clock speeds.

The OCZ PC3700 Gold Rev 3 kit features 2x512-MB PC3700 Gold modules, and each sports an attractive gold-layered copper heat spreader. As with the PC3200 kit, the modules feature an OCZ label with important info like the model number, product name and memory timings listed on it. This memory kit also includes a range of features, such as ULN2 (Ultra Low Noise) which reduces electrical noise at the PCB level, EVP (Extended Voltage Protection), which allows DDR modules to run at higher voltages, and HyperSpeed, which means the modules and PCB are designed for high-speed operation. The EVP feature is critical for enthusiast-level overclocking, and it allows up to 3.0V operation while still being protected by OCZs Lifetime Warranty. As with the PC3200 EL kit, the free "Enhanced by OCZ" case sticker has fallen by the wayside.

Overclocking and Memory Timings

In terms of standard benchmark testing, the OCZ PC3700 Gold Rev 3 memory is a good performer, but failed to light up the charts at 400 MHz. This is due to its inherent design, which is geared towards providing the very highest clock speeds, while not allowing as much flexibility with the memory timings. Although we could go lower on some platforms, this translates into a base of 2.5-3-3-8, which really doesn't compare to the top PC3200 DDR at 400 MHz. Of course, you don't slap down the cash for OCZ PC3700 Gold to run at 400 MHz, and it is when overclocked that the OCZ memory really starts to turn some heads.

The first step was 436 MHz, and the OCZ PC3700 Gold Rev 3 skimmed through without even breaking a sweat. The 2.5-3-3-8 memory timings were still fast enough at this speed, but the OCZ PC3200 EL Platinum gave higher performance at this level. The next stage was to move up to our secondary goal of 480 MHz, and surprisingly, the OCZ PC3700 Gold Rev 3 hit it like a knife through butter, and maintained the 2.5-3-3-8 timings all the way up.

We proceeded to work the PC3700 Gold Rev 3 DDR over 500 MHz, and finally topped out at the 500-520 MHz range (depending on platform) and amazingly stuck to the 2.5-3-3-8 timings. This was true on both the AMD and Intel platforms, and the OCZ PC3700 Gold is a great bet for either one. This is an exceptional result for memory rated at only 466 MHz, especially since it can maintain the same memory timings throughout the range of overclocked speeds. The ease at which the overclocks were attained was also quite surprising, and OCZ receives top marks in this area.