Going For 4GB: DDR2-1066 Kit Round-Up

Overclocking Summary

The following table lists the maximum overclocking speeds we reached at a common 2.3 V memory supply voltage. Although it is possible to apply more voltage, we do not recommend doing this for permanent system operations, considering that 1.8 V is the default voltage for DDR2 memory and the stated 2.0 to 2.3 V of the memory vendors are already based on selecting memory chips that support higher clock speeds at higher voltages. Hence, 2.3 V is the maximum we’d be willing to accept. 2.4 V and up will not even give you substantially more clock speed anyway.

All enthusiast-class memory, with the exception of Chaintech’s Apogee GT series, was able to overclock from the default DDR2-1066 speed to DDR2-1115 (Mushkin) and up to DDR2-1180 (OCZ, Corsair). Crucial’s memory kit didn’t go as far, but it’s not an enthusiast product, and it doesn’t even have a heat spreader.

Clearly, there aren’t any large overclocking margins for users to take advantage of. The table shows the overclocking results of each product relative to its specified speed, and using specified timings at a common 2.3 V voltage. The Walton Chaintech Apogee GT only reached 99%, as it failed to reach its specified DDR2-1200 speed. All others provide between 2% and 7% overclocking margin, which really isn’t a lot.