Ultra 512MB PC3200 Memory 2 Pack
Sep 7th, 2004 | By Archive
Ultra 512MB PC3200 Memory 2 Pack
Date
: 09/8/04 – 01:17:21 AM
Author
:
Category
: Memory
Page 1 : Introduction
Manufacturer
: Ultra Products
Price
: $175
This review came alive when I was asked about the performance difference between a Dual Channel Kit and standard memory modules. There is no easy answer to this age old question but I bring you this new review where I compare the 512MB PC3200 Memory 2 Pack against my Ultra Dual Channel 1024 MB PC3200 DDR 400 Mhz on an AMD platform.
Here is what Ultra has to say about the 512MB PC3200 DDR 400 Mhz Memory 2 Pack.
If you're looking for the best DDR memory, at the best prices, ULTRA is the only choice. We highly recommend and proudly present ULTRA memory.
Page 2 : Package
The Ultra 512 MB PC3200 DDR 400 Mhz Memory 2 Pack arrived in a TigerDirect cardboard box. There was nothing fancy about the packaging; it was sealed in a very simple plastic container. Each module has its own compartment inside the packaging. This ensures that they do not damage each other during shipment. They are held in place by tiny grooves.
Page 3 : Specifications
Specifications
Some words from the manufacturer:
Memory Size 2 x 512MB
Memory Speed 400MHz PC3200
Memory Type DDR
Pins 184
Additional Specifications:
Our pledge to you that all Ultra Overclocking Memory products sold will be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
Ultra Overclocking Memory offers Compatibility, Reliability and Speed because it has been rigorously tested to comply with our discriminating standards. Exhaustive triple testing ensures a quality product.
No guessing games, no surprisesUltra Overclocking Memory offers 100% compatibility, guaranteed.
All Ultra Memory modules ship in anti-static packaging. Installation Quick Guide included in package.
Note: This Item is not a Dual-Channel Matched Pair
Here are some specifications from Elixir.
clock cycle
Bidirectional data strobe (DQS) is transmitted and
received with data, to be used in capturing data at the
receiver
DQS is edge-aligned with data for reads and is centeraligned
with data for writes
Differential clock inputs (CK and CK)
Four internal banks for concurrent operation
Data mask (DM) for write data
DLL aligns DQ and DQS transitions with CK transitions
Commands entered on each positive CK edge; data and
data mask referenced to both edges of DQS
Burst lengths: 2, 4, or 8
CAS Latency: 2.5 / 3(DDR400)
Auto Precharge option for each burst access
Auto Refresh and Self Refresh Modes
7.8µs Maximum Average Periodic Refresh Interval
2.5V (SSTL_2 compatible) I/O
VDDQ = VDD = 2.6V ± 0.1V(DDR400)
-5/-5T Speed sort; Support PC3200/2700/2100 modules
Page 4 : Installation
Ultra does not provide any form of documentation with these modules. I simply removed the original Ultra Dual Channel Kit and popped these modules in. Installing in DIMMS 1 and 3 result in a dual channel configuration and installing in DIMMS 1 and 2 result in a single channel mode.
By SPD, the timing is 3-3-3-8. This is a very relaxed timing and I'm hoping to either tighten them or have it run a bit higher than the default 400 Mhz. The default voltage is 2.6.
To make these modules similar to the Dual Channel Kit I had previously reviewed, Ultra Products was kind enough to send me a Memory Cooling Kit. These blue heat spreaders are affordable and easy to install.
Page 5 : Overclocking and Benchmarking
I ran a variety of tests to evaluate the modules performance and stability. I started with SiSoft Sandra 2004, PC Mark 2002, PC Mark 2004, Science Mark 2 membench, Super PI 2M and concluded with MemTest version 3.1.
The first four programs are synthetic and help determine the performance of the modules. Super PI calcuating to 2M digits and MemTest version 3.1 tested the modules for stability. Failure to calculate PI to 2M digits meant an unstable system and failing to pass MemTest also meant an unstable system.
All the results shown are for module settings that passed MemTest.
The tests were conducted using the following system specs:
AMD Mobile Athlon XP 2500+ with 11x multiplier
HIS ATi 9550 VIVO Stock
Asetek KT03A-L30 WaterCooling
Ultra Products X-Connect Power supply
LiteON SOHW-1213S
10 GB ATA 100 5400 RPM Hard Drive
1*120mm fans @ 12 V
1*Swiftech RadBox
2*80mm FloLite Fans
BeanTech BT-85 Chassis
All the benchmarks below were completed with the Memory 2 Pack sporting Ultra HeatSpreaders. The use of the heat spreaders did not allow for better performance in terms of achieving a high overclock.
Ultra Products 2*512 MB PC3200 400 Mhz Dual Channel Kit (ULT30188)
The maximum stable overclock wasn't very high, but you can't win in every category with budget modules. As mentioned before, I wasn't able to get these modules to run in a dual channel configuration as they were not designed for that.
Page 6 : Conclusion
The numbers pretty much tell the story. On an
AMD
system, the difference in performance is very small. To most users, it won't even be noticed. However, from my knowledge, those using an Intel platform will have a different say.
Overall, I'm fairly pleased with the performance of the ULT31022. For the price you would normally pay, this actually surpasses my expectations. This does not mean however that there isn't room for improvement!
Advantages
Budget oriented modules
Reasonable performance
Disadvantages
No dual channel compatibile for users looking for a cheap way of getting a dual channel kit
Tighter timings would be perferred
I would like to thank Ultra Products for making this review and our last contest possible!