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The Memory Chip
For these Voltage eXtreme modules, OCZ chose to use the Winbond CH memory chips. Of course, these are not true CH memory chips like we know. These are actually Winbond UTT (Untested) memory chips.
Example of the Winbond CH-5 memory chip
OCZ buys these memory chips from Winbond at a discount because these chips are sold in bulk, totally untested. OCZ then tests and grades them. The chips that make the Voltage eXtreme grade are used to make these PC-3200 Gold Voltage eXtreme modules.
The Winbond CH UTT memory chip is a 256Mbit chip with an access time of 5.0 to 7.0 ns. That means that it was designed to run up to a maximum of only 200MHz (400MHz DDR) at CL2.5.
But it doesn't appear to be very hard for OCZ to find Winbond UTT memory chips that can run at 400MHz DDR at ultra-tight timings. Just look at how well they did with the OCZ PC-3500 Gold Gamer eXtreme Edition modules.
Memory Chip Specifications
Let's have a look at the official specification of the Winbond W942516CH-5 memory chip.
Chip
Capacity |
256 Mbits |
Configuration |
4M x 4 banks
x 16 bits |
SDRAM
Speed Grade |
5.0 ns |
Rated
Memory Clock |
200 MHz |
Data
Transfers Per Clock |
2 |
Supported
CAS Latencies |
2.0,
2.5, 3.0 |
Refresh
Rate |
7.8 µs |
I/O Voltage |
2.5 - 2.7
V |
Operating
Temperature |
0 to 70
°C |
Power
Dissipation |
1 W |
Now, let's give these modules a spin and see how well they do!
