OCZ PC-4000 Gold Gamer eXtreme XTC Dual Channel DDR Memory Kit

The OCZ PC-4000 Gold Gamer eXtreme XTC Dual Channel Memory Kit is quite unlike what we are used to see from OCZ.

It comes with a new heatspreader design that not only had a honeycomb design, but also does away with heatspreader clips. But whether that really helps in improving its cooling efficiency is up for debate.

This memory kit also has twice the capacity of the other memory kits in the OCZ Gold series. That's two full gigabytes of DDR SDRAM! With games like F.E.A.R. requiring loads of memory, 2GB is really the way to go these days. Even Photoshop users will appreciate the advantage of having two gigabytes of memory.

However, its rated timings of 3-4-3-8 are not exactly inspiring. Such loose rated timings and its inability to run at CAS 2 virtually classifies it as high latency modules. Certainly these Samsung UCCC-based modules do not have the flexibility of the TCCD modules.

As our overclocking results have shown, these modules are not for the hardcore overclocker. Instead, they seemed targeted at casual overclockers who just want to overclock up to 250MHz.

The lifetime warranty may seem pointless in the face of the fact that these modules cannot really be overclocked and don't react at all to increased voltage. But it should be noted that at 250MHz, the memory chips are actually being overclocked by 25%. So, it's best to hang onto the security of the lifetime warranty OCZ extends to these modules.

This large capacity memory kit is great for those who need loads of memory, like heavy gamers or multitaskers who do a lot of graphics work. But if you are looking for a good pair of 1GB modules to overclock, you will have to wait for better memory chips. 250MHz is pretty much the limit of these Samsung UCCC chips.

For more details, read our Comprehensive Review!

• 1 GB Module : OCZ5001024ELGEGXT
• 2 GB (1 GB x 2) Dual-Channel Kit : OCZ5002048ELGEGXT-K

• 2.9V EVP
   - OCZ's unique Extended Voltage Protection feature allows these modules to handle voltages up to 2.9V ±5% and still be covered by the Lifetime Warranty.

• ULN Technology
   - OCZ's unique Ultra Low Noise technology reduces the amount of electrical noise, for a faster and more stable module.

• XTC Heatspreaders
   - The honeycomb design of the XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders allow better thermal dissipation by promoting airflow using micro-convection throughout the heatspreader.