Benchmark Methodology:With the overclocking and stability testing at stock timings and frequency completed, let's turn our attention to how the memory performs at the various clocks we just looked at. For comparison sake, we have included the results from a highly overclocked DDR2 setup. Here is the hardware used for those results: - Motherboard: Asus P5B-Deluxe Wifi-AP
- Processor: Intel C2D E6850
- Processor Cooling: Thermalright Ultra 120 w/AD1212MS-A73GL 2050RPM/80.5CFM
- Memory: OCZ Reaper HPC 2x1024MB PC2-9200
- Power Supply: Silverstone Zeus ST56ZF
- Video Card: Biostar 8600GTS 512MB
- Additional Fans:
120mm AD1212MS-A73GL 2050RPM/80.5CFM
120mm Vantec Stealth SF12025L 1500RPM/50CFM - Hard Drive: 1 x Seagate 7200.9 80GB SATAII 8MB cache
- OS: Windows XP SP2 (with recent updates)
This above setup will be shown as the transparent blue bar (2) in all of the benchmark graphs. The grey bar in the graphs (1) indicates the 'stock' or rated timings and frequency of the Super Talent Project X PC3-14400 memory kit. The timings are set manually in the BIOS and the FSB has to be raised to 450MHz in order to run the rated frequency of DDR3-1800. The secondary timings are all left on AUTO for these results. We lowered the multiplier to 7X for this setup as well as the DDR2 setup in order to provide results that should be attainable by most C2D based systems and provide a relatively equal comparison. Obviously not everyone will be running at 3.2GHz or 3.15GHz, but we figured most users would be able to relate to results much better at these CPU frequencies.
The last three red results in the graphs (3 / 4 / 5) are of the overclocked settings that we found to be stable previously. Unfortunately there is no way to change the memory frequency without adjusting FSB and CPU frequency so all the results aren't really comparable to each other, but we can use them to see what type of performance is going to be had at the various combinations of CPU/RAM frequencies and timings. The 6-6-5 frequency was raised just slightly from the 24/7 stable results and the 7-7-7 settings were clocked down to the rated frequency so we can have a direct comparison between DDR3-1600 CL6 and DDR3-1800 CL7 at a CPU frequency of 3600MHz. It should prove for some interesting numbers even though the FSB is going to be higher on the DDR3-1900 benchmarks.
The testing methodology for the results we are about to see is as follows:
a/ Windows is installed using a full format.
b/ Intel Chipset drivers and accessory hardware drivers (audio, network, GPU) are installed followed by a defragment and a reboot.
c/ Programs and games are then installed followed by another defragment.
d/ Windows updates are then completed installing all available updates including .NET Framework followed by a defragment.
e/ Benchmarks are each ran three times after a clean reboot for every iteration of the benchmark, the results are then averaged.
 For all results, all settings are set in the BIOS and no adjustments are made in Windows. The same theme, and other system options are identical between the two systems as well as between the overclocked results with the Super Talent Project X PC3-14400 kit. The benchmark versions are all listed in the graphs and were the most up to date versions at the time of testing.
The only other settings to note are the Performance Level (tRD) and Chipset Strap. For all benchmarks, Performance Level was manipulated to be a constant 7 and Chipset Strap remained at 266. The Performance Level setting is actually just another chipset timing known as tRD or Read Delay. A lower Performance Level setting equates to greater performance and conversely, a higher Performance Level value provides lower performance. This setting can greatly influence the results of certain benchmarks and a constant PL was determined to be the best way to go.
We have tried to outline the testing method as best we can here but if there are any further questions about settings or the OS setup, please do not hesitate to ask in the discussion thread which is linked to at the bottom of the review. So without further delay, let's see how the benchmark witnesses will influence this case.
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