On June 5th, Kingston will announce KHX11000D3llK2/2G. A two gigabyte dual channel memory kit that runs at 1375 With 7-7-7 timings. Anandtech has something to say:

"If these numbers still seem high to you, you need to back up a bit for a larger perspective. While lower speed DDR2 can have latencies as fast as 3, DDR3 starts at 800 and the boards we have seen only allow CAS latencies as low as 5. [...] Keep in mind that the actual latency in nanoseconds is what really matters, so while the number of memory cycles from DDR2-533 CL3 through DD2-667 CL4, DDR2/3-800 CL5, DDR3-1067 CL7, and DDR3-1333 CL9 increases, the actual latency in ns only ranges from 11.25ns (DDR2-533 CL3) to a maximum of 13.5ns (DDR3-1333 CL9). While CL7 may sound like a high latency, achieving that with 1333 MHz memory is actually results in a time latency of 10.5ns, and of course that's with much higher bandwidth than some of the other memory speeds."

While most computer enthusiasts might think of other companies when it comes to high-end memory, being number one means you can be first to market with new technology.

It sure is some serious RAM, but far away from what people is reaching with Micron chips, and at $518 I would think twice about buying one. You better keep that money in your wallet a little bit longer. Unlike it was in the launch of DDR2, lower latency DDR3 hasn't waited months to appear and it has much room to improve yet.

But if you just can't wait, know that you can make those DIMMs work at 7-7-7 up to 1500 speed with a modest voltage increase.

High end processors demand some high end components to really fly. There's no point forking out a small fortune on the latest Intel or AMD monster processor and hooking it up with some average DDR2 memory. What you need is some real high speed modules to balance your system and reduce any potential bottleneck between the processor and data. Enter A-DATA's brand new 1200+ line of extreme edition DDR2. We think
they are a cracking choice for Core 2 Duo overclocking.

In order to cope with the introduction of high-end processors such as Core 2 Extreme QX6850 and Athlon 64 FX-62, and to meet the basic appeal of matching FSB, HT (Hypertransport) with the Memory Bus, A-DATA Technology has successfully achieved the next stage of DDR2 1066, and has introduced the amazing DDR2 1200+, enabling the Extreme Edition series to achieve unprecedented high efficiency.

When clock frequency has been upgraded to the DDR2 1200, the bandwidth has also been enhanced to 9.6GB/Sec. Compared with the current mainstream DDR2 800, there is 50% growth (6.4GB/Sec vs 8.5GB.Sec). A-DATA insists on quality, its DDR2 1200+ memory module product adopts 64 x 8 original BGA chips. The highest capacity is 1GB, thus generating a new capacity level for the operation platform

Yesterday we saw this psychological line crossed. And that was yesterday, because today (23 May 2007) the bar has been raised even higher: 2200 Mhz!

You can go to CPUZ Validator Database and see it with your own eyes. If you do, take the opportunity to check that it has not been broken again.

With the aid of a Gigabyte P35 board and some Micron DDR3 here is the main data:

RAM Freq : 1100 MHz
RAM Type : DDR3-SDRAM Single Channel
RAM Ratio : 1:2
RAM Timings : 10-10-10-24

Yes, timings suck, and they give no clue as to what voltages were fed into the system. Nevertheless, the Gigabyte P35-DQ6 is looking really good, and some memory that can go from a rated 1066 to 2200 is nothing to snuff at. When will all that firepower get into our hands?

This one flew under the radar:

"Fountain Valley, CA -- (May 15, 2007) -- Kingston^® Technology Company, Inc., the independent world leader in memory products, today announced it is first to market with production volume of its ultra low-latency DDR2 800MHz HyperX memory modules. Available immediately, the new modules are the fastest performing memory available that provide speed and performance -- without the need for overclocking.

"In lowering the latency even more, going to 3-3-3 with our new HyperX ultra low latency 800MHz DDR2 modules, Kingston is offering both gaming and tech enthusiasts the flexibility to drive performance and benchmarking scores to the limit," said Mark Tekunoff, senior technology manager, Kingston. "Gamers and reviewers have been waiting for memory vendors to achieve the 'holy grail' of 800MHz 3-3-3-- and they wait no more."

Kingston Ultra Low Latency HyperX DDR2 800MHz DIMM Features:

• PC2-6400 800MHz settings
• CL3-3-3-10 @ 2.3-2.35V
• 240-pin Unbuffered DDR Modules
• Voltage: 2.3-2.35V"

With DDR3 just around the corner it's a good time to look into the current state of DDR2.

As with any new technology we already know prices will be in the stratosphere; and that some quirks will be present. Is it wise to make the transition, then, or can you still consider a DDR2 based system for your new computer? Prices on current memory modules have gone down to a very reasonable level. At the same time, frequencies have gone up to 1250 Mhz. Overclocking beyond will take something better than Micron's D9 chips. It's not clear when such chips will arise, so you have all the spectrum for the current memory standar at your disposal. Considering that initial speeds for DDR3 won't be much higher, not enough to offset latencies, the choice is obvious if you're buying before summer. In any case, it's more a question of deciding what DDR2 to purchase.

After reading xbit's article on PC2-9200 and PC2-10000 SDRAM, you'll be able to make an informed buy.

Corsair's DOMINATOR 10000C5DF, long live the king!

Super Talent have become a firm favourite in the overclocking community for good reason - their memory rocks. Overclockers Club has some fun with their top of the range DDR2-1000 modules.

Overclocking is where the fun begins. First they see how far they can push these modules on stock volts and then raise the volts a bit and push them more. They show the results from the highest, stable overclock they were able to achieve at default volts that would pass all of the tests in their testing suite. Looks like they manage to get them up to 1050MHz without much trouble.

Performance memory. It's one of the joys of computing and essential for those big overclocks. Spending a few hundred bucks on pre-tested memory chips to give you an extra 2 fps in your favourite game is undoubtedly madness when you stop to think about it. Our advice, don't stop to think about it. Just concentrate on the shiny heatspreaders (be careful if you have purchased Corsair modules with flashing leds as they can cause premature ejaculation) and think about taking your Core 2 Duo to 4GHz. Won't that be fun. 

Patriot have been producing high performance modules for sometime now with good success. It's reasonably priced and does exactly the same job, if not better, as overpriced modules from more established names.

The Patriot Extreme PC2-8500 modules come with a lifetime warranty. They have black aluminum heat spreaders on them to facilitate in dispersing the heat generated. This would be especially helpful for the overclocking enthusiast in all of us. Each side of each module has a raised and brushed aluminum logo, "DDR2" on one side and "Patriot" on the other. The heat spreaders are slightly finned to increase the surface area for more heat dissipation. The attached labels show off the Patriot red, white and blue colors and allow you to clearly see the model number and timings of the modules. They also have free technical support if you should ever need it. Find out if they perform as good as they taste over at the Overclockers Club - shirt and tie optional.

Performance PC Memory manufacturer, Corsair recently released a new addition to their flagship Dominator line of desktop memory, the TWIN2X2048-10000C5DF. This 2GB DDR2 memory kit features the company's DHX Dual Path Heat Xchange cooling technology, support for Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP), it includes one of Corsair's Dominator active memory coolers, and it's rated for operation at a currently industry leading 1.25GHz.

Even though we think Corsair memory is rubbish for overclocking and serious systems, you can't deny this is impressive news. Our OCZ DDR2 8500 memory currently runs at the same speed in the MaXit Monsta but of course this isn't officially rated. It's a pity the Corsair memory is so damn ugly. It's about time they designed some new heatsinks as the flashing lights and afro comb design still harks back to Knight Rider. Maybe they should hire Hasslehoff to promote this new memory

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