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Today we'll look at OCZ's Platinum DDR3 PC3-14400 dual channel memory kit.

Now that the P35 chipset and DDR3 have been out for a while, memory module manufacturers are beginning to deliver high speed modules aimed at enthusiasts; and finally, DDR3 prices are starting come down.

Memory technology moves quickly; and between the time we received our test samples and today, OCZ has re-qualified the modules for faster 8-8-8-24 operation, shaving three cycles off tRAS (row active time) from the 8-8-8-27 that our modules were labeled for. We tested at the 8-8-8-27 timing indicated on the modules.

As an aside, all this high-speed DD3 memory coming onto the market heightens our anticipation towards the upcoming release of Intel's next chipset, the X38. The P35 is the followup for the more mainstream 965P chipset, and the upcoming X38 is the replacement of the high-performance 975X chipset. Past experience with the difference between the 965P and 975X chipsets suggests that the X38 will have better memory performance than the P35 based motherboards that we currently use for testing.

Specifications

• 1800MHz DDR3
• CL 8-8-8-24 (note: the units we received were 8-8-8-27)
• unbuffered 240 pin DIMM
• 1.95V (guaranteed to 2.0V)
• matched dual channel kit
• platinum Z3 XTC heat spreader
• lifetime warranty

Let's see what OCZ has in store for us..