OCZ Reaper OCZ2RPR10664GK

Get it while it's hot! er... cool? With DDR3 memory getting all the attention lately it's easy to overlook DDR2 performance memory. There are many very good reasons to consider DDR2 including but not limited to price and performance. Today Benchmark Reviews takes a look at one potential price/performance hotshot; the OCZ Reaper HPC PC2 8500 Memory Kit. Can it's unique cooling solution and high speed specs be enough to sway you?

DDR3 memory is definitely the speed king in regards to extreme overclocking. Although DDR3 prices are falling, all that performance still comes with a premium. There are still plenty of reasons to go with DDR2. Pricing alone you can buy at least twice as much DDR2 per dollar than DDR3. Not that price alone should drive any buying decision; performance counts too, and with current Core 2 Duo and AMD CPUs this memory should have plenty of performance to keep up.

This article is not and will not be a DDR2 vs. DDR3 comparison, but rather information for you DDR2 users and potential users out there. Considering all the great deals available on performance DDR2 memory it's no wonder this technology is alive and kicking. Of course all of this is only matters if you are building a new machine or upgrading an existing DDR2 machine. If building a new LGA775 or AMD AM2 PC, DDR2 memory is still very much mainstream and a viable solution to all but the most cutting edge performance conscious users.

About the company: OCZ Technology

Entering the memory market in August 2000, OCZ Technology was built around the determination to manufacture the best high speed DDR and RDRAM. OCZ was founded by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and our commitment to the end-user has not digressed. OCZ Technology has been an innovator in many areas. We were the first manufacturer to make Dual Channel optimized memory available to the public, which originally took advantage of nVidia's Twinbank or Dual DDR architecture, found in their nForce chipset. We have now taken that technology and tailored it for the Canterwood, and Granite Bay chipset's. OCZ developed and was the first to implement ULN technology, which has been a critical element in our manufacturing process for some time. We at OCZ diligently work to improve communication with CPU and motherboard chipset manufacturers prior to the release of their products. Only in this manner can we fine-tune our memory's SPD settings, ensuring a synergistic relationship between the memory module, memory controller, and microprocessor. In today?s rapidly evolving semiconductor industry, such communication is not simply research, but a necessary component of our manufacturing process.

Closer Look: Reaper HPC

The packaging OCZ chose for their Reaper memory is a very nice simple blister pack. This allows a very good unobstructed view of the memory modules. The rear of the packaging gives a very good illustrated example of how the patent pending "Heat Pipe Conduit" works. Also clearly visible are the memory specifications. I've seen packaging for memory range from just a static bag in a cardboard box to actually coming in a wooden display box. Both are extreme examples and not necessary. The blister pack is a very nice medium ground and works well without adding much to the overall cost.

Immediately noticeable is the copper heatpipe and black aluminum heatsink high above the memory module. This could be the Reaper's curse or its saving grace. It cools well but the height of these modules could prove too much for some. They could potentially interfere with certain CPU heatsink/fan combinations. Heat pipe technology has recently become the norm for CPU heatsinks, motherboard chipsets and many VGA cards, but hardly typical for memory. If it works it's a welcome addition. Now, I'm no chemist but black anodization is thought to be better for heatsinks. So not only does the black color give it great looks, it may just add to the heat dissipation properties as well.

No flimsy superficial tin heat spreaders here. The front has a thick black anodized finned aluminum heat spreader across the memory chips to absorb damaging heat. The horizontal grooves add heat dissipating surface area for good measure. A very nice shiny OCZ badge is also present for you bling lovers as well as a manufacturer part identification sticker which lists all the modules specifications and ratings; The sticker is par for the course when it comes to performance memory modules.

The rear of the modules also sports a thick black anodized finned aluminum heat spreader. The two halves are held together with two screws. This should prove to make a great connection with the memory chips which will allow more heat out. I must say I'm very impressed with the heat spreaders alone. They are a very substantial piece of heavy aluminum. The construction of these units is top rate. The heat pipe conduit at this point is icing on the cake! OCZ has a unique and easily identifiable DIMM for sure with the Reaper HPC. Hard to miss and very nice looking, but is it practical? Read on.

OCZ2RPR10664GK Detailed Features

Here you can see the specification sticker. The OCZ2RPR10664GK kit included 2 x 2GB 1066mhz rated at 5-5-5-18 at 2.2v. Very respectable.

OCZ has made what I'll call a hybrid with their design and construction of the memory heat spreaders and heat pipe conduit. The brute force of nice thick aluminum heat spreaders with the finesse of the heatpipe is simple yet very effective. All of this incurs extra costs as well. This goes to show you OCZ is serious about their memory, they aren't just out to make a quick buck with gimmick heatspreaders. Many manufacturers give less thought and use much lower quality materials in their heat spreaders, to the point they are there for looks alone. Not so here.

The heat pipe runs the full length of the Reaper module. This give plenty of contact area for the heat to escape the spreaders up into the pipe where it heats a liquid that is then wicked up the walls of the heatpipe to be cooled at the top, condensed and rolls back down the pipe again to start the process over again.

The heatpipe heatsink is no thicker than the rest of the module so you should have no problems getting four sticks of this ram into the tightest of RAM slots.

Below is an OCZ diagram that illustrates the heat flow in their Heat Pipe Conduit design. Heat from the memory chips are absorbed by the aluminum heat spreader. Heat rises to the top where it meets the heatpipe. Liquid in the heatpipe is heated. As it gets hot, it is wicked up the walls of the heatpipe to the top where it gets cooled, condenses and rolls back to the bottom. Again, the process is nothing new in computer technology but to my knowledge it is unique to OCZ in the application of memory cooling.

OCZ Reaper HPC Features

To ensure superior stability and performance over the entire life of the memory the Reaper HPC Series makes use of an innovative cooling solution to more effectively dissipate heat produced by high-speed memory. The thermo-conductive copper heat pipe conduit is ideal for overclocking where every degree matters.

The new modules also offer instant overclocking right out of the box with EPP (Enhanced Performance Profiles) programmed into the SPD. PC2-8500 Reaper modules will immediately boot at the rated specs on the latest generation of NVIDIA SLI^TM chipsets. EPP eliminates the need for manual configuration and makes the benefits of overclocking available to the complete range of consumers looking to get the most out of their systems.

Reaper HPC Specifications

1066MHz DDR2
EPP 5-5-5-18 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
Available in 4GB (2x2048MB) Dual Channel Kits
Unbuffered
OCZ Lifetime Warranty
2.1-2.2V
240 Pin DIMM
Patent-pending Reaper HPC Heatsink*
EPP-Ready
Part Numbers 4GB (2x2048) D/C Kit PN - OCZ2RPR10664GK

Testing & Results

Testing Methodology

For each run of tests I start with a fresh reboot, kill any unnecessary processes then run one benchmark. I repeat this process for each benchmark of each set of memory. All memory is tested at the manufacturer rated specifications including speed and voltage.

The benchmark tests used are:

• Sisoft Sandra Pro Home 2009
• Lavalys EVEREST Ultimate v4.60
• PassMark Performance Test v6.1

Test System

• Motherboard: EVGA nforce 750i SLI FTW 123-YW-E175-A1
• System Memory: OCZ Reaper HPC PC2 8500 2GB X 2, 5-5-5-18 (Featured product)
• System Memory: Corsair Dominator PC2 8500 2GB x 2, 5-5-5-15 (Comparison #1)
• System Memory: Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC2 6400 1GB x 4, 4-4-4-12 (Comparison #2)
• Processor: Intel E8400 Core 2 Duo 3.0GHz (Overclocked to 3.6 GHz) 400mhz FSB x 9 multi
• Audio: Onboard
• Video: EVGA 8800GT SC 512-P3-N802-AR
• Disk Drive : Seagate ST325041 250GB 16MB Cache SATA
• Optical Drive 1: Samsung SH-S203N SATA DVD R/W
• Optical Drive 2: Samsung SH-S203N SATA DVD R/W
• Enclosure: Lian Li PC7B Plus II Black Aluminum Mid-Tower ATX Case
• PSU: Corsair 750TX SLI Ready 80 Plus Active PFC Power Supply
• Monitor: Samsung SynMaster 941BW 19" Widescreen
• Operating System: Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit

Test Results: OCZ Reaper HPC PC2 8500

Test Results: OCZ Reaper HPC

The following test results may surprise some readers. I'm sure some will expect a huge difference between at least the 800mhz memory and the others at 1066mhz. Truth is even with my cpu and front side bus at a 20% overclock with the FSB at 1600mhz (quad pumped 400mhz), still equates to the system needing DDR2 800mhz (double pumped 400mhz).

What does all that mean? It means that most 800mhz RAM should have enough speed and bandwidth to supply the system and most 1066mhz RAM has more than enough. The results prove this for the most part. There is an overall increase in speed and performance but I'm just not convinced you would notice the difference in everyday use.

I could push the system to squeeze every little bit out of it, why; for 100 points on a benchmark all the while over-volting everything and potentially shortening its lifespan? That would only strain the motherboard and CPU. To push this RAM you would need a 533mhz FSB or higher. Now there are reasonable ways to get the FSB to 500mhz or so, but even then this memory is still only needed at 1000mhz. Fact is for the mainstream user and casual overclocker, this memory has more than enough to offer you and will let you push your system to reasonable overclock levels all the while running at spec or under spec.

Let's move on to the tests, first up is Sisoft Sandra Professional Home 2009.

Sisoft Sandra has been the pc benchmark of benchmarks for years. It's proven itself reliable through the years and has many more tests and information than most PC users would ever want or need.

The results here were a little less than surprising. The OCZ Reaper and Corsair Dominator performance is essentially identical. No big shock, they have nearly identical specifications. You can see they clearly hold a 10% increase over the tighter timed but slower speed DDR2 800 memory. Speed is king in this test.

Next up is Lavalys EVEREST Ultimate v4.60. Lavalys EVEREST gives you an enormous amount of system information and specs. It also has a suite of benchmarks that are very reliable. This is a favorite of Benchmark Reviews.

As you can see here there is very little difference in the performance of all three sets of memory. With the faster 1066mhz Ram taking approximately a 12% increase in the Copy benchmark with the Read and Write tests a literal draw.

Last but not least is PassMark Performance Test v6.1. PassMark Performance Test includes twenty-five benchmark tests; we'll be using the five that relate directly to memory. PassMark Performance Test is another Benchmark Reviews favorite and the results are very reliable.

With this test you can see all three running neck and neck with the faster RAM slightly ahead on all tests except the Write and Large tests where they pulled ahead by about 14% and the Reapers topping the Dominators by the slightest of margins.

What I want everyone to keep in mind is this: When testing memory, it's not only about the RAM sticks themselves. There are many factors that affect scores outside the realm of the memory specifications. One of the biggest factors is platform. The motherboard chipsets and memory sub-systems, the cpu architecture, etc. Any of these plus many others can affect the outcome on benchmarks.

OCZ Reaper HPC Final Thoughts

I can't argue the speeds, the speed is there so let me tell you what I think of it physically. I can tell you the Reaper design does work but it is not perfect. I would have liked to see a more conventional heatpipe/convection fin design similar to what you might find on almost any other heatsink that uses heatpipe technology. Many thin aluminum fins along the heatpipe to add surface area. Similar to the Reaper X design but within the same size as the Reaper HPC heatsinks.

Since starting this article I've built my nephew a computer and used OCZ Reaper HPC DDR2 800 and it did have a newly designed heatpipe, heatsink and heatspreader**, but still not what I'd like to see. Maybe they have durability fears?

In the end OCZ goes out of their way to create some of the most recognizable memory sticks anywhere. They do this with creative designs that not only look good but actually perform both electrically and thermally.

**From OCZTECHNOLOGY.COM: IMPORTANT NOTE: OCZ is currently transitioning to a new Reaper HPC heatsink. As of October 2008 the new versions have shipped out and are currently in the retail channel. These improved copper heatpipes are now nickel-plated for durability and corrosion resistance.

OCZ2RPR10664GK Conclusion

I've seen memory packaging range from cardboard boxes to wooden display boxes and everything in between. The blister pack is a design that can help both the retailer and the customer. It takes up little space on the wall and it gives a great clear unobstructed view of the customers potential purchase. It's nice to see the actual product. Especially one that looks so good. Black is hard to argue with. As my wife tells me, it goes with everything.

The "Heat Pipe Conduit" adds that high tech look to give you that extra few points when it comes to bragging rights and the thick bolted together heatspreaders are second to none when it comes to good solid construction. I have not seen any other manufacturer build such a substantial heatspreader ever. All of this adds up to excellent cooling, probably overkill unless you really push this RAM hard, but too much is always better than too little.

The Reaper HPC Memory kit has proven itself as shown in the test results. Its performance is on par with other performance memory with similar specifications. This memory tested very well and has excellent performance and speed, matched with its cooling it should provide years of performance trouble free operation.

The Reaper HPC held it's own against some stiff competition in the Corsair Dominators and in some cases surpassed them. I'm very impressed. In my system this memory with a speed rating of 1066mhz has room to spare as it would in any Core 2 Duo system with 400mhz FSB or less. In any stock Core 2 Duo system this RAM would be totally unnecessary and not worth the premium paid for it. With that said, if you are looking for some serious overclocking memory, this should fit the bill perfectly and be worth every penny.

Available at the time of writing from www.newegg.com for $94.99 with a $30 mail in rebate. $64.99 for some very fast dependable 1066mhz memory plus a lifetime warranty; to the overclocker the value is evident; for stock system users, maybe not so much. For my ratings I'm assuming you'll use the memory as it was intended to be used.

I would have no problem using this memory in a new system build today. Is it bleeding edge or even cutting edge? Not at this point. Will it be used by or win a pro benchmarking team any competitions? If you really want to know the answer to that question you wouldn't have read this far. I'll tell you what it is and what it will do. It is a proven platform that offers a very high level of performance at a very reasonable cost. This memory should easily step up to the very serious business of internet gaming and hold up quite well for some time to come.

Pros:

+ Excellent construction
+ Excellent cooling
+ Fast fast fast
+ Value
+ Lifetime warranty

Cons:

- Thick top heatsink (not finned)
- Height may be too much for some
- Only comes in black?

Ratings:

• Presentation: 9.00
• Appearance: 8.75
• Construction: 9.25
• Functionality: 9.00
• Value: 8.00

Final Score: 8.8 out of 10.

Quality Recognition: Benchmark Reviews Silver Tachometer Award.

Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.

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