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Results

Against the recommendations of OCZ, we tested the PC3700 at 2:2:2-7 and 2:3:2:7 on either platform and the results were nothing short of catastrophic. At 2:2:2 on the nForce2 platform, the PC3700 would not even pass at 200 MHz, on the Springdale platforms, the results were slightly better in that the modules were able to run at 205 MHz at 2:3:2. Keep in mind that we were ignoring the recommendations of the manufacturer who rather clearly states that 2:3:3 is required for proper functionality. As reference, we include Corsair XMS3200v1.1.

nForce2, 2:3:2

Even with a relaxed tRCD (3T) the OCZ DIMMs did not pass at 200 MHz on the nForce2 chipset as long as tRP was kept at 2T.

nForce2, 2:3:3

Increasing tRP to 3T completely reformed the OCZ DIMMs that were able to run now at 217 MHz

Springdale Platform

The above is not too surprising since the OCZ site clearly states the limitations of the DIMMs with respect to both latency and platform requirements. The next step was to retest both sets of modules on the two Springdale boards, which yielded almost identical results.

Springdale, 2:3:2

Again, tRP of 2T does not cut it, which is somewhat surprising but in line with the OCZ specs.

Springdale, 2:3:3

Setting tRP to 3 allowed error-free operation up to 229 MHz. Above that frequency, errors started occurring and increasing with each frequency stepping. For the record, the DIMMs would still "run" up to 236 MHz. As it turned out, this limitation appears mostly CAS latency related.

Springdale, 2.5:4:4

Increasing CAS latency to 2.5 allowed us to push the DIMMs up to 250 MHz at 2.5:3:3 and 255 MHz at 2.5:4:4.

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