The memory cards have no problems keeping up with names like Corsair, PNY or OCZ

Nov 22, 2007 15:06 GMT  ·  By

Despite the computer memory getting faster and faster, it still continues to be the main bottleneck to ruin system performance. The DDR2, compatible with the majority of chipsets on the market range in frequency from 553Mhz to over 1 GHz. Newer DDR3 has not penetrated the market yet, but its availability has labeled the DDR2 as "obsolete", therefore cheap.

A-Data's Vitesta PC2-8000 memory modules are a quality DDR-800 set that is guaranteed for DDR-1000 overclocking. This means a 25 percent boost in performance, namely 8 GB /s compared to the 6.4 GB/s - the maximum a DDR2-800 can carry. And just in case you like to change your motherboard with another that supports a faster, 1GHz bus, the memory modules will continue to do the job.

A-Data is not really popular outside of Asia, but what catches the attention is the 2GBs of PC2-6400 dual channel specifications, Enhanced Performance Profile support (EPP), 4-4-4-12 memory timings and a pretty bright red aluminum memory heatspreader. Compare the benefits against the $60 retail price and consider this a real bargain!

The Vitesta PC2-800 modules are shipped in matching pair kits, perfect for dual-channel usage. A-Data performs strict quality control tests to ensure the memory DIMMs make a perfect match. The aluminum heatsink has a double purpose: to protect the fragile BGA DDR2 memory modules and the PCB from damage as well as to disperse heat - the producer expects the modules to be overclocked. The thick thermal material spread between the memory modules and the heatspreader make sure that overheating is out of context.

Benchmarking tests show that the Vitesta memory modules can perform at 1100 Mhz with 4-4-4-12 timings, and 1250 MHz with lax timings. Taking the price into account, the Vitesta Extreme Edition DD2-800 is surely an excellent pick, even for an addicted overclocker.