Test Setup

Procedure

For the first test, we used the Asus P5E3 Deluxe Motherboard, and in the BIOS we selected AUTO for all memory options. By selecting AUTO, the DDR3 ram will run at the default speed of 533Mhz (with a ratio of 1:2) to match the FSB of the processor which is 1066FSB.

For our second test, we know that the OCZ DDR3 modules can run at the specified speed of DDR3-1800 (900Mhz). So, the only way we can test these modules at that speed is to overclock our Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor from 2.4Ghz (8x266) to 3.6Ghz (8x450) ... 450Mhz quad pumped = 1800Mhz FSB.

And finally for our third test, we wanted to overclock these modules further, by pushing them past 900Mhz. Check out how far we can push these modules in our "Overclocking"  section.

During our overclocking tests, we had to increase the DDR3 ram voltage from 1.95v to 2.2v. This is quite normal and you shouldn't need to worry. However do be very careful with these settings, as the wrong configuration and damage your hardware.

BIOS Settings

This part is very important. Running the memory at the wrong timings, speed and voltage can damage your memory modules and also reduce the performance of your whole system. So do be very careful.

If you are unsure what divider/ratio to use or what memory timings to set ... it's best to leave all memory settings to SPD or AUTO. In our tests, we selected all settings to AUTO. 

Voltage adjustments are needed for overclocking ... again if you do not plan to overclock, I recommend that you leave this setting alone. During our overclocking tests we increased the voltage from 1.95V to 2.2V