OCZ Technology Group, one of the leading makers of high-performance memory modules for personal computers, announced the release of its OCZ PC2-6400 Enhanced Bandwidth Platinum memory modules that operate at 800MHz and feature aggressive latency settings, which is crucial for high-performance computing.

OCZ’s PC2-6400 Enhanced Bandwidth Platinum series are guaranteed to function at 800MHz with CL4 3-3-8 timings with 2.1V voltage, a substantial increase over default 1.8V voltage setting for DDR2 SDRAM. The modules are to be available in 1GB dual-channel optimized kits.

“The legacy of the Enhanced Bandwidth series is continued in the PC-6400 Platinum EB series to combine the lowest latencies in the industry with the highest frequencies. Running at 4-3-3-8 latencies, we are pleased to announce two distinct products in the form of a single module or else in a matched pair kit. With its uncompromised bandwidth optimization, the EB series continues to set performance milestones for the Pentium4 platform, regardless of what generation of DDR technology is being used,” commented Dr. Michael Schuette, Director of Technology Development at OCZ Technology.

Both OCZ Technology and Corsair Memory recently unveiled their DDR2 SDRAM modules rated to function at 800MHz with CL5 settings and 1.8V and 1.85V voltage settings respectively, which is default voltage for DDR2. Generally, memory modules overclock better with increased voltage. PQI Memory followed the two companies with release of DDR2 modules at 900MHz with CL5 timings.

While high-speed memory modules at 800MHz or 900MHz can deliver astonishing results in synthetic benchmarks, due to high latencies it remains to be seen how CL5 timings affect performance in real-world applications. For example, the first generation of DDR2 memory at 533MHz used to demonstrate performance similar to that provided by DDR SDRAM at 400MHz due to far more aggressive latency settings of the latter in spite of tangibly increased clock-speed of the former. DDR2 SDRAM modules at about 667MHz with shrunk latencies may end up as serious competitors to higher speed devices with increased timings. OCZ’s new PC2-6400 Enhanced Bandwidth Platinum series are likely to fill the gap and offer leading performance in actual demanding applications.

Pricing and availability information about OCZ new 800MHz memory modules is unclear.

The only maker of 800MHz DDR2 DRAMs is Elpida, which is to start volume production of such products in May, 2005.