OCZ Technology, a popular supplier of high-performance computer components, on Monday became the first company to announce memory modules featuring the so-called extreme memory profiles (XMP) that can operate beyond officially declared levels on platforms based on Intel Corp.’s next-generation chipset for overclockers, gamers and other enthusiasts.

Extreme memory profiles (XMP) are SPD (Serial Presence Detect) settings that are activated once memory modules are installed into a system with a mainboard that supports such settings. It is projected that XMP will be supported by mainboards based on Intel X38 chipset and will allow memory modules to function at higher clock-speeds with aggressive latency settings to provide additional performance.

While memory tweaking and overclocking has existed for many years, chipset developers did not welcome it, as besides memory modules overclocking also stressed core-logic and mainboards, something, which might affect stability and reliability. However, as the battle for performance crown between various chip designers heats up, everyone is looking for new ways to improve performance and win the minds of enthusiasts.

“It is truly a milestone in personal computing to see Intel support overclocking. The new Extreme Memory Profile options on the new OCZ DDR3 modules allow the end user to select extreme or ultimate performance through a framework of predefined and validated optimizations of individual settings without the hassle of manually adjusting each single parameter. Moreover, the predefined settings also adjust parameters that are not accessible to the user in most CMOS setup utilities. What this means for consumers is easy overclocking on Intel platforms right out of the box,” said Dr. Michael Schuette, vice president of technology development at OCZ Technology.

The first products from OCZ to support XMP are OCZ DDR3 PC3-12800 Intel XMP Ready Titanium Edition memory modules, which will be able to function at 1600MHz with CL8 8-8-27 or CL7 6-6 timings and 1.8V voltage setting. The “extreme profiles” will push DDR3 memory speeds from 1333MHz officially supported by Intel X38 core-logic by 20% and will also set considerably more aggressive latency settings.

The new OCZ XMP DDR3 PC3-12800 memory modules will be available in 1GB versions as well as 2GB dual-channel kits. Pricing remains to be seen.