OCZ Micro BGA PC150 128MB SDRAM

OCZ Micro BGA PC150 128MB SDRAMD

Mushkin High Performance Rev 3 PC 133 SDRAM

At the initial look of the module I was very skeptical about its performance. I mean it reminded me of some cheap generic type RAM. The first thing that’ll catch your eye is the sheer size of the RAM chips. I have been used to using Mushkin’s High Performance RAM in the past, and this was the first instance I ever came across a high performance RAM module with such small chips. One thing that has to be noted with their performance series SDRAM is OCZ’s commitment to high quality. Here’s a quote from their site itself.

“All DRAM used for the OCZ® Performance Series™ memory line is produced using our specifications by the world’s best memory manufacturers, Micron Technologies® ,Infineon® ACTRAM® and Kingston®. The memory is then “Real World” tested in our labs before being thoroughly evaluated. If a memory product doesn’t meet our strict performance and quality standards, we won’t sell it.”

OCZ’s use of the Micro BGA (Micro-Ball™ grid array) format allows them to maintain a smaller PCB, thus the RAM chips are attached to the PCB using small balls under the chip. Apparently this method presents faster data transfer speeds. Another welcome factor for overclockers is that these modules are manufactured using a .17-micron manufacturing process (Also used in new DDR SDRAM), which helps to keep the chips cool.

A closer look at the module and I noticed that the RAM chips are rated at an incredible 6ns organized in a 16MBx8 configuration. What does this mean? Well folks even though this RAM is rated at 150MHz actually the module rates at 166MHz. (1000/6). This means that these RAM modules are rated to work at 166MHz, regardless of what is stated in the label.

The memory itself is rated to 3/2/2 at 166Mhz. The 3/2/2 refers to the memory timings of the chip. As explained above these timings relate to the CAS latency time, the RAS to CAS delay and the RAS precharge time.

Specifications

• Micro BGA format SDRAM module
• 6ns SDRAM
• Uses .17 micron manufacturing process

Alright people, let’s check to see how well these perform. I want to point out one fact. When OCZ decided to send us one of there SDRAM modules, it was mainly to prove that they perform better to the Mushkin’s High Performance Rev 3 128MB module we reviewed recently. Therefore for comparison we tested both these for your understanding. Enjoy!!