I started things with the ram at its rated specifications, 533mhz @ 2.8V, with 3-8-4-4 timings, and unsurprisingly, the ram performed flawlessly. I then tried 2.5-7-4-4, and again, the ram was 100% solid. Moving to 2.9V (still within EVP specs) the ram was stable to 554mhz @ 3-8-4-4. As with the 4000 Gold, (albeit less spectacularly this time around) the real magic only started to happen at 3.0V+. While they would not accept the monstrous 3.3V that the PC4000 Gold was capable of, with 3.1V, they were able to reach an excellent 576mhz @ 3-8-4-4.

I really don’t know how they manage it, but OCZ just keeps hitting ‘em out of the park. The PC4200 Performance series easily surpassed all of my expectations as to what mainstream ram should be capable of. If anything they are rated conservatively, as they were able to run 533mhz @ 2.5-7-4-4 at their rated voltage without breaking a sweat. Add to that the fact that you can pick up a 512mb dual channel kit for only about $160, and OCZ has another winner on their hands, and another Editors Choice award. Highly recommended.

Highs
- VERY fast
- 576mhz at 3-8-4-4
- Looks like EL DDR
- Can take 2.9V under warranty
- Reasonably priced

Lows
- Won't accept timings tighter than 2.5-7-4-4
- Shows fingerprints easily (I'm reaching)