DH Review: OCZ DDR Booster

Zardon · Jul 25, 2004, 02:41 PM

Today im looking at a wonderfully innovative product from OCZ which will prove very popular amongst the overclocking community, the OCZ DDR Booster Diagnostic device, which incorporates Powerclean Technology™ and Digital LED Readout. This device allows users to supply a cleaner power feed to their memory modules, which will result in more stable memory. Additionally the end user is now able to view memory module voltage with the digital LEDs on the DDR booster, allowing simple and inexpensive troubleshooting of their particular modules. The DDR booster allows VDIMM adjustments up to 3.9V and is compatible with a wide variety of DDR1 motherboards.

Read the review here

Zelig · Jul 25, 2004, 03:16 PM

Awesome looking product, I've always been a fan of OCZ.

The only problem is that with my OCZ Platinum pc-3500 ram, I have no need of increased voltage/speed with my amd system.

Logla · Jul 25, 2004, 03:39 PM

Cool review - I think I'll be getting one of these.

The link for the VTT Mod takes me to the review of the OCZ 420w PSU though.

Zardon · Jul 25, 2004, 03:46 PM

my bad, fixed.

drakesteakn · Jul 25, 2004, 04:14 PM

i was wondering when this would come out. great to see something like this come out.

Logla · Jul 25, 2004, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Zardon
my bad, fixed.

egggselent thanks.

Right, where's me soldering iron

Erroneus · Jul 25, 2004, 04:20 PM

3.6V

Abit IC7 MAX3 (with VTT mod): 600mhz at 3.3volts

This is a must own product for any overclocker :P

price?

Zardon · Jul 25, 2004, 04:24 PM

I havent actually been told a price yet, ill get one of the OCZ guys to post in this thread later with information on that.

brywalker · Jul 25, 2004, 08:17 PM

I would really like more info still.

1) Obviously price.

2) Do you need 2 if you are running 2 DDR modules? If so, how do you hook up power? Daisy chain essentially 3 (!!) connectors?

3) Does it override or add to the current voltage coming from the motherboard? Do you set the motherboard voltage to default and then adjust from the module itself?

Seems cool, but very snakeoil-ish.

Zardon · Jul 25, 2004, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by brywalker
I would really like more info still.

1) Obviously price.

ill find that out.

Quote:

2) Do you need 2 if you are running 2 DDR modules? If so, how do you hook up power? Daisy chain essentially 3 (!!) connectors?

Quote:

/

No you only need one in a system.

you connect the power lead from your PSU to this (which they supply) - acts as a "stepthrough" as you can see the two "molex" connectors come directly from it.

Quote:

3) Does it override or add to the current voltage coming from the motherboard? Do you set the motherboard voltage to default and then adjust from the module itself?

The booster takes control of DDR voltage.

Zardon · Jul 25, 2004, 08:33 PM

Price will be around $50.

dipstick · Jul 25, 2004, 08:48 PM

That thing is nice! Wish I had me some BH5 ram

And as always...nice review

brywalker · Jul 26, 2004, 03:39 AM

So all you do is put it in one of the slots and it can control the voltage in the other, say, 3?

*AndyOCZ* · Jul 26, 2004, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by brywalker
So all you do is put it in one of the slots and it can control the voltage in the other, say, 3?

Yes, the BIOS voltage can be set at minimum and the booster will power your memory. It is much more stable and of course you can get more voltage on most boards. Just put it in and empty slot. There are some boards where fit is a problem, but I personally will post a mod to essentially "reverse" the unit for boards with tight ram slots.

Check the compatabilty list as we are updating it daily: http://www.ocztechnology.com/display...ocompatibility

It is not without risk. Some board that are not comatible may die.

Falstaff · Jul 26, 2004, 05:02 AM

too bad my intel board is not on the list.......sniff

brywalker · Jul 26, 2004, 05:06 AM

That is sweet! The only thing that I would like clarified is the fact that in, for example, the IC7-MAX3 there are 4 slots. I thought that each PAIR of slots were controlled by a seperate voltage controller. If that is the case then how does this control all 4 slots by occupying one? I am not a doubter, I would just rather know how it works before I spend $50 to kill a $180 board.

~~Sourcer_2002~~ · Jul 26, 2004, 05:06 AM

SO...i think the question here is....is this locked soley to OCZ ram?

~~Sourcer_2002~~ · Jul 26, 2004, 05:07 AM

I thought of another question also....does your warrenty on your ram cover any problems that may arise using this module?

Zardon · Jul 26, 2004, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sourcer_2002
SO...i think the question here is....is this locked soley to OCZ ram?

no its not, I tested corsair with it fine.

BWX · Jul 26, 2004, 05:14 PM

Awesome product, awesome review.. Very innovative. Something I wouldn't even have thought would work, but it obviously works great-- I hope they patented this invention, they could make millions just selling the rights for other companies to make similar products. And for only 50 bucks it's a steal. OCZ is surprising me left and right.. I like those Video and HD connectors too- didn't even know they made those- another great idea. Go OCZ!

edit- idiotic wording

~~Sourcer_2002~~ · Jul 26, 2004, 07:26 PM

So do they do they still grant warrenty on there sticks if they are damaged by this?

BWX · Jul 26, 2004, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sourcer_2002
So do they do they still grant warrenty on there sticks if they are damaged by this?

Their sticks have lifetime warranty right? It seems like that would apply- I mean how could they prove you even had one of those things or not? ... But don't those sticks have some kind of automatic thing where they detect if the voltage is too high? and shut off or something?

*ocztony* · Jul 27, 2004, 12:29 AM

Guys

Regarding other peoples modules it works fine on all ram.
Warranty? we allow 3V so over this is at your own risk...other ram brands i can't comment on.
It takes a dimm slot so you lose i channel on dual boards....1 booster will power 2 dims no problem.

Hope this answers some of your questions.

keep em coming

GutterPunk · Jul 27, 2004, 02:16 AM

looks great and interesting looks as if im getting ocz ram next... im impressed by this product, and how someone is here answering the questions... GREAT JOB!

~~Sourcer_2002~~ · Jul 27, 2004, 03:52 AM

Can/are you guys going to release the details on how this module takes control of the dimms?

GutterPunk · Jul 27, 2004, 09:19 PM

Just bought my ocz platinum enhanced latency ram thx to tony

*ocztony* · Jul 27, 2004, 10:03 PM

Well...the booster supplies voltage to the dimms, as long as the applied voltage is higher than the voltage supplied by thre board the booster is control.

The voltage applied by the booster is smoother than that on the board and usually allows for higher clocks, it also allows for much higher voltages.

Also guys if you have any issues with any OCZ products you can PM mere here or post over at www.bleedinedge.com on the OCZ forum or just mail me. Andy is here to help also and works 8hrs behind what i do so we cover 18hrs or so of every day.

Resistor · Jul 29, 2004, 12:17 PM

Great stuff for BH rams... This really fits into boards that can barely do 3v in dimms

*AndyOCZ* · Jul 30, 2004, 07:00 AM

Just to let you know, most Intel 865/875 chipset boards have been just fine with the booster. If your board is not on the list, this simply means it has not been tested and not that it is not compatible. Of course it is preferrable for somone else to test in case your board has a fatal reaction. I would say with the Intel boards the risk is fairly low.

GutterPunk · Jul 30, 2004, 05:37 PM

Now that im getting my new OCZ ram i gotta get this... thx guys for such a cool product... btw my new OCZ ram arrives today im excited

Jul 25, 2004, 02:41 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 177	DH Review: OCZ DDR Booster Today im looking at a wonderfully innovative product from OCZ which will prove very popular amongst the overclocking community, the OCZ DDR Booster Diagnostic device, which incorporates Powerclean Technology™ and Digital LED Readout. This device allows users to supply a cleaner power feed to their memory modules, which will result in more stable memory. Additionally the end user is now able to view memory module voltage with the digital LEDs on the DDR booster, allowing simple and inexpensive troubleshooting of their particular modules. The DDR booster allows VDIMM adjustments up to 3.9V and is compatible with a wide variety of DDR1 motherboards. Read the review here

Jul 25, 2004, 04:14 PM	#5
drakesteakn boo!!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Ft. Meyers, FL Posts: 2,041 Rep Power: 57	i was wondering when this would come out. great to see something like this come out. __________________

Jul 25, 2004, 04:20 PM	#7
Erroneus Get off my lawn! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Denmark Posts: 13,343 Rep Power: 114 System Specs	so sweet 3.6V Abit IC7 MAX3 (with VTT mod): 600mhz at 3.3volts This is a must own product for any overclocker :P price? __________________

Jul 26, 2004, 05:02 AM	#15
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 19,047 Rep Power: 206	too bad my intel board is not on the list.......sniff __________________ "Inspiration is always a surprising visitor."

Jul 26, 2004, 05:14 PM	#20
BWX unplugged Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: USNY Posts: 19,665 Rep Power: 109 System Specs	Awesome product, awesome review.. Very innovative. Something I wouldn't even have thought would work, but it obviously works great-- I hope they patented this invention, they could make millions just selling the rights for other companies to make similar products. And for only 50 bucks it's a steal. OCZ is surprising me left and right.. I like those Video and HD connectors too- didn't even know they made those- another great idea. Go OCZ! edit- idiotic wording __________________ Last edited by BWX; Jul 26, 2004 at 11:37 PM.

Jul 25, 2004, 03:16 PM	#2
Zelig HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 3,187 Rep Power: 69 System Specs	Awesome looking product, I've always been a fan of OCZ. The only problem is that with my OCZ Platinum pc-3500 ram, I have no need of increased voltage/speed with my amd system.

Jul 25, 2004, 03:39 PM	#3
Logla HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 3,311 Rep Power: 62	Cool review - I think I'll be getting one of these. The link for the VTT Mod takes me to the review of the OCZ 420w PSU though.

Jul 25, 2004, 03:46 PM	Thread Starter #4
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 177	my bad, fixed.

Jul 25, 2004, 04:24 PM	Thread Starter #8
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 177	I havent actually been told a price yet, ill get one of the OCZ guys to post in this thread later with information on that.

Jul 25, 2004, 08:17 PM	#9
brywalker DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 87 Rep Power: 0	I would really like more info still. 1) Obviously price. 2) Do you need 2 if you are running 2 DDR modules? If so, how do you hook up power? Daisy chain essentially 3 (!!) connectors? 3) Does it override or add to the current voltage coming from the motherboard? Do you set the motherboard voltage to default and then adjust from the module itself? Seems cool, but very snakeoil-ish.

Jul 25, 2004, 08:33 PM	Thread Starter #11
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 177	Price will be around $50.

Jul 25, 2004, 08:48 PM	#12
dipstick HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 3,609 Rep Power: 70 System Specs	That thing is nice! Wish I had me some BH5 ram And as always...nice review

Jul 26, 2004, 03:39 AM	#13
brywalker DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 87 Rep Power: 0	So all you do is put it in one of the slots and it can control the voltage in the other, say, 3?

Jul 26, 2004, 05:06 AM	#16
brywalker DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 87 Rep Power: 0	That is sweet! The only thing that I would like clarified is the fact that in, for example, the IC7-MAX3 there are 4 slots. I thought that each PAIR of slots were controlled by a seperate voltage controller. If that is the case then how does this control all 4 slots by occupying one? I am not a doubter, I would just rather know how it works before I spend $50 to kill a $180 board.

Jul 26, 2004, 05:06 AM	#17
~~Sourcer_2002~~ BANNED Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Indiana , USA Posts: 2,677 Rep Power: 0	SO...i think the question here is....is this locked soley to OCZ ram?

Jul 26, 2004, 05:07 AM	#18
~~Sourcer_2002~~ BANNED Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Indiana , USA Posts: 2,677 Rep Power: 0	I thought of another question also....does your warrenty on your ram cover any problems that may arise using this module?

Jul 26, 2004, 07:26 PM	#21
~~Sourcer_2002~~ BANNED Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Indiana , USA Posts: 2,677 Rep Power: 0	So do they do they still grant warrenty on there sticks if they are damaged by this?

Jul 27, 2004, 12:29 AM	#23
ocztony OCZ Technology Guru Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 21 Rep Power: 0	Guys Regarding other peoples modules it works fine on all ram. Warranty? we allow 3V so over this is at your own risk...other ram brands i can't comment on. It takes a dimm slot so you lose i channel on dual boards....1 booster will power 2 dims no problem. Hope this answers some of your questions. keep em coming

Jul 27, 2004, 02:16 AM	#24
GutterPunk I = Greatest Dood Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nebraska Posts: 5,949 Rep Power: 70	looks great and interesting looks as if im getting ocz ram next... im impressed by this product, and how someone is here answering the questions... GREAT JOB! __________________ Rock On \m/ Thank you Mousey for the Sig! --------------- Intel Core2Duo E6660 (3.4GHZ) ~ Tuniq Tower 120 ~ Enermax Galaxy 1000W ~ Corsair Dominator @ 1090MHZ 5-5-5-15 (OCZ XTC Modded Cooler)~ EVGA 8800GTX W/ HR-03 Plus 120MM ~ Asus DVD-RW LiteScribe ~ LG DVD-RW ~ Corsair Voyager 2GB ReadyBoost Drive ~ Vantec Nexus Fan Controller ~ ThermalTake Armor 25CM fan ~ Personal Finance Blog: Dent Your Debt

Jul 27, 2004, 03:52 AM	#25
~~Sourcer_2002~~ BANNED Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Indiana , USA Posts: 2,677 Rep Power: 0	Can/are you guys going to release the details on how this module takes control of the dimms?

Jul 27, 2004, 09:19 PM	#26
GutterPunk I = Greatest Dood Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nebraska Posts: 5,949 Rep Power: 70	Just bought my ocz platinum enhanced latency ram thx to tony __________________ Rock On \m/ Thank you Mousey for the Sig! --------------- Intel Core2Duo E6660 (3.4GHZ) ~ Tuniq Tower 120 ~ Enermax Galaxy 1000W ~ Corsair Dominator @ 1090MHZ 5-5-5-15 (OCZ XTC Modded Cooler)~ EVGA 8800GTX W/ HR-03 Plus 120MM ~ Asus DVD-RW LiteScribe ~ LG DVD-RW ~ Corsair Voyager 2GB ReadyBoost Drive ~ Vantec Nexus Fan Controller ~ ThermalTake Armor 25CM fan ~ Personal Finance Blog: Dent Your Debt

Jul 27, 2004, 10:03 PM	#27
ocztony OCZ Technology Guru Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 21 Rep Power: 0	Well...the booster supplies voltage to the dimms, as long as the applied voltage is higher than the voltage supplied by thre board the booster is control. The voltage applied by the booster is smoother than that on the board and usually allows for higher clocks, it also allows for much higher voltages. Also guys if you have any issues with any OCZ products you can PM mere here or post over at www.bleedinedge.com on the OCZ forum or just mail me. Andy is here to help also and works 8hrs behind what i do so we cover 18hrs or so of every day.

Jul 29, 2004, 12:17 PM	#28
Resistor Get it Going.. Join Date: May 2004 Location: Brisbane ..Oz Posts: 731 Rep Power: 50	Great stuff for BH rams... This really fits into boards that can barely do 3v in dimms

Jul 30, 2004, 07:00 AM	#29
AndyOCZ OCZ Technology Guru Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: So. California, USA Posts: 58 Rep Power: 0	Just to let you know, most Intel 865/875 chipset boards have been just fine with the booster. If your board is not on the list, this simply means it has not been tested and not that it is not compatible. Of course it is preferrable for somone else to test in case your board has a fatal reaction. I would say with the Intel boards the risk is fairly low. __________________ If I can help with an OCZ product or if you need some advice, PM or EMAIL ME.

Jul 30, 2004, 05:37 PM	#30
GutterPunk I = Greatest Dood Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nebraska Posts: 5,949 Rep Power: 70	Now that im getting my new OCZ ram i gotta get this... thx guys for such a cool product... btw my new OCZ ram arrives today im excited __________________ Rock On \m/ Thank you Mousey for the Sig! --------------- Intel Core2Duo E6660 (3.4GHZ) ~ Tuniq Tower 120 ~ Enermax Galaxy 1000W ~ Corsair Dominator @ 1090MHZ 5-5-5-15 (OCZ XTC Modded Cooler)~ EVGA 8800GTX W/ HR-03 Plus 120MM ~ Asus DVD-RW LiteScribe ~ LG DVD-RW ~ Corsair Voyager 2GB ReadyBoost Drive ~ Vantec Nexus Fan Controller ~ ThermalTake Armor 25CM fan ~ Personal Finance Blog: Dent Your Debt