Now that JEDEC has formalised the low-voltage DDR3L standard, manufacturers have free-rein to start producing new power-sipping memory. OCZ is the latest company to get in on the action with a range of ultra-low and extreme-low voltage memory.
The Platinum Extreme-Low Voltage (ELV) series will be happy running at just 1.35V and will come in 4GB (2x2GB) and 6GB (3x2GB) kits. Despite the reduced power, the memory still manages to tick along at speeds of up to 1,600MHz with timings of CL8-8-8-24 (tested on Intel platforms). Kits with slightly looser CL9 timings and 1,333MHz frequencies are also available, presumably at a slightly lower price.
The company is also launching the Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) range, which trades power-usage for much higher capacities. The Gold ULV series memory will run at 1.5V but will be available in 8GB (2x4GB) and 12GB (3x4GB) kits. The memory has been optimised for Intel's mainstream and high-end platforms and runs at 1,333MHz with timings of CL9-9-9-24.
Rounding out the set is the Reaper HPC ULV. These again come in 8GB and 12GB kits and require 1.5V, but push the frequencies up to 1,600MHz at CL8-8-8-24. Of course, this memory also gets outfitted with the manufacturer's heatpipe cooler to keep the memory cool at all times.
Based on our own tests, we've found that the power savings from these sorts of kits - even at 1.35V - are pretty nominal in a standard computer. Nonetheless, the kits will use less electricity as well as creating less heat, which may be especially useful for overclocking.
As of yet, OCZ has not given any details on when the ULV or ELV series memory will be available or how much it will cost.
