TEAM Xtreem Dark PC2-6400 C4

These entry-level overclocking modules hit the nail on the head.

The TEAM-Group brand is a major name in the high-end enthusiast scene, thanks to the high performance Xtreem series. With the new Xtreem Dark series, TEAM-Group now provides a quality option for the penny-pinching end of the enthusiast sector.

Based on ICs manufactured by ProMOS, the module’s stock specifications are DDR2-800/PC2-6400, at timings of 4-4-4-12. They’re cheaper than the high-end C4 memory alternatives that are commonly based on Micron D9 derivatives, yet provide higher potential performance than the value options commonly based on Elpida and Infineon ICs. The Xtreem Dark sticks fill the void that exists between the budget and extreme kits.

With the X6800 running an overclocked FSB of 333MHz, a multiplier of nine and with the memory running in unlinked mode, the Xtreem Dark modules ran flawlessly at the stock DDR2-800 4-4-4-12 2T specifications. The modules scored 8854MB/s, 6084MB/s and 57.8ns in the Everest read, write and latency benchmarks respectively. The modules went on to score 1min 39.829s in Super Pi 4M calculation and 29.015s in the wPrime 32M benchmark.

We then raised the memory frequency to find how far the modules could be pushed while maintaining C4 timings. The modules confidently ran DDR2-913 4-4-4-12 2T – a good score, though the Micron D9-based modules exceed this with ease. Consequently, we took a new direction with our overclock testing.

We raised the memory frequency further, maintaining the unlinked mode, as well as increasing the latencies to 5-5-5-15 2T. Pleasantly, these modules unleashed their hidden power, presenting us with DDR2-1142 5-5-5-15 2T. Clearly, the ProMOS-based ICs excel with relaxed latency timings.

At these settings the Everest tests scored 8835MB/s, 6086MB/s and 53.1ns. In the Super Pi 4M benchmark the sticks scored 1min 36.531s, as well as 29s flat in wPrime 32M.

These entry-level overclocking modules hit the nail on the head. With a good price and high performance, they’d make a strong addition to a budget gaming system.