DDR2 Memory: Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP)

Slides 10-13

The latest modules in Corsair’s XMS2 series all have EPP programmed into the SPD. Kingston, Mushkin, and OCZ all expect to have EPP modules for release when AMD AM2 processors are released. Right now Lavalys and nTune will correctly report EPP SPD settings.

Corsair also showed off what they are doing in the test labs this past month on NVIDIA’s upcoming nForce 590 SLI reference board with an AMD AM2 FX series processor. With a single 512MB module they are able to run 1.2GHz at and when using a 1GB module the hit 1.14GHz at CL5 timings. With 2GB of memory running in dual channel they could get CL3 itimings at an impressive 800MHz. I’m most impressed with the 2GB at 800MHz 3-3-3-12-1T as that is going to be the sweet spot in both price and performance on these upcoming platforms.

The final slide from the presentation that we can show you lists the “certified memory” with EPP technology. Currently that short list includes Corsair, Kingston Technology, and OCZ Technology.

Let’s take a look at the BIOS on one of these upcoming boards.