A-Data Vitesta Extreme Edition DDR2 4 GB 800+ MHz CL4

I would like to thank A-DATA for supplying the review sample.

From the A-DATA website:

• Suitable for: Desktop PC
• Module Type: 240 Pin Unbuffered-DIMM non-ECC
• Capacity Available: 1GB Dual Channel Kit (512MB x2); 2GB Dual Channel Kit (1GB x2); 4GB Dual Channel Kit (2GB x2)
• IC Configuration: 64Mx8; 128Mx8
• Transmission Bandwidth: 6400MB/Sec(PC2-6400)
• Cas Latency Timing: 4-4-4-12
• Working Voltage: 2.0V~2.1V
• Lifetime Warranty

Packaging

A-Data's packaging is fairly simple, displaying the modules in a conformed plastic package with limited information noted.

A Closer Look

The heatspreaders are a normal slim design. A-Data's red theme was employed and accented with a silver serrated design that catches the light for added effect.
Along with the A-Data logo, the heatspreaders also feature the Vitesta Series name along with sporting "Extreme Edition" on a checkered flag background.
Each module's heatspreader also carries the usual specification sticker, however this one is a flashy hologram. The sticker indicates the product number, rated speed, timings, and voltage along with the company's website.

Test Setup

CPU:	Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 G0 Stepping
Motherboard:	Asus Rampage Formula X38
Video Card:	eVGA 8800GTS (G92) 512MB Core: 670MHz Memory: 972MHz
Harddisk:	3 x 320 GB Seagate 7200.10 in RAID 0 Array
Power Supply:	Corsair HX1000W
Software:	Windows Vista 64-Bit, 177.83 Forceware

Performance

The performance of the kit was tested with six separate tests in order to give a well rounded idea of the real world performance buyers can expect. The tests were performed at a range of clock frequencies at each CL: 3, 4 and 5. To test the overclock potential of the kit at each CL, voltages from 1.8V all the way up to 2.4V were employed in order to indicate the require voltage a user can expect in order to achieve such frequencies.

The results are summarized in the following table and graphs.

A-Data Vitesta Extreme Edition 4GB 800+ MHz CL4
CPU Clock Memory Ratio	Memory Speed	Memory Timings	Everest Read	Everest Write	Everest Latency	Quake 3 Timedemo	3DMark 2001SE	SuperPi Mod 1M
10 x 266 2:3	400 MHz	5-5-5-15 1.8V	6658 MB/s	5012 MB/s	65.8 ns	732.4 fps	41422	17.56 s
10 x 326 2:3	489 MHz	5-5-5-15 2.1V	8712 MB/s	6347 MB/s	56.7 ns	912.7 fps	54411	16.02 s
10 x 355 2:3	533 MHz	5-5-5-15 2.4V	8864 MB/s	6548 MB/s	54.2 ns	924.9 fps	56560	15.10 s
10 x 266 2:3	400 MHz	4-4-4-12 1.8V	6898 MB/s	5122 MB/s	64.8 ns	748.1 fps	42499	19.92 s
10 x 307 2:3	460 MHz	4-4-4-12 2.1V	7701 MB/s	5522 MB/s	59.7 ns	801.0 fps	49898	17.97 s
10 x 327 2:3	490 MHz	4-4-4-12 2.4V	8103 MB/s	6231 MB/s	56.4 ns	860.4 fps	52371	16.48 s
10 x 222 2:3	333 MHz	3-3-3-6 1.8V	5557 MB/s	4598 MB/s	88.2 ns	600.2 fps	36613	26.04 s
10 x 256 2:3	384 MHz	3-3-3-6 2.1V	7012 MB/s	5911 MB/s	64.9 ns	756.9 fps	47412	17.82 s
10 x 266 2:3	400 MHz	3-3-3-6 2.2V	7314 MB/s	6011 MB/s	62.3 ns	812.1 fps	48454	17.12 s
10 x 272 2:3	408 MHz	3-3-3-6 2.4V	7413 MB/s	6021 MB/s	61.7 ns	819.2 fps	49349	17.03 s

While this kit overclocks quite linearly with regard to the supplied voltage, the graph makes apparent the small increase in clock frequency afforded by loosening the CL rating to 5. This makes running the kit at CL5 almost pointless as the small increase in MHz is hardly worth the more relaxed timings. I should finally note that, while these results are a good indication of expected performance, no two kits will perform identically and that these results are not guaranteed.

Value and Conclusion

• The A-Data Vitesta Extreme Edition 4 GB 800+ MHz CL4 kit sells for as low as $75.00 US Dollars.
• Runs at stock rated 800 MHz at CL4 with as little as 1.8V so great for motherboards with limited voltage adjustment
• Low Price
• Capable of 1066 MHz at CL5, however at a high 2.4V
• Capable of rated 800 MHz at CL3 with a mild boost to 2.2V
• Roughly half the power consumption of 4 GB (1 GB x4) kits
• Low profile heatspreaders
• 4 GB to use for newer, more resource hungry games and applications
• Voltage increase yields lower gains than with similarly rated 2 GB dual channel kits
• Less than desirable scaling from CL4 to CL5, the MHz gains just don't seem to be worth the looser timings
• Simple package

A-Data has done a very good job of tailoring a 4 GB kit for the enthusiast on a budget with the Vitesta Extreme Edition 4 GB 800+ MHz CL4. The kit was able to scale as high as 1066MHz at CL5, however it needed a toasty 2.4V to manage it stably. This would only be advisable for short benchmarking runs or perhaps longer time periods with adequate aftermarket cooling supplied. One noticeable advantage is the ability to run the kit at its stock rated 800 MHz, yet with the tight timings of CL3, requiring a tolerable 2.2V. While the kit did not clock phenomenally, it simply cannot be beat in its price class by other 4 GB dual channel kits.