Continued:

If we assume that 600MHz modules are going to be prevalent on the market and are the next evolution in DDR market, what sorts of prices can we expect? For starters, OCZ’s 600MHz modules are only available at Monarch Computer currently, which may point to the fact that availability is limited. This should be resolved if there are enough modules to support demand. Besides that, OCZ has just announced this product, so it’s not uncommon for modules to not be readily available in the market. At Monarch Computer, the price for their 600MHz modules is around $323.00 for 512MBx2 at the time of publication. Considering that Monarch Computer has no competition right now, the price may slightly be inflated and actually higher than you can expect in the near future. We are hoping for prices to fall under the $300.00 mark once competition goes up and Monarch Computer isn’t the only one retailing these modules. Considering that low-latency modules were around the same price (except in Corsair’s case), these prices aren’t too terrible. However, we doubt that performance will be anything earth shattering due to the relatively loose timings, unless you have the new NF4 boards that are capable of high speeds or possibly an Intel 875 chipset board. In fact, it almost seems like the manufacturers announced these modules just "because they could". OCZ has remained loyal to their product line and have placed heat spreaders on the modules, but GSkill and AData failed to do that. Of course, you shouldn’t expect to actually break the 600MHz with overclocking with these modules, as very few boards are capable of these speeds.

We admit it; we were excited to see the DDR industry moving forward and in fact, we still are, but we don’t think 600MHz modules are practical or necessary for anyone but die-hard overclockers. Most PC users or even mild overclockers are actually better off either with low-latency DDR400 modules or 550MHz parts for their overclocking desires.

If other manufacturers like Corsair don’t jump on-board with 600MHz idea, we would understand it. For now, with such a limited market is may be unwise to bring something that is hardly going to break any sales records. That being said, we are appreciative of OCZ, GSkill, AData and others who made 600MHz modules a possibility, but as many industry leaders pointed out at the Consumer Electronics Show of this year maybe 550MHz is truly the performance end of DDR series.

Stay tuned for a follow-up as we are requesting OCZ Technology to comment on this column and reveal their thinking behind 600MHz modules and why they have announced them.

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