It would be interesting for users to see what kind of performance gain they can get when using the newest and fastest DDR3 modules. A direct comparison with DDR2 technology gives some interesting information.

First of all, we wanted to compare how DDR3 memory performs against very fast DDR2 memory with the same timings and the same CPU. For this reason, we tested the following memory speeds and timings:

In all cases, we used the same timings and same CPU internal multiplier. We raised the memory voltage and FSB in order to have exactly the same conditions as with already tested DDR2 memory. Keep in mind, that for all DDR2 tests, we used the eVGA 680i LT motherboard, which is Nvidia 680i based. In all these tests, we used the following BIOS settings:

• AI overclocking: Manual
• CPU Ratio Manual: 9
• FSB Strap: Auto
• FSB Frequency: 266~313
• PCI Frequency: Auto
• DRAM Frequency Manual: Auto calculated from FSB:RAM (1:2) divider
• DRAM Command Rate Manual: 1T
• DRAM Timing Control Manual: 5-5-5-15
• DRAM Static Read Control: Auto
• DRAM Dynamic Write Control: Auto
• Transaction Booster: Auto
• Clock Over-charging mode: Auto
• CPU/PCIE Spectrum: Disabled
• CPU Voltage, CPU Voltage Reference, CPU Voltage Damper, CPU PLL Voltage, DRAM Voltage, FSB Termination Voltage, North Bridge Voltage, North Bridge Voltage Reference, South Bridge Voltage: Auto

Memset offers information about exactly what memory timings the Asus P5K3 Deluxe has chosen:

All test results are shown below:

So, can we come to any conclusion from the above graphs? Well, yes there is. DDR2 memory is very competitive, even though it loses out in two out of the three memory tests. However, the performance/price ratio is definitely in favor of DDR2 memory.