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Pence per Megabyte - 15.04
Torture Test at 200MHz – Passed
Torture Test Overclocked – Passed at second attempt

Despite a history that stretches back only as far as 1997, Apacer was ranked fourth largest memory manufacturer in less than two years. With a truly global presence Apacer works with the likes of IBM and Sony and spend a substantial amount of money on product R&D.

The supplied modules are based on Mosel Vitelic V58C2256 chips which are rated to 200MHz at 2.5-3-3. Apacer specifies a voltage of 2.5v though Mosel Vitelic suggests 2.6v for its DDR400 chips. The modules carry a lifetime warranty when purchased from Apacer or from an Apacer authorised reseller.

No heat spreaders were employed on these modules.

First Impressions

Like the Buffalo memory, no expense has been spent on aesthetics, with 16 wire bonded chips residing on a standard green PCB. Our samples were supplied in a semi-rigid blister pack, which gave sufficient protection during shipping.

Testing – 200MHz

Rank When Tested on a Prescott CPU at 200MHz: 18th from 18
Rank When Tested on a Northwood CPU at 200MHz: 15th from 18

At stock 200MHz operation, the Apacer modules were among the weakest in the group finishing rock bottom on our Prescott equipped platform and a relatively lowly 15th on our Northwood equipped setup.

Testing – Overclocking

Maximum Frequency - Overclocked using SPD settings: 230MHz
Maximum Frequency - Overclocked using manual settings (CL-4-4-8) low ambient of 18c: 235MHz
Maximum Frequency - Overclocked using manual settings (CL-4-4-8) high ambient of 28c: 230MHz

Rank - overclocked performance (high ambient): Joint 15th from 18

Overclocking potential was also fairly weak with a maximum frequency of just 230MHz achieved under high ambient conditions. This would be forgivable if these modules were able to outperform other CL2.5 modules when they are also run at 230MHz, however a little quick testing showed that even then the Apacer memory was still off the pace.

The Apacer modules seem particularly sensitive to voltage as the only way I could reach 230MHz was at 2.7v. Anything above this caused instability or complete lock-ups.

These modules are also extremely difficult to source in the UK at the moment.

Verdict

Overall Rank, all performance parameters included: 17th from 18

With a relatively weak showing it’s hard to get enthusiastic about these particular modules, but let's just put things into perspective a little by suggesting that when running at 200MHz under normal operating conditions, you’d be hard pressed to “feel” any difference between these and the many faster modules. Price remains king though and the unfortunate truth is that you can get better memory and get it cheaper too!

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