Corsair is back .. with a Vengeance.
The trend for memory these days is simple, more equals better. As such we noticed a lot of memory manufacturers release new kits with 4GB DIMMs as of lately. For the dual-channel range we nowadays spot 8 GB kits (2x4GB) and for that lovely X58 platform (which runs dual-channel just fine btw) we see good retail availability of 12 GB kits, yes Sir ... 3x4GB in your PC to get your groove on ! So ...
- Bigger is better ...
- The more the merrier ...
- Size does matter ...
- Mine's bigger than yours ...
- Die hard ... with a vengeance ?
Ah yes, sorry for the lame clichés here, but Corsair has jumped on the "bigger is better" bandwagon as well and outted their all new vengeance memory. Now we have been claiming it for a while now already, you are far better of with more memory rather than memory with the uber fast timings or the highest clock frequencies.
For X58 / Core i7 based system for example we guarantee you that a nice CAS 8/9 memory kit at 1600 MHz is pure golden in terms of memory bandwidth versus performance versus price. The new trend is ongoing though, we moved from the initially expensive 3GB triple channel kits to a very convenient 6GB in the enthusiast segment. However better yields, better quality ICs allow high-density DIMMs at exemplary timings with excellent frequencies these day, at decent prices as well.
So that move is bold, but you can get yourself 12 GB for just over 200 USD, Corsairs Vengeance memory kit contains three 4GB DIMMs that are low voltage at a default clock of 1600 MHz with a CAS9 latency whilst retaining decent tweaking potential.
Now surely for your typical hardware enthusiast 6GB is just fine, but at roughly 18 USD per GB you can get your system future proof pretty cheap.
And as hard as it will be to show you the benefits of so much RAM memory in your system, surely everybody will agree with me that you can hardly ever have enough RAM memory.
As such today we'll have a look at Corsair's Vengeance 12GB PC3-12800 1600Mhz DDR3 DIMM Memory Kit, it will be exceptionally hard to show you any performance difference in-between 6GB and 12GB, but any transcoding, photoshopping, productivity enthusiast with at little common sense will conclude with us, this kit is going to be one heck of a deal.
Corsair CMZ12GX3M3A1600C9 (4GBx3)
So the memory kit tested today comes from Corsair's Vengeance series armed with ICs all packed nicely under a stylish aluminum heat spreader sitting on top of the DIMM module. Here are its specification:
- Series - Vengeance
- Model CMZ12GX3M3A1600C9
- Type 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM Tech Spec
- Capacity 12GB (3 x 4GB)
- Speed DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
- Cas Latency 9
- Timing 9-9-9-24
- Voltage 1.5V
- Triple Channel Kit
- Heat Spreader
- Compatible with Intel P55 chipset Manufacturer Warranty
- Parts Lifetime limited
- Labor Lifetime limited
The memory itself is maximized to the utmost stability and user friendly experience. Some Corsair PR skinny:
Corsair Vengeance DDR3 memory modules are designed with overclockers in mind. Vengeance DIMMs are built using RAM specially selected for their high-performance potential. Aluminum heat spreaders help dissipate heat, and provide the aggressive look that you want in your gaming rig.
Vengeance memory is designed specifically for the latest CPUs. The 1.5V VDIMM spec ensures you get the performance you expect, even without increasing memory voltages. Vengeance DDR3 memory is available in single modules, and two or three module kits.
Most Vengeance DIMMs are built with two gigabit RAM ICs. These extra-dense memory chips allow you to have 8GB of memory using only two DIMMs, or to populate your triple channel system with up to an insanely large 24GB of system memory for extreme multitasking performance.
The Vengeance kits come in several volume sizes, 4, 8, 12 and even a 16 GB dual-channel kit is available. We'll of course fool around with the 12GB triple channel kit.
Once installed, go in the BIOS and if supported, select the XMP profile for the memory and after a reboot you are good to go. If you do not have a proper working XMP profile option in your BIOS, set the 9:9:9:24 timing manually and make sure you set DIMM voltage to 1.50V ... this is literally 10 seconds of work.
This three DIMMs / 12 gigabyte DDR3 kit is available for just over 200 USD or roughly 170 EUR, head on over to the next page where we'll startup a product photo-shoot after which this article will dive into a benchmark session. Hey, we know you like it !
The heatspreader is designed to enhance heat dissipation allowing (in theory) better tweaks and overclocks. As a result this is not a low profile memory. The idea is that heat is moved away from the actual memory chips and this increases potential overclocking and stability.
Very simple stuff, but the details of the modules can be read from a small sticker. You can spot the SKU code and generic info on there. Also primary info like latencies are displayed. It's good to see voltages being reported on there as well. A lot of memory producers lack this info, yet it is so important. Missing on the sticker is the command rate though.
Last but not least, the actual packaging, so you know what to look for in the stores.
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