| Corsair PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz 2GB RAM Kit |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Memory | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Written by Olin Coles | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wednesday, 12 December 2007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corsair TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF GOptimized for the latest Intel DDR3 chipset, primarily the P35, X38, and the upcoming P45/X48 chipsets, the Corsair Dominator PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz 2GB RAM Kit TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G is among the best possible performance solutions presently available to the consumer market. The TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G DDR3 kit is the highest performance offering from Corsair, and is aimed at ultra-enthusiasts. By using Dual-path Heat Xchange (DHX) Corsair has designed their TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G PC3-1800 kit to offer performance enthusiasts the best possible overclocking results. This solution is expected to be adopted by ultra enthusiast choosing to build DDR3 systems, looking for maximum overclock headroom and reliability from their memory modules. Benchmark Reviews is approaching the conclusion to our High-Speed DDR3 Overclocking and Review Series, which has featured over one dozen different DDR3 kits. Many of the kits we have tested so far have achieved extremely uncommon overclock speeds, while other kits impress us with their combination of performance and value. So far, we have reviewed two of the three worlds fastest DDR3 kits: Patriot PDC32G1866LLK PC3-15000 DDR3 1866MHz and Super Talent PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz W1800UX2GP. Today we are especially pleased to test the Corsair Dominator PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz 2GB RAM Kit TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G. You might say that we have saved the best for last, because this kit is amazing!
While the Patriot PDC32G1866LLK kit may presently hold the title for the fastest DDR3 module produced, there are several others that overclock to nearly the same speed... or faster. Because of the very limited quantities and slowly growing demand, the prices are almost as high as the speeds; which makes it difficult to recommend the kit that is best for any particular need. Even when I approach a term like "best", not even an experienced analyst like me can tell you which DDR3 product is "the best kit" because at this early stage the concept of "best" takes on a relative meaning. But in terms of fastest ... well, it looks like Benchmark Reviews should have no problem helping you with that dilemma. Many of the readers will probably not consider DDR3 an important part of the hardware market just yet, and in a few ways I can agree with them. It's expensive, and it's not going to change their system from a 2 to a 10. But I think that this argument only exists if you have missed the point: DDR3 is a more efficient replacement over DDR2 in many different ways, but high-speed DDR3 is intended for overclockers and enthusiasts almost exclusively. In a year from now, expect to have DDR3 pressed into your new motherboard. However for today, the demand behind DDR3 and its high-speed variants is best met by the growing number of hardware enthusiasts which push their equipment well past the stock settings. 
All of this is great news for the overclocker, the hardcore gamer, and the hardware enthusiast; which has been the case every time high-end system memory parts arrive on the market. It wasn't all that long ago we all had SDRAM with 1 and 1.5CL timings, and then DDR arrived with CL3. Nobody complained then, so I'm not sure why they are starting now. It was the exact same story when DDR2 arrived to replace DDR; which nearly doubled the timings. So from a technical standpoint we should appreciate that the timings have only gradually increased with the clock speed, because history has proven this to be difficult. EDITORS NOTE: Benchmark Reviews has also published the article DDR3 RAM: System Memory Technology Explained About the company: Corsair
Products to Meet the Demands of Performance Computing Corsair has been a leader in the design and manufacture of high-speed modules since 1994. Our focus has always been on supporting the special demands of mission-critical servers and high-end workstations, as well as the performance demands of extreme gamers. While maintaining this core focus, in recent years, we've also brought our expertise, technology leadership and legendary quality and reliability to memory and other technology products for the more mainstream consumer. Memory That Meets The Toughest Demands As a pioneer in high-speed module design, Corsair is a trusted supplier to many computer manufacturers. In high-density memory solutions, Corsair has always been one of the first suppliers to achieve advanced qualifications on Intel, Tyan and SuperMicro server platforms. We also work closely with other major server platform manufacturers to release product that is 100% compatible with their latest server products. What Sets Corsair Apart? With more high-speed experience than anyone in the industry, we know the importance of design features like tightly-controlled trace lengths, controlled impedances, clock trace design, unbroken power and ground planes, and selectively plated gold. Corsair Memory has developed an industry-wide reputation for quality, compatibility and performance. Performance Memory For Enthusiasts Our flagship memory products are the DOMINATORTMline of performance memory, which is designed for the unique demands of the serious enthusiast community. Featuring patent-pending Dual-path Heat Exchange (DHX) technology, the DOMINATOR family maximizes on performance, minimizes on heat, all the while running with heighten reliability and stability. The DOMINATOR line has set world performance records and won numerous awards. Corsair's mainstream performance memory solutions are the XMS family. The XMS family includes XMS2 DHX, featuring innovative DHX technology now in the mainstream; XMS Xpert, the first modules with real-time display of parametric data; XMS Pro Series, gaming memory with real-time activity LEDs; and XMS2, high-performance DDR2 modules with black heat spreaders. The XMS Family also includes DDR1 solutions in XMS, available in either black or platinum heat spreaders. Dominator Features & SpecificationsThe Dominator Series TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G is a 2048MByte kit of DDR3 SDRAM DIMMs built using Corsair's latest high performance heat sink with Dual-path Heat Xchange (DHX) technology coupled with a Corsair Airflow Fan. This part delivers outstanding performance in the latest generation of dual-channel DDR3-based motherboards. It has been tested extensively in popular DDR3 motherboards to ensure compatibility and performance at its rated speed. This memory has been verified to operate at 1800MHz at latencies of 7-7-7-20 at 2.0V VDIMM.
Protect Components While Pushing Performance As with DDR2 modules, the need to minimize heat to maximize performance remains the same with DDR3. Pushing performance specs generates heat, and that can compromise reliability and component life. The advanced cooling ability of Dual-path Heat Xchange (DHX) heat sinks keeps system memory safe and reliable even when systems are pushed to the limit. DHX technology will be incorporated into Corsair parts designed for extreme overclocking and on memory designed for performance computing and gaming. Why Performance DDR3 Memory Must Have Superior Heat Dissipation Heat is the enemy of a computer's key components. Heat will slow down systems and impact long term reliability. And the more one tweaks components for performance, the more heat that is generated. With traditional DDR3 memory the standard method of chip packaging involves a BGA (Ball Grid Array). In a BGA, small balls of solder, organized as a grid, are the leads that connect the device to the module circuit board. A Micron Semiconductor study shows that in a BGA memory device as much as 50% of the heat sinks are only attached to the front surface of memory chips, there's no easy thermal path for the heat coming from the back of the chips.
Corsair's Unique Dual-path Heat Xchange (DHX) Solves the Problem Dual-path Heat Xchange (DHX) is the world's most advanced memory module thermal dissipation technology. This patent pending heat sink technology substantially increases the memory module's thermal dissipation so that the heat generated by the RAM cells can be more efficiently removed from the module. RAMs that run at lower temperatures enjoy improved performance and extended reliability. Since traditional heat spreaders are only attached to the back surface of the memory packages there is no direct thermal path for the heat coming from the surface of the RAMs to escape through. The new Dual-path Heat Xchange technology developed by Corsair engineers uses two paths for the heat to escape from a memory device. Conductive Heat Dissipation Path 1 The innovative first path is through the leads of the BGA chips into the printed circuit board (PCB). When BGA devices are soldered on to a memory module, an all-metal thermal path is created from the surface of the RAM to the copper ground plane of the PCB. This thermal path provides very efficient heat removal. In fact, a study by Micron Semiconductor indicated that well over half of the heat generated by a memory module is removed in this manner. In order to maximize the performance of this thermal path, a special PCB was constructed. The height of this PCB was extended to allow installation of a dedicated heat sink. This heat sink is used to dissipate the heat generated by the RAMs on the module which has been conducted into the copper ground plane of the PCB. Conductive Heat Dissipation Path 2 The second, more typical thermal path is through the back of the BGA packages and into high-performance extruded aluminum heat sinks. Overall, the module has four heat sinks, two connected to the RAMs and two connected to the PCB. These heat sinks were designed specifically for the personal computing environment, with fins oriented both in latitudinal and longitudinal orientation to take advantage of air provided by CPU fans as well as case fans. The result is a module with superior thermal characteristics that will run cooler than a module with stamped or mesh heat spreaders, and thus have greater reliability and over-clocking capability. Airflow fan The TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G ships with the Corsair Airflow fan, providing vastly increased air circulation through the module heat sink. The thermal design of the DHX module is optimized for the use of impinging airflow. Forced air from directly above the module can be used to further enhance the performance of the module.
Corsair Dominator Features
The DOMINATOR family of memory represents the ultimate in performance technology engineering from Corsair. The DOMINATOR was designed to have the highest performing IC maximum over-clocking capability and efficient DHX cooling - all the while being stable and reliable. Very few components make it into the DOMINATOR family. Corsair performs rigorous testing and screening on all components to select only the best for the DOMINATOR modules. The tests check for high frequency and/or low latency capabilities for each IC. Then, they are thoroughly tested for maximum interoperability and reliability as a united group to meet the stringent design criteria demanded by performance computing and gaming users. Heat is the enemy of your computer's key components. And the more you tweak components for performance, the more heat is generated. Heat will slow down your system and impact long term reliability. With traditional DDR2 memory, the standard method of chip packaging involves a BGA (Ball Grid Array). In a BGA, small balls of solder, organized as a grid, are the leads that connect the device to the module circuit board. A Micron Semiconductor study shows that in a BGA memory device as much as 50% of the heat generated by the chip is actually conducted into the circuit board. Since traditional heat sinks are only attached to the front surface of memory chips, there's no easy thermal path for the heat coming from the back of the chips. Corsair's engineers have developed a unique technology that maximizes heat dissipation while improving reliability, even in the most extremely overclocked memory module. Dual-Path Heat Exchange (DHX) technology utilizes two methods to effectively remove heat from the memory circuit board - Convection and Conduction.
The optional Airflow fan unit contains three 40mm tachometer-controlled fans to provide impinging airflow to the memory subsystem. With the moderate RPMs required to provide adequate forced air, the airflow fan is nearly silent. The fan easily clamps onto most motherboards, and works perfectly with most any DDR3 kit. Corsair and NVIDIA have jointly developed a new open standard that enhances the Serial Presence Detect (SPD). This exciting new development simplifies the overclocking process while ensuring platform and component compatibility. EPP compatible motherboards can access and take advantage of added performance capabilities and information. The result: simplified overclocking and unparalleled control for experts. TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G Specifications
Closer Look: Corsair Dominator PC3-14400Corsair has been a dominating force in the performance RAM arena for many years now, so it stands to reason that I should have been prepared for their DDR3 product release. When it actually did arrive, I was surprised by the very unique design and appearance of this 1800MHz DDR3 kit. OCZ may have lifted the bar with their Reaper HPC design, but Corsair's High-Speed DDR3 comes equipped with an aluminum heat spreader system dubbed "Dual-path Heat Xchange" which not only has the ribbed "blades" running across it just like Patriot offered, it also adds more surface area for cooling with a very extensive angled heatsink step and fin design. The added surface area really allows the TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G 1800MHz DDR3 RAM kit to operate at a cool and stable temperature no matter what kind of voltage is applied. 
The recently reviewed Super Talent PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz W1800UX2GP kit is probably the closest thing on the market in terms of heatspreader design, and strangely enough they both share similar specifications. Both use a very tall heatspreader which extends the heatsink fins all the way across the top; a design I think others should seriously consider to optimize cooling surface and performance potential. 
There are certain downsides to a design like this, however. While the Corsair Dominator PC3-14400 DDR3 may run ultra-cool, it also has a larger footprint to deal with. This translates into less compatibility in compact computer builds, such as shallow HTPC systems. Then again, if you're building an HTPC with DDR3, that's going to be one powerful living room unit! 
Because the Corsair Dominator PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz kit uses a double rank/double side module construction, the PCB would normally retain heat; if it weren't for the Dual-path Heat Xchange (DHX) Technology this heat would eventually promote module instability. Thankfully the advanced heatspreader/heatsink combination offer a worthy solution, even when the voltage is increased. Still, I can't help but wonder why Corsair didn't follow the example set in the Super Talent W1800UX2GP kit and use single rank construction. This would eliminate the PCB heat and would ultimately make the DHX design provide over-cooling; something any overclocker would appreciate.
During operation at standard 1800MHz speed I discovered that the Corsair Dominator PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz 2GB RAM kit generated no heat at all. The Dual-path Heat Xchange technology must have been working its magic, because the modules felt no different than the outside of the computer case. Even overclocked to 1900MHz, the temperature which was just barely lukewarm to the touch. Likely a result of the efficient 80nm process Micron D9GTR (BY-187E) IC's, or possibly the 2.0V used with this DDR3 kit. 
So how much cooling is enough? Corsair goes out of their way to keep your system stable whether you're running at stock speed, or squeezing every last cycle of performance for an overclock. Included with the Corsair TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G Dominator kit is an airflow fan which is designed to be matched with the DHX heat sinks and allow even more (potential) heat to be removed from the DHX module. This fan unit contains three 40mm tachometer-controlled fans to provide airflow onto the system memory subsystem. The moderate RPMs required to provide adequate forced air mean the Corsair Airflow fan is nearly silent. Really though, silent or otherwise, this kit already runs cool enough. In the next section, Benchmark Reviews covers the finer points of DDR3 and the changes it brings. The overall progress of this DDR3 series is also updated, along with overclocking results. DDR3 Comparison Review ProgressUltimately DDR3 offers a faster design which allows all hardware enthusiasts to take advantage of it. Current high-speed DDR3 memory doesn't offer any benefit when installed into computers running at the stock JEDEC standard speeds of 400 (800), 533 (1066), 666 (1333), and 800 (1600). Instead, the new generation of DDR3 is meant to avoid a bottleneck between the CPU and the system memory; especially in highly overclocked scenarios. With the high-speed variety of DDR3, which presently includes everything beyond the highest 1333MHz JEDEC standard, you increase the Front Side Bus (FSB) and CPU clock speed without being forced to slow the system memory to remain stable. It should be noted that as of late October 2007 the JEDEC 1600MHz speed is still in draft in standard JESD79-3A, but once finalized high-speed DDR3 will include parts beyond this new speed. System Memory is labeled with a new generation for each interval of Front Side Bus development. In terms of DDR, or double data rate memory, the first generation was designed for 100 MHz to 200 MHz speeds (DDR-200 to DDR-400). Later, DDR2 arrived and started production at 266 MHz (DDR2-533) and officially ended (by JEDEC standards) at 400 MHz (DDR2-800). This is where DDR3 begins, starting with 533 MHz (DDR-1066), and scale up to 800 MHz (DDR3-1600).
Each generation of DDR is more than just an update to the memory speed, it is also a more technologically advanced production process and a lower operating voltage and better heat dissipation. The previous generation of DDR2 is manufactured on a 110nm node, whereas the new DDR3 has receives a fab process shrink down to a 90nm node (although some use 80nm) with either 55/45nm prepared for later into 2008. Together, this all helps the hardware enthusiast reach higher clock speeds at the expense of higher latencies. This is why the new DDR3 generation of memory needs a significantly higher clock speed deliver better performance than the preceding generation of DDR2 technology. In additional to the logically progressive changes, there are also improvements made to the architectural design of the memory. One particularly important change introduced with DDR3 is in the prefetch buffer: up from DDR2's four bits to an astounding eight bits per cycle. This translates to a full 100% increase in the prefetch payload; not just a small incremental improvement as there have been in the other area's. DDR2-400 Memory is equal in performance to DDR-400, which is why it must operate at DDR2-667 speed to carry incentive. The same scenario is true with DDR3 when compared to DDR2. While in theory DDR2-1066 offers the same performance as DDR3-1066, this generally means that DDR3 requires a DDR3-1333 speed to show any benefit over DDR2-800. Memories within the same generation (DDR/DDR2/DDR3) are downwards compatible, meaning that if you have DDR3-1600 RAM, you can configure it to operate at 1066 and 1333 MHz speeds. Unfortunately, without the proper chipset to support high-speed DDR3 memory, anything beyond DDR3-1333 (the fastest selectable memory multiplier setting with most motherboards) will be relegated to overclocking. Intel has designed the entire 3 Series of motherboards to be DDR3 compatible; but even though the G33, P35, X38, and the upcoming X48 chipsets all support the newer standard they are still encouraging DDR2 support. This is going to be a power struggle between standards until Intel launches yet another new Front Side Bus. But aren't we forgetting someone? Oh, that's right, Advanced Micro Devices. These days it's almost as if AMD has been late to dinner so often they don't even get a table setting anymore. While little brother (AMD) may have made claims back in 2006 to support DDR3 in their products this year, they appear to eating their words as the move has been stalled until the last half of 2008 when they will likely introduce the 45nm AM3. Which is what brings about the purpose of this article... is it all worth it? DDR3 Test Products:One of the nice benefits of owning a computer sales and service company is that I get to have my hands on a whole lot of inventory that I would never purchase for myself. The other benefit is that I get to make contact with many of the top names in the industry, and can often persuade them to lend us product for testing. Over the next several weeks, you can expect to see top-tier names like: Aenenon, Corsair, Crucial, GeIL, Kingston, SimpleTech, Mushkin, OCZ, Patriot, Winchip, and Super Talent in our featured DDR3 reviews for this mega-comparison round-up. The list below is just the beginning...
This review focuses on the Corsair Dominator PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz 2GB RAM Kit TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G, but as soon as the individual series of reviews have been completed I will address the collective conclusions in a single finale article. The comparison results displayed below are updated in real time as they are completed.
Test System
Testing Methodology: DDR3 RAMBefore the testing really begins, there are several settings to be adjusted in the BIOS. Many combinations of the CPU's front side bus are matched to a specific memory multiplier, giving us the desired RAM (and CPU) operating speed. When high-speed DDR3 is tested, a 1:1 memory multiplier is combined with the highest CPU front side bus speed available to obtain baseline readings; the fastest FSB is presently 1333MHz found in select Intel Conroe and Kentsfield series desktop processors. When I first begin this process and start benchmarking for a baseline, the memory voltage and timing are always left at the manufacturer's default values.
After each and every change to the BIOS, the system is restarted and all RAM modules are automatically tested with MemTest86+ for one full pass. Since the modules are not yet overclocked, one pass is usually sufficient to determine if a bad part exists. Later, once I begin to overclock the memory, these tests are a good way of quickly pre-screening stable configurations. Once the test pass is complete, I move onto the synthetic benchmark tests. Here at Benchmark Reviews we use the following test suites and applications:
After all of the tests have been performed at the default memory clock speed (or highest JEDEC standard), which establishes the baseline reading for our comparisons, I then increase the front side bus to overclock the RAM without adding any additional voltage. My theory is this: a module that overclocks without additional voltage is going to perform better than a module which requires you to potentially damage it or void the warranty. Another way of looking at this is that if a module overclocks well without added voltage, it is likely that there will be more headroom if additional voltage is applied. I am fully aware that many sites turn up the voltage and apply dangerous amounts of power to the modules so that they can unlock that last megahertz; but if I begin down that road where will it end? Do I then start writing reviews where I apply liquid nitrogen cooling to the RAM? Do I volt-mod the motherboard and apply so much power I ruin expensive parts and equipment? In the end, I decided that overclocking will be done at the stock voltage for benchmarks, because I believe most enthusiasts are going to aim for the same goal. If on some rare occasion I determine that adding voltage would potentially return large performance gains, then I will add up to 0.2V to the default volt rating. In each synthetic benchmark test Windows XP was booted fresh and the application was opened. Task manager was then utilized to end the explorer.exe (Windows) process so that only the most essential services were running and a trim 16 processes total were consuming system memory. This procedure allowed the RAM to be as isolated as possible for our testing. Once the system was ready, I performed a single test-run of the benchmark, followed by three recorded tests. At the end of the series, I averaged the three results for the final score. Sometimes it is very difficult to get broad results between the memory modules tested, so we use several different speeds of memory from participating manufacturers. Benchmark Reviews is very serious about performance, which is why we test the products against as many benchmarks as reasonably possible. Not every test suite is effective in these reviews, and some often calculate processor and other system components into the score. This is what makes a RAM review difficult: unless all of the modules compared have the exact same rating and the CPU operates at the exact same speed for each and every test, the comparison is always going to be subjective. Test Results: TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF GTesting RAM is a subject which requires a bit of technical knowledge. I have recently found a few other sites using nothing except video games to benchmark the RAM product they are reviewing, and this whole practice made no sense at all to me. Video games are GPU and CPU dependant, and RAM has a very small impact on frame-rate performance as I will prove to you in my own tests. So keeping all of this in mind, I use the tools that belong in a system memory review; I use system memory tests for my benchmarks. Additionally, I don't spend three (usually tiny) pages discussing how I overclocked or how I made it to tighter timings. Every memory module comes with its own limit, so one size doesn't fit all. As it turned out, the Corsair Dominator PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz kit could overclock from 1800MHz to a stable 1900MHz without adding additional voltage; the default 2.0 volts and clock latency values of 7-7-7-20 were also maintained with no drop in stability. With only 100MHz of overclocking headroom, this high-end memory seems to already be wound up pretty tight. It's also a good idea to keep in mind the default memory voltage for this kit is already +0.5V over spec at 2.0V; which means that there isn't a whole lot of room for safe voltage increases, either. Our first results were recorded from Lavalys EVEREST using the Cache and Memory Benchmark tool. The results shown below represent the average measurement obtained from the TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF High-Speed DDR3 1800MHz kit at the 1:1 RAM to CPU multiplier of 1333MHz and the front side bus overclocked to 450MHz to produce 1800MHz. After testing the default speed, I then test at the 1333 baseline and the overclocked speed of 1900MHz. The results for the average read, write, and copy bandwidth from EVEREST are displayed below.
Everest is among my most trusted benchmark programs, and the Cache and Benchmark tool is one of the more reliable in terms of consistent results. The chart above shows that the extra 52MHz over the stock 1800MHz baseline amounts to a small increase in added bandwidth; but the real improvement is over the 1333MHz baseline where the the read bandwidth improved by nearly 25%. With both CPU-Z and Lavalys EVEREST both reporting memory clocks at 7-7-7-20, I will believe that the ASUS P5K3 BIOS settings were configured correctly. Next up was the PassMark Performance Test benchmark which runs several different system memory tests in a row. Although some of the tests are specific to the performance of the RAM, others take the CPU clock speed and front side bus into account when developing a score. Most important are the memory read and write tests, and the score based tests are biased towards CPU speed and other hardware factors.
Passmark's Performance Test offers the most consistent memory test results of the entire group, with each of the test runs resulting in a score nearly identical to the previous test run. Ideally, all of these programs should be this consistent, but until they are I would consider Performance Test to be the best tool available for testing system memory bandwidth.
SiSoftware Sandra Lite XIIc offered identical results nearly the same in regards to increased performance; according to the chart above. Although the bandwidth tests are of a different nature, the improvement of 1880MHz over 1333MHz still resulted in over 24% improvement in both the integer bandwidth and float buffered tests. The last of our memory testing applications to run is RightMark Memory Analyzer. This program may not offer the same level of consistent test results that Performance Test does, but instead it offers a more technical approach to testing the system memory. Plus, this is a Benchmark Reviews favorite - because it's free.
RightMark Memory Analyzer offer nearly the same tests that EVEREST and Performance Test have, and could be considered a bit redundant, but then again this is a technology article and us geeks like our redundancy. While it's true that Memory Analyzer hasn't been updated in over a year and seems out of development, it's still not a bad tool since it gives the second most consistent results every single run (unlike Sandra). It also offers an average "real" RAM read and write bandwidth result which most enthusiasts don't appreciate because it combines the results of dozens of tests. This is the layman's alternative to the Sciencemark v2.0 test suite, which is also gone but not forgotten.
Finally, I tested with the memory multiplier set at 1:1 for 1333MHz against the stock 1800MHz and overclocked 1900MHz settings in the game World in Conflict. Realizing that PC vide games can be either CPU or GPU bound, this made it difficult for me to compare all of the memory sets since the clock speed of the processor would change as I adjusted the front side bus for the desired RAM speed. In the end a 567MHz increase in system memory speed gave the framerate in World in Conflict only a 2 FPS improvement in the average framerate. While the minimum frames per second jumped from 13 to 18 for a 5 FPS improvement, the maximum was only affected by 1 FPS. This mediocre improvement is evidence of how insignificant the system memory speed is in relation to video game performance. But don't misunderstand me, because system memory could have a much larger impact on game performance if you use it to overclock the processor. Obviously, if you are using the Corsair Dominator PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G kit, you aren't going to keep the CPU at the stock speed anyway; and you probably use a video card that more than makes up for the very small gains of overclocked system memory. This means that faster RAM allows for a faster CPU, and in turn produces a faster frame-rate. But in the world of system memory benchmarks, comparing the different sets of RAM in a game is pointless. Final ThoughtsCorsair Dominator system memory is not going to be something system builders and casual users should purchase for vanilla systems. It's a best-of-the-best select part which allows cutting-edge overclockers and serious hardware enthusiasts to reach the system speeds unobtainable with any other RAM. The Corsair Dominator TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G kit is strictly for the overclocker, enthusiast, and anyone else who wants to modify settings. I say this because of one simple fact: you cannot presently go beyond 1333MHz without changing something in your BIOS (at least not until the Intel P45/X48 chipset is released when 1600MHz becomes a standard FSB speed). So do you overclock? That question is really the only one that matters when it comes to Corsair's High-Speed 1800MHz DDR3. There's just no way around it: if you want High-Speed DDR3 operating at the advertised 1800MHz, then overclocking your system is exactly what the TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G 2GB RAM kit demands. For what you get, which is 1900MHz worth of CL7-7-7-20 stable bandwidth, this is the perfect part for those looking to take their CPU well beyond the normal range of operation. So long as your motherboard and processor can support the overclock, Corsair Dominator PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz 2GB RAM Kit TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G is going to open up front side bus speeds you never imagined possible. In the Benchmark Reviews DDR3 finale article, I will explain how I reached 3.3GHz with 2.2GHz Intel E6550 Core 2 Duo and this Dominator DDR3 kit. 
I think that most enthusiasts will probably presume that High-Speed DDR3 isn't really an important part of the hardware market. After all, it's expensive; and Corsair's PC3-14400 CL7-7-7-20 High-Speed DDR3 1800MHz kit isn't going to be a plug and play improvement to system performance. High-Speed DDR3 may not be market-critical, but remember that this high-speed DDR3 is intended for overclockers and enthusiasts almost exclusively. Presently the demand for High-Speed DDR3 is relegated to those enthusiasts who push their equipment well past the stock settings and are willing to pay extra for the privilege. Corsair Dominator DDR3 ConclusionSince beginning this DDR3 series, the presentation rating has been replaced with a performance score. In our system memory reviews, we offer this score to represent the overclocking potential and memory timing capability of the product reviewed. The Corsair Dominator 1800MHz DDR3 RAM Kit successfully overclocked to a stable 1900MHz while maintaining CL7-7-7-20 timings and 2.0 volts. With such a high default speed of 1800MHz, it surprised me to actually achieve a notable overclock. While the overclocking headroom was mostly attributed to the use of Micron D9GTR (BY-187E) IC's matched to a default voltage 2.0V, the end result of 1900MHz is more than enough to give most enthusiasts and overclockers a smile. Moving on to the appearance rating, I doubt that there was much room for improvement with the seemingly flawless Dual-path Heat Xchange (DHX) Technology. Certainly a polished mirror-finish would make it look better, but it would also detract from the cooling performance that a flat black finish offers. Adding a chrome finish would only help the module retain head, so in reality this module looks as good as it possibly can while still being ultra-functional. With regard to product construction, Corsair's DDR3 Dominator kit TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G offers a decent level of durability thanks to the heatspreader covering both sides. The countersunk screws sandwich the PCB very tightly and create a strong bond between the RAM modules and heatspreader, but with sharp edges you can still bend something if you're not careful. This kit could survive harsh abuse, but I still recommend you handle with care. At this particular point in time the Corsair Dominator PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz 2GB RAM offers the second fastest speed (1800MHz) available. Add in the additional overclock for a total of 1900MHz, and we have ourselves a new champion with a perfect 10 functionality rating. In all honesty, DDR3 doesn't need excessive cooling due to the reduced DIMM voltage. So leave it to Corsair to go overboard and offer the Dominator Airflow Fan to reduce the operating temperature to as close to ambient as possible. High-Speed DDR3 is going to grow more popular with time, but for early adopters who don't want to wait another year this means that the 1800MHz guaranteed to perform at CL7-7-7-20 in the TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G kit will give them the chance to dramatically overclock their system... and do so right now. Standard rate DDR3 pricing is nearly in-line with near-speed DDR2, but the Corsair PC3-14400 High-Speed DDR3 kit offers a lot more bandwidth than DDR2 ever could. Since this product has just launched, pricing is still high and availability is slim. At the time of this writing, the Corsair Dominator TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G DDR3 kit is available from NewEgg.com for $554.00. There's really no way around the fact that premium DDR3 comes with premium pricing, but in all fairness this kit is still priced better than many other kits. In conclusion, the Corsair Dominator PC3-14400 DDR3 1800MHz 2GB RAM Kit offers unmatched performance and offers the best system overclocking speeds available. Until overclockers grow in number these modules won't be in high demand by the masses, but they will certainly reward those who purchase them. These Dominator DDR3 modules are critical for pushing the rest of your system well beyond the manufacturer's intended specifications, however despite a relatively low current market price this TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF G DDR3 kit may still cost more than most enthusiasts can afford. Pros:
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