This weekend, VR-Zone.com takes a quick look at one of Corsair's Vengeance dual-channel DDR3 memory kits, the CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9.

While nearly every single memory kit introduced these days appears 'designed for the second-generation Intel Core platform', this Corsair Vengeance dual-channel memory kit is designed to work on both Intel or AMD DDR3 platforms.



A rather eye-catching image adorns the front of the packaging with a pair of Vengeance memory seated on an ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) motherboard. According to Corsair, Vengeance kits are designed with overclockers in mind and the memory chips used are specifically selected to meet their needs.



universal product code (UPC) label is affixed at the bottom left corner, and there are two small cut-outs which are positioned where the product labels on the two memory sticks are.



Before we proceed further, here is a quick run through of the Vengeance kit's specifications:

Type - 240-pin DDR3
Capacity - 8GB (2 x 4GB)
Speed - PC3-12800 (1600MHz)
Latency - CL9-9-9-24
Voltage - 1.5V
Registered / Unbuffered - Unbuffered
Error checking - Non-ECC
Warranty - Lifetime

Inside the packaging, there is a protective plastic clamshell for each memory module.



Corsair's flagship Dominator memory modules sport an elaborate black-colored aluminium heatspreader and a matching printed circuit board (PCB). On the other hand, the Vengeance ones come with a relatively simple and lightweight heat spreader, and the PCB remains the typical green.



Hynix chips are commonly used on performance-oriented modules with 4GB capacities. However, based on the version number, this pair of Vengeance memory modules that we are looking at today are using Elpida ones.



The following parts were used for today's quick tests:

  • Intel Core i7-860 Processor
  • ASUS P7P55D-E EVO (Intel P55 Express)
  • Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
  • Palit GeForce GTX 580 1536MB
  • Western Digital Raptor 74GB
  • Cooler Master Silent Pro M1000
  • Dell UltraSharp 3007WFP
  • Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit


First, we tested the Vengeance kit at its rated specifications of 1600MHz CL-9-9-9-24 at a VDIMM of 1.5V, at which it performed flawlessly.



One can expect a gain in memory bandwidth of about 5% as compared to generic DDR3 memory running at 1333MHz CL9.


Interestingly, Elpida memory chips do not respond positively to more voltage. As such, we left the VDIMM at 1.5V for our overclocking tests. A command rate setting of 1T was used throughout this review.



The first overclocking test was to drop memory timings, but maintaining the kit's rated frequency (and voltage). We managed to lower the timings a notch to 8-8-8-24. The system refused to POST if we attempted to boot with a CAS Latency (CL) of 7 clocks.



Loosening the timings back to 9-9-9-24, we achieved a kit maximum of 1800MHz. Increasing RAS Precharge (tRP) and RAS-to-CAS Delay (tRCD) did not provide us with additional overclocking headroom (sadly).

Unfortunately, enthusiasts on Intel's latest 'Sandy Bridge' platform will be disappointed as this Vengeance kit stops a little short of the nearest 1866MHz memory multiplier. Owing to the platform's overclocking limitations, one will have to either downclock the BCLK quite a bit in order to run the kit at its maximum frequency, or use the 1600MHz divider but running the kit with tightened timings.



This particular pair of Corsair Vengeance memory isn't a terrific overclocker, but it'll gladly offer you 200MHz more without bumping the memory voltage at all. 'Sandy Bridge' users may not be too happy with this kit, but those who are on the previous-generation 'Lynnfield' platform or AMD-based systems would probably be contented. The kit is priced similarly against other competing 1600MHz CL9 dual-channel products and retails for approximately US$85 online Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9.




Aesthetics (15%)
The black heat spreaders makes matching with different motherboard color schemes easy.
8.0

Features / Quality (30%)
Good build quality. Heat spreaders do a good job of dissipating heat.
8.0

Performance (40%)
Decent overclocking abilities. Will appeal to enthusiasts looking for low VDIMM yet overclockable memory kits.
8.5

Price / Packaging (15%)
Price is similar to competing products; retails for US$85 online.
8.5

FINAL SCORE 8.3


Read more: Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz CL9 8GB DDR3 Kit Review