Corsair Vengeance Quad-Channel Memory Review - PAGE 2

Corsair sent Neoseeker 64GB of memory in total, 32GB of standard Vengeance memory and 32GB of Vengeance LP memory. All the sets came in small rectangular packages that displayed an image of the memory on the front along with the memory type, size and model name. On the front panel is an image of the memory installed in a high-end ASUS ROG motherboard. Using an ROG motherboard really shows that these models are geared toward high-end gamers, as the ROG series includes the all of the enthusiast grade products in the ASUS arsenal.

The front of the packaging features an adjustable panel that prominently shows the Vengeance logo on the left side, while the right side displays actual size images of the memory modules along with a small cut-out that showcases either the Vengeance logo or product sticker. Turning the packaging around we see that the back includes a description of the Vengeance series memory, while the sides of the package simply list the memory model and capacity. Unlike many other manufacturers, Corsair doesn't include a long list of specifications on the outside, but the box informs the user of all the key features regarding the memory.

As quad-channel memory kits, the Corsair Vengeance memory modules are optimized for the Sandy Bridge-E platform but they can also be used in dual-channel mode in both AMD and Intel systems. Since this kit is part of the Vengeance LP series, they look significantly different than the Vengeance models that included a finned heat-spreader design. The low-profile design is going to be beneficial to anyone using the memory in conjunction with a large CPU heatsink, or in a small form factor case. Without the fins at the top of the heatspreader, the memory can more easily fit into virtually any system without clearance issues.

Vengeance memory modules are built with DRAM chips specially selected for their high-performance potential. The Vengeance LP modules we received utilize timings of 8-8-8-24 at 1600Mhz, however, they are also available at 9-9-9-24. The difference between CAS-8 and CAS-9 in the Vengeance series in terms of dollars is around $60, as the CAS-8 models are currently priced at $149 while the CAS-9 models are more affordable at $89. Other than the latencies, the memory actually has the same specifications; both are rated at 1600MHz, require 1.5 volts and have a limited lifetime warranty. The Vengeance memory modules also support Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP), which is an technology that automatically overclockes the memory when XMP is activated.

The second Vengeance memory modules we received are also part of a 16GB kit that runs at 1600MHz, but they use the slightly higher CAS-9 latency. In addition, this kit sports the more traditional Vengeance heat-spreader which features a honeycomb product sticker with the Vengeance logo on the front and the product sticker on the back. It also includes all black aluminum heat-spreaders with an extruded fin design at the top for more efficient thermal performance.

While both the memory kits we received for this review utilize a black heat-spreader, they can also be found in at least one other color. Currently the Corsair website shows the quad-channel Vengeance memory modules available in both red and black. A blue quad-channel kit could pop up down the road, but as of now just these two colors are available.