KitGuru KitGuru.net – Tech News | Hardware News | Hardware Reviews | IOS | Mobile | Gaming | Graphics Cards
Before we used the Asus Maximus V Formula Z77 motherboard for this review today, we tried the Corsair Dominator Platinum 16GB (4x4GB) 2666mhz with the Asus Rampage IV Extreme X79 motherboard. We couldn't get the system to post at the 2,666mhz XMP setting, however 2,400mhz was possible – we know however there are certain limitations with the X79 platform and memory beyond 2,400mhz.
Strangely, we experienced the same issues with the ASRock Z77 Extreme6 and Biostar TZ77E4 using the XMP profile. 2,400mhz was possible, but nothing higher. By this stage we were beginning to wonder if the memory was at fault.
Asus to the rescue …
… We had no problems using the XMP 2,666mhz profile with the Asus Maximus V Formula Z77 motherboard and the latest 0804 bios. The XMP profile of 10-12-12-31-2N was highlighted.
Strangely enough, we checked the timings – and at ‘auto' the board showed 13-13-13-35-2N. We consulted again with the XMP settings listed on the official Corsair site and noticed that they mention '11-13-13-35′ (image above right). We found however that by manually adjusting the timings (disabling XMP) to 10-12-12-31 that stability was achieved at 2,666mhz.
At 2,666mhz with a manual profile setting of 10-12-12-31, CPUz validation still reported 11-13-13-13-35 timings – even though the memory tab of the software highlighted 10-12-12-12-31 timings. You can look at system validation yourself over here.
We look at overclocking, later in the review.
wow that is expensive memory, cost more than my video card !
Good results, 2850mhz is a heck of a result.
whether you like corsair or not, they make beautiful products. a lot of attention to detail
The only thing I will say is that memory has very little impact on gaming. id much rather pump the money into a new CPU or GPU.
Ive 1866mhz memory in my system, i never even think about changing it to be honest. dont see the need. 8GB is more than enough also.
went straight to the Overclocking page. i find overclocking is very much in the hands of the board manufacturer. ASUS have great bioses.
my G,Skill 2,133mhz never went any higher on my MSI board, but on my new ASUS board I can get 2,450mhz with a couple of timings looser.
These are fantastic results, but @ Darth Digglers – remember this memory isn’t for the mainstream audience, the price reflects that. this is meant to be for the hard core guys who want to push all components in their system to the limit.