Corsair Dominator TWIN3X2048-1800C7DFIN Kit

Corsair DOMINATOR TWIN3X2048-1800C7DFIN G memory modules are reliable representatives of the new DDR3 memory generation. They managed to operate with the lowest possible timings scheme (6-6-6-11) at 2.0 V in the fastest DDR3-1600 mode, certified by JEDEC. What concerns the unofficial DDR3-1800 mode, we managed to reduce 7-7-7-20 timings recommended in by XMP to 7-6-6-13. Real memory bandwidth values in both cases (in DDR3-1600 and DDR3-1800 modes) reached almost 95% of the theoretical maximum of FSB throughput, which acts here as the main memory bottleneck. In other words, these DDR3 memory modules can squeeze maximum memory performance on a given platform (Intel Core 2 processors, Intel 3 Series chipsets). You won't get this effect with DDR2-800 memory modules on this platform, even though it must be theoretically possible. This fact certainly justifies the use of faster memory modules (including DDR3) today with the current generation of Intel platforms.

If money is no object this is arguably the best DDR3 memory kit for enthusiasts in our opinion, and it also happens to be backed by one of the most respected companies in the business. Due to its excellent performance, overclockability, and features, we’re giving the Corsair TWIN3X2048-1800C7DFIN G kit an Editor’s Choice award.

Performance and overclocking aside, the Corsair Dominator DHX heat sinks are without a doubt, the most advanced cooling solution for memory there is. Integrating with a specially designed PCB to provide two avenues of cooling is the first and only of its kind in an industry worn thin for new ideas to solve old problems. Corsair has certainly earned their stripes with this design and we now see it on a large portion of their performance memory. It gives me and Overclockers Online great pleasure in presenting the Editors Choice award to the Corsair Dominator TWIN3X2048-1800C7DFIN for performance, overclockability, design, and technical achievement.

There's a lot to like about Corsair's new Dominator XMP 1800 MHz DDR3 modules. Just in terms of raw speed, the amount of memory bandwidth that DDR3-1800 offers is amazing. We would really like to see the timing issue addressed though for the XMP profiles -- if 7-7-7-20 was indicated then having the system run at 9-9-9-24 is a downer. Looking past that, the Intel XMP standard does in fact make the memory overclocking world easier and more accessible to users that are not comfortable addressing multipliers and timing settings.