If you are looking for some cost-effective, yet powerful RAM for high-end gaming, you may want to take a peek at Corsair's Vengeance line of memory.

In this age of multi-layered gaming (expansive storylines, highly detailed graphics, in-game video, games taking advantage of 64-bit processing), it isn't enough to simply have a fast processor and graphics card - you also need a good level of RAM. With this in mind, companies are beginning to move beyond the 4GB level and stepping into the next generation of 8GB kits. Corsair is one of the companies leading the way in this endeavor, as evidenced by its Corsair Vengeance line.

In the 8GB kit category, Corsair offers 12 different modules:

• Vengeance - 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMZ8GX3M2B1866C9R)
• Vengeance - 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9)
• Vengeance - 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9R)
• Vengeance - 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B)
• Vengeance - 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9)
• Vengeance - 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8R)
• Vengeance - 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C8)
• Vengeance - 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C7R)
• Vengeance - 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C7R)
• Vengeance - Low Profile — 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CML8GX3M2A1600C9)
• Vengeance - Low Profile — 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CML8GX3M2A1333C9)
• Vengeance - Low Profile White — 1.35V 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CML8GX3M2A1600C9W)
• Vengeance - Low Profile Blue — 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 Memory Kit (CML8GX3M2A1600C9B)

Specs:

• Warranty: Lifetime
• Size: 8GB Kit (2 x 4GB)
• Performance Profile: XMP
• Fan Included: No
• Heat Spreader: Vengeance
• Memory Configuration: Dual Channel
• Memory Type: DDR3
• Package - Memory Pin: 240
• Package - Memory Format: DIMM
• Tested Voltage: 1.5
• SPD Voltage: 1.5
• Speed Rating: PC3-12800 (1600MHz)
• SPD Speed: 1333 MHz
• Tested Speed: 1600 MHz
• Tested Latency: 9-9-9-24
• SPD Latency: 9-9-9-24

Features Set/Pros

• Great for overclocking
• Compatible with Second Gen (aka Sandy Bridge) Intel processors
• Sports an XMP performance profile
• Cost-effective
• Aluminum heat spreaders for heat dispertion
• Attractive, look great in your case

The Vengeance line also comes in 4GB and 16GB kits, but for the purposes of this article, we will be looking at the 8GB module (2x4GB).

Looks

The Vengeance line is very easy on the eyes, coming in several different colors, including red, black, blue. Their heat dispersing, aluminum heat spreaders look tough as hell in your case, giving it a rugged, macho feel. Here is a pic of the red:

 

With the flaming yellow Vengeance logo, it really pops.

Performance

From a performance standpoint, the Vengeance really stands out, especially when you take into consideration its price range (around a hundred bucks). It isn't the highest benchmarking RAM in its class, but its pretty close - I doubt the casual to intermediate user would even know a difference. From an overclocking view, this module handles itself pretty well; the 1600MHz rated module was able to hit 1866MHz and 2133MHz (with a 10 CAS Latency) with relative ease.

Conclusion

I rate this memory pretty high on my list. It looks great, it performs and overclocks great, and the price is pretty tough to beat. Add to that the fact that its a trusted brand (who hasn't heard of Corsair) and Corsair's lifetime warranty, and you would be hard pressed to go wrong buying this kit. 8Gigs of dual channel DDR3 memory for a hundred bucks? You can't go wrong.
 

DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware.

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