Corsair Vengeance 12GB DDR3 Memory Kit review

Corsair CMZ12GX3M3A1600C9 (4GBx3)

So the memory kit tested today comes from Corsair's Vengeance series armed with ICs all packed nicely under a stylish aluminum heat spreader sitting on top of the DIMM module. Here are its specification:

• Series - Vengeance
• Model CMZ12GX3M3A1600C9
• Type 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM Tech Spec
• Capacity 12GB (3 x 4GB)
• Speed DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
• Cas Latency 9
• Timing 9-9-9-24
• Voltage 1.5V
• Triple Channel Kit
• Heat Spreader
• Compatible with Intel P55 chipset Manufacturer Warranty
• Parts  Lifetime limited
• Labor Lifetime limited

The memory itself is maximized to the utmost stability and user friendly experience. Some Corsair PR skinny:

Corsair Vengeance DDR3 memory modules are designed with overclockers in mind. Vengeance DIMMs are built using RAM specially selected for their high-performance potential. Aluminum heat spreaders help dissipate heat, and provide the aggressive look that you want in your gaming rig.

Vengeance memory is designed specifically for the latest CPUs. The 1.5V VDIMM spec ensures you get the performance you expect, even without increasing memory voltages. Vengeance DDR3 memory is available in single modules, and two or three module kits.

Most Vengeance DIMMs are built with two gigabit RAM ICs. These extra-dense memory chips allow you to have 8GB of memory using only two DIMMs, or to populate your triple channel system with up to an insanely large 24GB of system memory for extreme multitasking performance.

The Vengeance kits come in several volume sizes, 4, 8, 12 and even a 16 GB dual-channel kit is available. We'll of course fool around with the 12GB triple channel kit.

Once installed, go in the BIOS and if supported, select the XMP profile for the memory and after a reboot you are good to go. If you do not have a proper working XMP profile option in your BIOS, set the 9:9:9:24 timing manually and make sure you set DIMM voltage to 1.50V ... this is literally 10 seconds of work.

This three DIMMs  / 12 gigabyte DDR3 kit is available for just over 200 USD or roughly 170 EUR, head on over to the next page where we'll startup a product photo-shoot after which this article will dive into a benchmark session. Hey, we know you like it !

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