Final Words & Conclusion

Final Words & Conclusion

Even on an Intel platform, higher frequency memory still can make a difference. Granted, it's not huge or massive, but increases can be visualized even when you push it from a simple 2666 towards 3200 MHz. The reviewed Corsair Vengeance Pro RGB kit (tweaked) achieved a proper 3600 MHz with merely a slightly increased voltage (1.4 V, compared to standard 1.35 V) and CL17. Please keep in mind here that Corsair’s 3600 MHz SKU kit are CL18, which results in slightly less performance. So yes, this is an interesting overclock slash tweak, also keep in mind considering that we are running a 4x 8 GB module setup today which strains the memory controller on the processor much more extensive compared to using two DIMMs. A four DIMM setup on a dual-channel configuration is always more demanding for the IMC (memory controller in the CPU) compared to 2 sticks. And yeah, that 32 GB will be more than enough for 99% of the end-users, of course.

Some gaming tests, like Watch Dogs 2, show an advantage with tweaked/overclocked memory, in most workload scenarios however it’s not very visible, but it's there and can be measured alright. From a more professional workload point of view, FryBench or Corona benchmark definitely show performance gains after overclocking or using faster memory as these render over the CPU and memory subsystem.

Very nice aesthetics

Corsair has updated the look of their Vengeance RGB memory. Albeit hugely subjective, the PRO version looks great, but I preferred the predecessor. That however all boils down towards your individual taste of course. The LEDs and its effects are striking and can be bright or as dim as you need them to be, the iCUE software does really well for lighting control, and if you have other Corsair RGB gear, then you’ll be delighted with the overall (synced) effect. iCUE is still very much in development though. But yeah, superb looks overall.

Conclusion

Why the “Top pick” award? Corsair Vengeance Pro RGB ticks all the right boxes and has all the important features. Hey, it’s a 32 GB kit, and this amount of memory will likely a bit too much for most users. But the 16GB (2x 8GB) kit is selling for just over 200 bucks. The dfault XMP profile performance is good, but as you have been able to notice, you can squeeze quite a bit more out of this kit. 3600 MHz and CL17 at 1.4 V is lovely. The good stuff resides behind the heat spreaders, it is Samsung B-Die chips that really do their job. And we all know how much Ryzen appreciates Samsung B-die as well. Tweaking wise a 400 MHz increase over the standard profile means a 15% boost in frequency. If you need more, there is always the 4000 MHz CL19 variant on the market. But if you have a better motherboard for memory overclocking than the EVGA Z370 FTW that I used (e.g. an Asus Maximus X Apex,) it would probably be possible to achieve even 4000 MHz with the reviewed kit. The iCUE software is growing into a better utility than it used to be in its CUE form, and with each update, you can tell the effects of Corsair engineers’ that are hard at work improving the software. 10 RGB LEDs deliver a crisp lighting effect, whereas syncing with other Corsair RGB products works really well, it produces a fantastic effect. The symbiosis of it all is a very rewarding experience to look at. Sure, 32GB kit is not cheap, its MSRP is 449.99 EUR, but given that it’s 32 GB of 3200 MHz memory with potential for reaching 3600 MHz (or even more) we just cannot complain. Yes, there will be products on the market that are cheaper, but they don’t necessarily deliver the same total package as Corsair Vengeance Pro RGB in terms of the pre-tested Samsung B-die chips and the combination of iCUE RGB. We do miss a proper QVL list on Corsair's website (so you can’t be certain about the compatibility of this DDR4 memory with various motherboards and procs), and the tall heat spreader at 51 mm could be an issue for some coolers, but as always – I recommend checking clearances (height) before buying. A well deserved top pick for Corsair today, well done.

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