Corsair Dominator Platinum 16GB (4x4GB) 2666mhz Memory Review

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.

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