Performance
In the performance tests, we tested the
speed of the LGA1155 platform with various dual-channel memory kits from
Corsair Dominator Platinum series. Each kit was tested in two modes:
·
Automatic configuration (each of timings is set
by the mainboard's BIOS in accordance with XMP data) and
·
The highest clock speeds and the best timings
(achieved in our overclocking tests above) are set up by hand in the
mainboard's BIOS.
First, we want to
make synthetic benchmarks of memory bandwidth and latency. We will use the
memory test from SiSoft Sandra 2013 for that. Using a multithreaded Stream
algorithm, it is completely consistent with the modern memory controllers
optimized for multi-core CPUs.
Sandra
2013, the memory performance, MB / sec
Sandra
2013, Memory Latency, ns
The clock speed of DDR3 SDRAM does not
affect the parameters of the memory subsystem on the Ivy Bridge platform. For
instance, increasing the clock speed by 333 MHz is helpful to improve the
practical bandwidth by 10-20% and reduce the latency by 5-10%. However, the
benefits are not evident at all at higher frequencies because of weak timings.
For instance, the practical bandwidth is likely to be even lower when moving from
DDR3-2400 to DDR3-2666. The latency remains the same, so the faster memory will
be always certain of higher performance for your computer.
The SiSoft Sandra 2013 results showed that
the selection of DDR3 SDRAM modules turned to be particular. However, this is a
synthetic test to measure the speed of the CPU to find out how fast the CPU can
work with system memory. Daily applications are not sensitive memory is not too
sensitive, but we also want to test them.
CINEBENCH
11.5, Rendering
Adobe
Photoshop CS6, second
WinRAR
4.2, Bench, KB / second
X24,
H.264 Encoding first pass, fps
X24,
H.264 Encoding second pass, fps
Fast memory is really suitable in some
cases, especially if its price is not much different from the price of the
ordinary products. For example, the memory subsystem parameters can affect the
speed of the gaming applications.
3D
Mark 11, physics
Crysis
WARHEAD, 1280x800 UHQ
Far
Cry 2, 1280x800 UHQ
Of course, the graphics subsystem affects
the frame rate most, but the frequency of memory is also a factor. Fast memory
can help you to make the performance better by a few percent. So, again, the
choice of DDR3 SDRAM is rather significant, especially on its frequency.
However, there are some exceptions to that
rule. Let’s take notice of the performance of DDR3-2400 kit CMD16GX3M2A2400C10.
Sometimes it's better than DDR3-2133 kit CMD8GX3M2A2133C9 because it includes
two 8GB modules that have less aggressive timings than the 4GB ones.
Conclusion
Corsair’s Dominator Platinum series is
appealing; there are some positive traits that no other product can provide. In
addition to the great speed, carefully selected memory chips, smart PCB and
reputation of the brand; the memory kits are special thanks to their exclusive
exterior design. Their heatsinks are efficient in terms of cooling and looks.
Corsair is the only manufacturer of overclocker-friendly memory which can
ensure that both the chips and the PCB are cooled properly while the integrated
highlighting will make the Dominator Platinum appear in the modder's computer.
It is impossible for you to find a better solution for your system if you're
modding.
The only weak point is its price. The
Dominator Platinum series costs about twice as much conventional memory modules
with the similar technical specs. So, that is the extra amount of money is paid
to provide for a limited group of enthusiasts who can enjoy their aesthetics
and enjoy Corsair Link connection with capabilities of extended monitoring.
Talking about the special products in the
Dominator Platinum series, the CMD8GX3M2A2133C9 kit assessed for DDR3-2133 mode
seems to have the most fascinating price/specifications ratio. It features
positive timings for pretty high speed and can work at the voltage of 1.5
volts. We are also impressed by the CMD8GX3M2A2666C11 kit that is the first
DDR3 SDRAM we have ever seen is able to work at 2666 MHz. Its high frequency
makes the computer much faster in memory-sensitive applications: by 7 to 10%
compared to with normal DDR3-1600.
In our opinion, the basic products of
Dominator Platinum are unattractive. Although they have all the external luxury
of the series and are compatible with Corsair Link, they are unlikely to run at
really high speeds. Corsair is very accurate when it comes to choosing chips
for special memory kits. Therefore, we do not hope much that the DDR3-1600 and
DDR3-1866 kits can overclocked with the frequencies of their high-end products
family.
