Corsair XMS3 vs Dominator vs Dominator GT

[Jrw363]

Hey guys another question here i did a search on the forums didn't exactly find what i am looking for. I am building a new i7 (i7 950 with asus/evga motherboard) computer have all my parts picked out except for ram. I want to know what the differences between the Corsair XMS3, vs Dominator, and Dominator GT. I am more interested in if the differences are noticeable in gaming and what not. I know some come with a fan and probably would not use it anyway. I am looking at the 7-7-7-20 1600mhz models of them all respectively. what are your thoughts on these chips? I have always used corsair memory in my builds but I am not close minded on other brands if there is something comparable that i have missed. Also as far as timings go is 7-7-7-20 better or 6-8-6-24? Let me know your opinions and facts thank you very much

 

[jaquith]

The "Best" DDR is measured by lowest CAS + Highest MHz. Corsair GT is primary for extreme OC, and in reality OC DDR at best will add 2-5 FPS.

ANS - {7-7-7-20 better or 6-8-6-24} assuming all else is the exact same - 6-8-6-24 is faster.

 

[Jrw363]

Truly i am not looking to overclock my ram, so besides overclocking use the higher priced models provide no benefit?

 

[jaquith]

Some folks need the extra overhead from FSB. I meant OC the CPU, and the added benefit from the DDR/RAM equates to the 2-5 FPS.

Old post but you'll get the idea {they are comparing Apples & Tomatoes} - http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/high-end-ddr3-memory-hook,1758-11.html

Dominator vs GT is ~2-5 FPS.

Link 1 - http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/memory/corsair_ddr3_cl8_1600mhz_xms3_dominator_6gb_kit/4
Link 2 - http://www.techpowerup.com/reviewdb/Memory/DDR3/Corsair

 

[davcon]

If all models were the same speed and latency i doubt there's any difference.
Imo the most important thing to consider when choosing ram is how it will match up with aftermarket air-coolers.
GT's 54mm tall = lots of issues depending on platform and number of dimms filled lots of users that can afford this ram opt for liquid cooling anyways=no problems
Dominator 52mm tall = can lead to issues you might have to remove heatsink on closest dimm
XMS3 - 33mm tall= works with everything

 

[jaquith]

^Hence my comment "Corsair GT is primary for extreme OC"- any extreme OC "should" always be block+rad+pump; they could be 6" tall.

 

[Jrw363]

I was gonna ask about the size and the coolers next I am planning to go with a a noctua d14 which seems to be massive but a great cooler. I was also thinking of adding a third fan to it but would need ram that can sit underneath it

 

[jaquith]

^ The most efficient + Cool way is to use the Corsair DDR fan unit.

CORSAIR CMXAF2 Fan & Heatsinks $26 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181008&cm_re=corsair_fan-_-35-181-008-_-Product

 

[Jrw363]

does ram at 1600 mhz need cooling? i was going to add the extra fan to help with the processor cooling

 

[jaquith]

^ Not really unless OC, but 1800 MHz or faster it's not a bad idea. I thought that you were using {noctua d14} for the RAM.

 

[Jrw363]

No i would be cooling the ram separate if i chose to go higher than the 1600mhz ram but the most extensive games i play are star craft II and counter strike source so i don't exactly see the need for ultra fast ram, i just want to make sure my processor is cool and taken care of

 

[Jrw363]

another quick question, the little brackets that hold the fans to the heatsink on the noctua and megahalems, what are those called and can you buy them separate? Also i know on the dominators the heatsinks are removable are the dominator gts removable as well?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

Tall RAM sticks even without the RAM coolers often interfere w/ CPU aftermarket heatsinks. The dominators fall into that category. The Mushkin CAS 6 are gebrally cheaper than the CAS 7 / 8 Dominators.

The DDR3-16j00 speed is very popular cause the memory will handle the 200 BCLK most are aiming for .... that gets the 4 GHz OC target on a 920 which pushe dthe memory from 1066 to the full 1600 rating.

Some 1333 and even slower rated memory has been know to handle 1600 MHz no problem. However if you want that speed "guaranteed" ddr3-1600 is req'd. After that the lower the CAS rating the better. With these CAS 6 Mushkins costing just $165

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226121

I really can't see spending more for CAS 8 Dominators.....and the low profile Mushkins wont interfere w/ CU heatsinks.

 

[jaquith]

another quick question, the little brackets that hold the fans to the heatsink on the noctua and megahalems, what are those called and can you buy them separate? Also i know on the dominators the heatsinks are removable are the dominator gts removable as well?

They're called Fan Clips. No you don't wan to pull off the heatsinks, and no they v-e-r-y rarely obstruct and heatsink.

^Mushkin if wrong, which the one above is wrong for your EVGA are unforgiving bitches if configured incorrectly.

 

[kar33m]

Hey guys,

Sorry about hijacking the thread but I do have a somewhat similar inquiry.

I live in Egypt, so the selection is quite limited hardware wise, anyway which is the best kit for the following pc:

Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz (will overclock to 4GHz soon)
ASUS Rampage III Extreme

the available kits are:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145318 (costs $270 in EGYPT)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145289 (costs $240 in EGYPT)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226121 (costs $240 in EGYPT)

as you can see the prices are high and pretty similar, so which of these would you recommend with my mobo and processor?

thanks!

 

[Jrw363]

i actually found out the evga board i was looking doesnt have an optical output so i have to go with another, im pretty sure the asus sabertooth x85 is calling my name because it overclocks really well for a not enthusiast board and i am not looking to hit 6 gigz. So im thinking with that board it might benefit me to go with dominators or xms3 for clearance reasons since the gts heatsink cant be removed

 

[jaquith]

To get an optical out you'll need to go to the EVGA - EVGA X58 SLI | 132-BL-E758-A1 (~+$69). Whatever you do steer clear of the mid-level GA MOBOs {UD3R/UD5/etc} they ALL have a hardware issue {unresolvable} with multiple SSD/HDD.

Also look at the ASUS P6X58D-E - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131641 it runs solid.

 

[jaquith]

Sorry about hijacking the thread but ... Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz (will overclock to 4GHz soon)
ASUS Rampage III Extreme

Tested Corsair - http://www.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.aspx?id=1493037

Only the CMT6GX3M3A2000C8 is rated to work- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145289&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=e48nsqzys3

 

[Jrw363]

so midrange gigabytes are bad, i should be okay with the sabertooth then

 

[jaquith]

^ Bad as I described. The Sabertooth is fine, but I know the ASUS P6X58D-E is solid as a rock. Ignore "looks" go for what is solid, in proportion there are more Sabertooth posts than P6X58D-E per time available.

 

[Jrw363]

thanks jaquith ill have to make a decision between the two boards

 

[Jrw363]

we discussed earlier if ram runs above 1600mhz it should be cooled. You showed me the corsair cooler. If i go with different brand at 1800mhz or higher what is the best way to cool other brands?

 

[jaquith]

^Use the Corsair RAM Fan it will work fine with most all RAM - connects to the MOBO DIMM socket and is raised above the DDR.

 

[Jrw363]

sounds like a plan thanks again

 

[Jrw363]

Does the sabertooth and the P6X58D-E have temperature readouts in the bios?