Corsair has launched the brand's Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 memory kits that will compete with the best RAM on the market. The new memory will serve Intel's looming 12th Generation Alder Lake processors very well.
The Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 has an aluminum heat spreader with top fins and an RGB light bar with 12 addressable Capellix RGB LEDs. Corsair fans will recognize the design instantly since it's the same recipe that the company has been using for the DDR4 variants. As usual, the manufacturer offers the Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 in both black and white colors.
To fully take advantage of the memory's illumination, you'll have to stick with Corsair's iCue software. If you own other Corsair products, you can synchronize their illumination collectively or create custom lighting effects.
One of the novelties with XMP 3.0 is that DDR5 memory modules can feature up to five profiles, where two of them are user-customizable. In addition to monitoring the memory modules' temperatures and operating voltages, Corsair's iCue integrates the XMP Profile Manager into the mix. With it, you can now create and save your XMP profiles into the SPD.
Say you're working with an application that favors low latency. You can play with the memory timings and frequency to prioritize latency over speed and enable the custom XMP profile whenever you want. However, Corsair didn't specify whether the change takes effect on the fly or you need to reboot the PC.
According to Corsair, the XMP Profile Manager will not be available until the fourth quarter of this year or other features until early 2022. Furthermore, availability varies from motherboard to motherboard, depending on the firmware support.
Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 Specifications
| SKU | Color | Data Rate | Timings | Voltage (V) | Capacity | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMT32GX5M2B5200C36FE | Black | DDR5-5200 | 36-38-38-74 | 1.25 | 32GB (2x16GB) | $359.99 |
| CMT32GX5M2X5200C38 | Black | DDR5-5200 | 38-38-38-84 | 1.25 | 32GB (2x16GB) | $344.99 |
| CMT32GX5M2B5200C38 | Black | DDR5-5200 | 38-38-38-84 | 1.25 | 32GB (2x16GB) | $329.99 |
| CMT64GX5M2B5200C38 | Black | DDR5-5200 | ? | 1.25 | 64GB (2x32GB) | ? |
| CMT32GX5M2B5200C38W | White | DDR5-5200 | 38-38-38-84 | 1.25 | 32GB (2x16GB) | $329.99 |
| CMT32GX5M2C4800C34 | Black | DDR5-4800 | 34-35-35-69 | 1.10 | 32GB (2x16GB) | $319.99 |
Corsair will initially offer the Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 in 32GB (2x16GB) and 64GB (2x32GB) flavors. However, only the black variant is available in the 64GB presentation, but the company hasn't listed it on its online store so the specifications and pricing are unknown.
The DDR5-4800 (PC5 38400) memory kit features 34-35-35-69 timings, 1.1V DRAM voltage and sells for $319.99. The DDR5-5200 (PC5-41600) memory kits, on the other hand, are rated for 38-38-38-84 timings and require 1.25V. They start at $329.99 whereas the First Edition with optimized timings carry a $30 premium.
The CMT32GX5M2X5200C38 and CMT32GX5M2B5200C38 memory kits have identical specifications. However, the former is more expensive becaue the memory modules com equipped with an "Extreme OC PMIC," while the latter only has an "Overclock PMIC." We've reached out to Corsair for more insight on the matter.
Vengeance DDR5 Specifications
| SKU | Color | Data Rate | Timings | Voltage (V) | Capacity | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMK64GX5M2A4400C36 | Black | DDR5-4400 | 36-36-36-72 | 1.10 | 64GB (2x32GB) | $614.99 |
| CMK32GX5M2X5200C38 | Black | DDR5-5200 | 38-38-38-84 | 1.25 | 32GB (2X16GB) | $314.99 |
| CMK32GX5M2B5200C38W | White | DDR5-5200 | 38-38-38-84 | 1.25 | 32GB (2X16GB) | $289.99 |
| CMK32GX5M2B5200C38 | Black | DDR5-5200 | 38-38-38-84 | 1.25 | 32GB (2X16GB) | $289.99 |
Corsair also revamped its Vengeance memory series for DDR5. The memory arrives with a slight makeover, but users can still choose between a white or black heat spreader.
Like the Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 memory kits, the Vengeance DDR5 checks in at DDR5-5200 with the same timings and DRAM voltage. The 64GB (2x32GB) memory kit is the only one that operates at DDR5-4400 with 36-36-36-72 timings and 1.1V.
Since the Vengeance series isn't as flashy as the Dominator Platinum RGB, the memory kits are easier on your economy. The 32GB models retails for $289.99, while the 64GB commands a whopping $614.99 price tag.
Corsair backs the Dominator Platinum RGB and Vengeance DDR5 memory with a limited lifetime warranty. This may be an important aspect when picking out a DDR5 memory kit. Other vendors like TeamGroup are only providing a three-year warranty on its T-Force Delta RGB DDR5 memory kits. According to the manufacturer, the warranty "was initially set to be three years, but will be adjusted based on the improvement of raw materials or technology."
