A test is always particularly exciting when you come across unexpected problems for which the test subject is not actually responsible. This was also the case here. A RAM test, even if it’s a rather high-priced kit, now runs according to the same pattern for me and isn’t witchcraft. But this time I found myself trapped in an almost supernatural spell from which there was a way out: testing, trying and tinkering for weeks on end.
Today we’re actually going to talk about the new Dominator Titanium RGB modules from Corsair, specifically the 2x 24 GB version with an XMP profile of DDR5-8000 at CL38 and 1.40V. But today we also have to deal with a problem that buyers of such RAM kits will have to deal with themselves sooner rather than later. And also because there are often misleading statements and screenshots in the relevant forums, I would like to explain this in detail today from my perspective. But first to the unboxing of the kit.
Unboxing and design
With the Dominator Titanium series, Corsair has introduced another offshoot of the long-established Dominator series. The Titanium kits differ mainly in their new, modular design from the older Dominator Platinum series, which has also been retained for the time being. The Titanium series SKUs range from 2 x 16 GB to 2 x 48 GB, from DDR5-6000 to DDR5-8000 and are available in AMD EXPO and Intel XMP versions. Corsair sent us the high-end version CMP48GX5M2X8000C38 for testing.
The packaging is simple and high quality. The box is matt and only the RAM modules on the front have a reflective print, creating a nice 3D effect. To the back: Of course, the modules are compatible with Corsair’s iCUE RGB software and the specified clock rate of 8000 Mbps is to be achieved using Intel XMP. We also find the serial numbers of the modules, the capacity of 2x 24 GB and the complete XMP profile of 8000 MT/s at timings 38-48-48-98 and 1.40 V. Even if it is not explicitly mentioned on the back, Corsair covers the modules with a “Limited Lifetime Warranty”.
Inside the box are the 2 modules, each in a plastic carrier frame, and as always a small pamphlet with safety instructions. Embedded all around in soft black foam, the modules should survive transportation with even the roughest parcel service. Incidentally, this kit is not the “First Edition”, which would have included an additional set of heatsinks and a screwdriver.
When you first look at the modules, you immediately notice that they consist of two components. The lower two thirds are the actual RAM module with circuit board, memory chips and a heat sink made of black anodized aluminium. At the top is another element made of black painted aluminum with two long slots through which the lighting element shines. The upper element can be removed completely, replaced by an accessory cooler without lighting or even designed completely by yourself using 3D printing. Corsair makes the CAD file for this available for download on its website – that’s really cool!
There is currently only one official replacement cooler available, directly from Corsair for 39 euros per pair, but there may soon be alternatives from third-party manufacturers. For all those who want to remove the upper part completely and operate the RAM in “low profile” mode, a simple cover would have been a nice addition.
Both sides of the cooler bear a Corsair logo and “DOMINATOR TITANIUM”, as well as a vertical “//DHX” imprint, with the latter denoting Corsair’s cooler design. In the center below the “TITANIUM” inscription, there is a “DDR5” imprint on one side and, of course, the sticker with a barcode, test mark and the specifications including the XMP profile on the other side. As is typical for Corsair, the “version” of the modules is also indicated here, from which the manufacturer of the memory modules can be derived, “ver 5.53.13”. 5 probably stands for SK Hynix, 53 for 24 Gbit modules (cf. 43 for 16 Gbit) and 13 for the 13th letter in the alphabet, i.e. M, and therefore “M-The” memory ICs.
This already gives us an indication that we are dealing with SK Hynix 24 Gbit M-Die and that the modules, each with a capacity of 24 GB, should consist of one rank. Even if the capacity of 24 GB may seem strange at first, it is simply a fully-fledged intermediate step between 16 and 32 and not a “dual-rank hybrid” construct, as one might think.
If you look from above, you can see the 2 screws that connect the upper light element to the actual RAM module. Embedded in the black aluminum is an acrylic window with DOMINATOR lettering, which naturally lights up during operation. The transition from aluminum to acrylic is completely seamless, and not even the slightest edge can be felt – elegant engineering!
The two-part structure of the Dominator Titantium modules can be clearly seen from the side. The lower part consists of an aluminum-PCB-aluminum sandwich, as is now the case with almost every RAM module. Both aluminum halves are attached with adhesive thermal pads and a foam placeholder is used on the PCB side without ICs instead. The two aluminum halves virtually hug the board, leaving only the lower third free for the hooks of the DIMM slot. Unfortunately, it is noticeable that the two aluminium halves are not quite the same shade of black and the side with the specification sticker is slightly lighter when anodized. You can only see this at second or third glance, but for all nerds with OCD, this could be unattractive and so I don’t want to leave it unmentioned.
The heatsink sandwich and the single-sided assembly of the board with 8 RAM ICs each can be seen from below.
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