Corsair Launches Dominator Platinum Memory Modules for ASUS ROG Systems
by Anton Shilov on May 27, 2016 2:00 PM EST
Corsair has introduced its new custom-built kit of Dominator Platinum memory modules, which are specifically designed for ASUS ROG motherboards. The new DDR4 modules contain an exclusive SPD profile, which is only available on select ASUS ROG platforms featuring Intel’s Z170 PCH (platform controller hub).
The Corsair Dominator Platinum ROG Edition kit (CMD16GX4M4B3200C16-ROG) consists of four 4 GB DDR4 memory modules rated to run at 3200 Mbps data-rate with CL16 18-18-36 timings at 1.35 Volts. The modules are primarily designed for Intel’s Skylake-S processors when used in Intel’s Z170-based motherboards that support XMP 2.0 technology (to automatically set their frequencies and latencies when they are installed into appropriate PCs and the BIOS option is selected). However, when the Dominator Platinum ROG Edition kit is installed into one of ASUS ROG motherboards featuring the Z170 chipset, it allows setting 3333 Mbps data-rate and CL16 timings.
The Dominator Platinum ROG Edition modules are based on binned DRAM chips as well as Corsair’s proprietary 10-layer PCB with internal cooling planes as well as external thermal pads. For improved cooling and visual aesthetics, the modules come with aluminum heat-spreaders and customizable LED lighting. The memory sticks also feature famous Republic of Gamers red and black brushed aluminium finish, to compliment the current-generation ASUS ROG line of motherboards.
As for the price, the Corsair Dominator Platinum ROG Edition kit represents a premium, much like other DDR4-3200+ kits. The set of four ROG-branded modules costs $224.99 excluding taxes in the U.S., which is considerably higher than the price of any other 16 GB DDR4-3333 kit. The Dominator Platinum ROG Edition kit is also more expensive than Corsair’s own Dominator Platinum 16 GB DDR4-3200 CL15 (4 x 4 GB kit), which is priced at $189.99. Possibly, an exclusive SPD setting, custom-painted heatsinks as well as elite Republic of Gamers brand add a tangible amount of money to the price tag, but is aimed squarely at users with specific ROG motherboards.
The list of compatible motherboards looks as follows:
- ROG Maximus VIII Formula
- Maximus VIII Hero
- ROG Maximus VIII Extreme/Assembly
- ROG Maximus VIII Hero Alpha
- Maximus VIII Impact
- Maximus VIII Extreme
- Maximus VIII Ranger
- Maximus VIII Gene
Source: Corsair
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JoeyJoJo123 - Friday, May 27, 2016 - link
Same here, but clearly this is a product that's not intended for us. There are people out there that literally want tall and flashy RAM sticks, for whatever reason. I just get the cheapest set from a reputable supplier, at a decent/standard speed (DDR3-1600, DDR4-2400, etc) at the capacity I want, in a standard low-profile form factor, regardless of color, aesthetics, etc.That being said, we have a number of cost effective options available for us. And the people who want this overpriced and gaudy stuff get to have this, if they want it.
cmdrdredd - Friday, May 27, 2016 - link
All true...just kind of saying I don't see the point in a round about way.Drumsticks - Friday, May 27, 2016 - link
In a way, you said it yourself. Some people who have liquid coolers do have space for it, and surely a subset of them have Windows in their case and like to style it.It's a perfectly valid point of view to not understand it, but at the same time, just accept that some people like the flash of color. We are in no place to tell them how to spend their money; if red Ram sticks make them happy, spend away :P
Impulses - Friday, May 27, 2016 - link
Luckily for you (or me, or Corsair) they also have the Vengeance LPX line... Still available in a bunch of speed/timing combinations, at better prices, and with one of the lowest profile spreaders around.kent1146 - Saturday, May 28, 2016 - link
To be fair, the kind of person who pays the extra premium for Corsair Dominator Platinum memory doesn't run on air cooling.And that premium price doesn't just come from RAM performance. Specifically, with the Corsair Dominator Platinums, you're also paying extra for the aesthetics of the RAM heatsink / aluminum bar, and the LED illumination underneath that bar.
Lolimaster - Friday, May 27, 2016 - link
Why even bother when G.Skill have 2 Trident Z 3200 with cas14 and cas13?A "premium" 3200 with cas16? You must be joking.
JoeyJoJo123 - Friday, May 27, 2016 - link
Yeah. There are sheep out there that believe that only Dominator Platinum series RAM is the best-of-all-time.Even with a 3200MHz CAS13 set, the performance differential from a standard 2400MHz set will be nearly indistinguishable for the majority of applications.
tmr3 - Saturday, May 28, 2016 - link
There are some games that are more sensitive to memory bandwidth these days, but using DDR4 beyond 3000 MHz or 3200 MHz, diminishing returns definitely kick in. Really though, this is just ridiculous.ShieTar - Saturday, May 28, 2016 - link
It could be valid if it achieved those timings with a Command Rate setting of 1. But I can't even find any information on the CR on their tech sheet, much like most producers have given up providing CR-Info for DDR4. I guess the only CR1-Sets out are DDR4-2400.kent1146 - Saturday, May 28, 2016 - link
"Why even bother when <other vendor> has <product XYZ>?"Because these are red.
You might not understand it, but there are people out there who care enough about aesthetics that they're willing to buy a product just because it matches the color scheme of the rest of their build, and are willing to pay a premium for that color matching.
Don't misunderstand me... these people are still enthusiasts. They aren't going to buy some obsolete piece-of-junk computer component just because of its color. They still want high-end parts. But when it comes to selecting *WHICH* high-end part they want, these people will pay a bit extra if that high-end part color matches their build.