Corsair retakes speed crown with DDR3-2533 DIMMs

Stepping ahead of G.SKILL and Patriot, both of whom recently unveiled 2500MHz DDR3 kits, Corsair yesterday upped the ante by releasing a DDR3 module capable of operating at 2533MHz.

“The GTX4 modules are truly Corsair’s greatest expression of the memory overclocker’s art,” said Michal “Bachus” Nowicki, master overclocker Corsair. “These modules are so fast that most CPUs will require sub-ambient cooling to run them at their maximum speed. Each GTX4 module represents hours of my work in the lab, and is authenticated by me personally.”

Known as the Dominator GTX4, the 2533MHz 2GB modules are equipped with the company’s proprietary DHX+ heatsink and hand-picked DRAM ICs manufactured by Powerchip Semiconductor.

The GTX4 DIMMs are available immediately for $325 and are designed for Intel P55-based systems. A lifetime warranty is included.

Reality check

The never-ending race to claim the fastest modules has included several names in the industry over the past six months: G.SKILL, Patriot, Corsair, Chaintech and A-DATA, to name a few. While the race is entertaining for onlookers and the world’s finest overclockers, there are several hangups to be noted:

1. The cost/benefit ratio on a $325 for a 2GB DDR3 module is obviously very low. For perspective, a 6GB kit of DDR3-2000 currently retails for approximately $200 USD.
2. These modules are 2GB each for a reason: these DIMMs are running very near to the upper limits of DDR3’s capabilities. At these speeds, the window for proper operation is so small that additional chips or DIMMs would make the entire operation unworkable.
3. Even if you’re committed to running DDR3-2533, you must have a P55 motherboard capable of running a 210MHz BCLK. This is not unheard of, but it may be beyond the reach of your average overclocker.
4. Finally, these modules just aren’t made for day-to-day usage. As Corsair’s Michal Nowicki notes, sub-ambient cooling (phase change, LN2, liquid helium) is recommended. In other words, if you’re not out to break world records, these modules probably aren’t for you.

Correction: The original print of this story indicated that Corsair Dominator GTX4 modules came in a 2x1GB kit. The story has since been corrected to indicate that each module is 2GB and is purchased individually for $325.