Corsair Vengeance 8GB DDR3 Low Voltage 1600MHz Review

By jeremy

Corsair Vengeance LP DDR3 Memory

While most enthusiast-oriented memory kits aim for extreme performance or flashy aesthetics, some enthusiasts simply want stable RAM that performs well at a good price. Corsair’s Vengeance LP line is designed with these users in mind. The “LP” stands for “low profile”, meaning these sticks are only 1.03″ (26.25mm) tall. These modules would be ideal for a low-power, low noise PC, or for users who use large CPU coolers that encroach on the memory slots to an extent that the heatsink would hit the taller heatspreaders that are so popular on many enthusiast RAM kits (such as the Corsair Vengeance kit we reviewed previously). Corsair offers the Vengeance LP DDR3 modules in three colors: Jet Black, Cerulean Blue, or the color we are reviewing today, Special Edition Arctic White. The blue and black modules run at a default voltage of 1.5V, but the white modules, being Special Edition (low voltage), run at only 1.35V. This lower voltage should result in power savings and cooler temperatures, further increasing their utility in a smaller case with limited airflow. Everyone is trying to conserve power these days to be green friendly, so a kit like this makes perfect sense.

Corsair Vengeance LP front package


The Corsair Vegeance LP 8GB 1600MHz CL9 memory kit arrived in a well-designed retail box with much of the relevant information about this RAM clearly visible including the 9-9-9-24 timings at a voltage of 1.5V as well as the lifetime warranty. However, we do think it is important for Corsair to disclose on the packaging that this kit runs at a default command rate of 2T, and we recommend making this change at some point in the future.

Corsair Vengeance LP packaging

Corsair has been designing high speed performance memory for 17 years and claims to have more experience designing enthusiast memory than any other memory company in the industry. Corsair’s memory is very popular throughout the industry, with product lines covering everything from low budget OEM desktops to the mainstream XMS lines to the high end Dominator series. The Dominator series in particular has been very popular with enthusiasts, prompting Corsair to offer a performance product at a slightly lower price point, the Vengeance line, as described on Corsair’s website:

“Corsair Vengeance DDR3 memory modules are designed with overclockers in mind. Vengeance DIMMs are built using RAM specially selected for their high-performance potential. Aluminum heat spreaders help dissipate heat, and provide the aggressive look that you want in your gaming rig. As a bonus, the attractive low price of Vengeance memory will also leave lots of room in your system build budget.”

High performance RAM at a low price sounds like an ideal combination, but fancy heat spreaders alone aren’t enough to satisfy the needs of most overclockers. So, Corsair reports the Vengeance line is made with specially selected ICs that demonstrate the greatest performance potential. The modules also support the XMP profile setting for easy detection of optimal timings for those who are unfamiliar with the process.

Corsair Vengeance LP modules

Corsair CML8GX3M2A1600C9W Memory Kit Key Features:

  • 4GB density per module
  • DDR3 240-pin DIMM
  • PC3-12800 (1600 MHz)
  • 9-9-9-24 2T Timings
  • 1.35 Volts
  • Optimized for the Intel 2nd Generation Sandy Bridge platforms and AMD platforms
  • Arctic White Heat Spreaders
  • Lifetime Warranty

The CML8GX3M2A1600C9W is available for $60.98 shipped as of the time of publication. Let’s take a look at our test system and move onto testing these modules to see how this RAM performs.

Comments are closed.