Final thoughts and rating
Corsair's DOMINATOR GT is the first Intel Core i7-optimised memory kit that we've seen run with a native frequency of 2GHz, and it does so with strict 7-8-7-20 timings. Put simply, it is the fastest desktop memory we have ever tested, and one look at the bandwidth scores would make many a real enthusiast envious. Pushing our kit harder, we managed to hit a stable 2,100MHz with a 1T command rate, too.What's more, the Elpida-powered modules ship with an AIRFLOW fan and cooling can be futher augmented by installing a soon-to-be-available TEC or waterblock on top, so the extreme overclocking basis are covered.
Looking back at the results, ultra-high memory frequencies don't appear to benefit the Core i7 architecture as much as one would hope or expect, and the performance increases over considerably cheaper DDR3 are marginal. Add to this the stupefying £475 price for a 6GB kit and the majority of readers will scoff and point out you can buy an entire PC for that amount.
That, though, is missing the point entirely. This kit is designed to appeal to a very, very select band of overclockers and well-heeled purchasers who want the ultimate desktop system with every possible ounce of performance. For those folk, and these are the kind of people that purchase £1,000 CD players and £4,000 watches, price is practically incidental. Yes, there are cheaper 2GHz Core i7 kits available, but most tend to run with far more relaxed latencies.
We like it when companies push the boundaries of what's possible. Desktop DDR3 operating at 2,000MHz CL7 with 1.65V represents just such an approach. Seeing this 6GB kit for what it is, a means to an ultimate PC, we can recommend it to the very people it's aimed at. For everyone else, it becomes a wish-list option when mentally composing your ultimate PC, and the reason we're far more bullish about this than the DDR3-1,866 kit is because there's nothing faster: this is the bleeding edge of what's possible.
We can imagine a Core i7 at 4.6GHz, BCLK at 200MHz+, and DDR3 at 2.1GHz. The guts of the ultimate system, perhaps?
Bottom line: hideously fast and outrageously expensive, Corsair's DOMINATOR GT 2GHz is the world's fastest Core i7-based RAM. Just be sure to equip yourself with a proven motherboard, though!
HEXUS Rating
HEXUS.net scores products out of 100%, taking into account technology, implementation, stability, performance, value, customer care and desirability. A score for an average-rated product is a meaningful ‘50%’, and not ‘90%’, which is common practice for a great many other publications.We consider any product score above '50%' as a safe buy. The higher the score, the higher the recommendation from HEXUS to buy. Simple, straightforward buying advice.
The rating is given in relation to the category the component competes in, therefore the memory is evaluated with respect to our 'extreme components' criteria, where performance and technology are weighted far higher than value.
Corsair DOMINATOR GT DDR3-2,000 CL7 6GB (TR3X6G2000C7GTF)
HEXUS Where2Buy
The 6GB pack is available to buy for $579.99 direct from the Corsair store. State/country-specific taxes and shipping will apply.HEXUS Awards
Corsair DOMINATOR GT DDR3-2,000 CL7 6GB (TR3X6G2000C7GTF)