Being next-gen DDR5 memory, we have key features such as the Intel XMP 3.0 profile which should be configurable from software, as well as built-in voltage control in each module individually, which will allow us to have a greater efficiency and stability by allowing finer tension adjustment.
Introducing the CORSAIR Vengeance RGB DDR5
As is customary with this manufacturer, the memory modules are packaged in a flexible cardboard box outside which, in black and yellow, we can see an image of one of the modules on the front accompanied by the brand, model, capacity and speed, leaving information in different languages for the back and some “windows” that allow us to see the labels of the modules that it houses inside.
Inside we have a small booklet with safety instructions and a transparent plastic blister to protect the memory modules.
Here you can see the two CORSAIR Vengeance RGB DDR5 memory modules already out of the box. We can see, compared to the Vengeance DDR5 without RGB, that they are slightly higher, which is normal because, as we mentioned earlier, the manufacturer has integrated a lighting bar at the top.
The aluminum heatsink is the usual in this family of memories, very elegant and which shows the name of the family, as well as that it is DDR5. “RGB” has also been added to one side, although it is clear that these are RGB memories.
On the opposite side we have, as always, the typical identification label.
Physically, the biggest difference to the non-RGB DDR5 Vengeance is obviously that translucent light bar that the manufacturer placed on top. It is white in color to promote light dispersion when the system is on.
Last aesthetic detail: in the center of this light bar, CORSAIR has affixed its logo.
Although these are high-performance and enlightened RAM memories, we could indeed consider that the height of its heat sink is of medium size, since as we can see it barely rises to 39.4 mm from the login area.
After seeing the memories, the time has come to connect them to our test bench to check that they are working properly.
Vengeance RGB DDR5 Benchmarks
To test the performance of these RAM memories, we used our usual Intel Alder Lake-S test bench, which at the time of this analysis is the only one compatible with DDR5 memories. Here is the material used:
- Intel Core i9-12900K.
- ASUS ROG MAX Z690 HERO.
- Be quiet! Pure rock 2.
- CORSAIRE RM1000i.
- TeamGroup Cardea A440 Pro 2TB.
- GeForce RTX 3070 Ti.
To perform all the tests, we used Windows 11 Pro with all updates installed as the operating system, as well as the CORSAIR iCUE software in its latest available version (4.26.110). An important fact to keep in mind is that the software will not detect RAM memories unless you enable a setting in the BIOS called SPD Write. Another important thing to keep in mind is that for these memories to operate at 6000MHz you need to have the XMP Profile in BIOS.
Below you can see a screenshot of CPU-Z which shows us the RAM, CPU and motherboard used during this analysis. Interestingly, CORSAIR continues to rely on Samsung to manufacture the DRAM chips for its DDR5 memories.
After seeing the hardware we have in hand, we will first see what options are offered by iCUE, the brand’s unified software. From the start we can see the compatible hardware that we have on the PC, where the memories appear.
Clicking on the memories, the first configuration tab we come across is called “DIMM Installation”, and it is used to tell the software the layout of the motherboard sockets and where we have mounted the RAM. This makes it possible to generate homogeneous light effects.
The second tab is “Lighting Effects”, and this is where we can precisely configure the RGB lighting in the RAMs. We’ve seen this section in depth before, so we won’t dwell on it any further; we have a multitude of effects and we can configure our own, taking into account that each memory module has 10 independent LEDs. By the way, the next tab “Hardware Lighting” is the same, but when no software is running.
The next tab is Cooling, and here we can monitor the temperature and voltage values of the memories. In theory, here we should also be able to configure the XMP memory profile, something that was promised to us as one of the great novelties of DDR5, but which is not yet available.
In the Alerts tab we can configure only that, the alerts. This way we can shake things up when the RAM hits a certain temperature threshold, like all the red lights flashing, a file running, or the PC shutting down.
Finally, in the Device Settings tab, we can control the brightness of the memories and update their firmware.
Given what the software offers us, let’s now move on to performance tests.
Aida64
Aida64 allows us to measure the raw performance of reading, writing, copying and latency of RAM memories. The processor influences a lot, but here is the result:
The performance that these memories give us under the Aida64 benchmark puts them in first position, practically on par with the TeamGroup model at 6400 MHz, which in theory should be much higher (but it is obvious that it is not the case).
Super Pi
In this benchmark, we will force the processor to calculate the decimals of the number Pi, a task that requires intensive performance of RAM memory because the results are permanently stored there. For the test, we perform the calculation to 32 million decimal places.
We see here that the CORSAIR Vengeance RGB DDR5 are penalized by these 400 MHz enjoyed by those of the TeamGroup, but of course the difference is not too palpable and the performance remains optimal.
WPrime
In this test, we perform an operation similar to the previous one but using other algorithms. Additionally, it allows us to limit CPU processing threads to only 4, so that the comparison is reliable.
In WPrime’s 32 million decimal places test, we can see a noticeable difference in the time it took to perform the calculation. Even if the result is up to expectations given the fact that the memories operate at 6000 MHz, it is nonetheless excellent.
WinRAR
The well-known WinRAR software has its own benchmark, and there we will see the actual performance of the system to compress and decompress files. Again, the CPU takes precedence in determining performance, but RAM performance is key here.
The result is impressive, as the CORSAIR Vengeance RGB DDR5s were crowned as the ones that gave us the best performance by far, leaving behind even TeamGroup’s 6400 MHz memories thanks to their greater read power.
Conclusion and judgment
Once again, CORSAIR presents us with a product that sublimates practically everything we can aspire to in terms of RAM, with performance beyond any doubt, the excellent quality to which this manufacturer has accustomed us, and also in full color thanks to its configurable RGB lighting.
In addition, the strongest point of these memories is surely that they are the cheapest DDR5 with RGB that we can find on the current market, even if it is true that they are not “the least expensive” as such, if compared with other similar products that promise the same performance, of course they are quite cost effective in comparison.
For all these reasons, these CORSAIR Vengeance RGB DDR5 are worthy of our Platinum award, as well as our recommendation for both performance and value for money.
