Corsair DDR4 3200 Dominator Platinum RGB CL15 32GB Review

Corsair DDR4 3200 Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB: Introduction

Welcome to another review here on OverclockersClub! Today we will be taking a look at the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB (White) edition, which is fresh on the market. Based on the already successful all-black design, these white memory DIMMs with a gold trim accent is perfect for that special computer build to make the system stand out. Corsair has been in the business of selling memory for over twenty years and it is no surprise that the company is still pushing out new designs yearly to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of enthusiast driven computer market.

The RGB lighting has reached its peak in the last two years after HyperX decided to make RGB-Lit SSDs. Up until that point, almost everything had an RGB version available for sale. Now, this is more true than ever before. With that came a backlash from those who prefer the simpler times. Corsair heard that call and still sells non-RGB memory under the Vengeance LPX brand. However, for those who prefer to embrace the world of RGB lighting, Corsair has also made big strides with its Vengeance PRO and Dominator lineup. In this review, we will see what Corsair has to offer in terms of build quality, design, and overclockability. And, of course, how it performs out of the box in comparison to other memory brands.

Corsair DDR4 3200 Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB: Video Review

For those who are more accustomed to videos, I have made a video reviewing this Dominator Platinum RGB memory kit. Everything talked about in this article is also covered in the video. As always, feedback is appreciated and welcomed. Feel free to leave a comment on the video or in the OCC forums for questions related to memory or this review.

Corsair DDR4 3200 Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB Specifications:

Corsair DDR4 3200 Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB Features:

• Custom 10-layer high-performance PCB that guarantees signal quality and stability for superior overclocking ability.
• Hand-sorted, tightly-screened memory chips ensure high-frequency performance and tight response times, with overclocking headroom to spare.
• Patented Dual-Path DHX cooling technology cools the memory through both the PCB and the external housing - allowing the module to stay cool even under extreme stress.
• 12 ultra-bright individually addressable CAPELLIX RGB LEDs line the top of the module, shining brighter, lasting longer, and consuming less power than conventional LEDs.

All information courtesy of Corsair @ https://www.corsair.com/us/en/Categories/Products/Memory/DOMINATOR-PLATINUM-RGB

Corsair DDR4 3200 Dominator Platinum RGB 32GB: Closer Look

Corsair's memory packaging is fairly straightforward. The front depicts a larger than life photo of the Dominator Platinum RGB memory inside, with the actual rated frequency and amount on the outside. The back gives a short description of specialized RGB lighting. The back also has cutouts for the actual memory and the barcode that identify what the timings are and other basic information. Once the memory is removed from the outer packing, each DIMM is housed in its own plastic shell for more protection during shipping and sales.

Corsair has gone above and beyond the normal RGB lighting design to really give customers a vast amount of customization. These options can be found in the iCUE software, which can also control the lights on the motherboard for the better overall integration of a universal program to handle all lighting functions instead of multiple programs controlling the lights of each component.

The Dominator Platinum RGB memory has 12 individually addressable RGB LEDs, but I found a flaw in the design. Below the Dominator logo is two LEDs and from the sides, you can see the lack of light in those spots. It becomes much more noticeable when it is set to a static color scheme. It may not be an issue for some, because really how often is someone staring at the memory from the side? I only noticed it because I was really close while filming the video review.

I found over the years Corsair has a bad habit of using the same SKU with different memory ICs. This makes using the motherboard QVL list a bit of an issue if you are trying to match the same QVL approved memory kit. In this case, the revision is 4.32 and is using Samsung-B Die (K4A8G085WB-BCPB). These ICs are rated for 85 °C and unfortunately reached the end of life in 2019 as 20nm is being phased out. It is hard to say what memory ICs will be used next, or when Corsair will run out of its stockpile. Hopefully, the company will eventually move away from using the same SKU for multiple revisions.

2021 Update: One reader has pointed out that while the photo is B-Die, in the video I showed C-Die. After closer inpection I have found one DIMM to be B-Die, while the other is C-Die. Sorry for the confusion.

The only redeeming part of this is at least Corsair makes an effort to point out that a change has been made unlike many other companies pulling the switch and bait. It was a non-issue until AMD Ryzen platform came onto the scene in 2017 and early adopters have a terrible time even getting the system to boot with non-Samsung memory. With the 2nd Gen Ryzen CPUs, it has been solved with numerous AMD AGESA updates and a CPU revisions with better memory controllers. If it wasn't for AMD, I don't think anyone would care what revision the memory kit is.

Taking apart the memory DIMMs was simple and only required a Torx screwdriver. I was happy to find that Corsair took the time to use high-quality material in the heat spreaders, which are essentially aluminum strips. They do have some noticeable weight to them and in comparison to every other memory heat spreader I have removed, these are the gold standard. A nice application of thermal tape makes direct contact with each IC. These heat spreaders are then pressed together and held in place with screws. Every other heat spreader I've seen just has some double-sided tape holding it in place, which isn't the best thermal solution.

With the heat spreaders removed, Corsair has used the standard A2 PCB layout for the memory ICs. Above that is the power delivery system for the LEDs and controller. The actual LEDs are on a separate strip attached via a ribbon cable. This is vastly different than most companies, as those are normally soldered onto the PCB. I'm not sure the placement makes any difference when it comes to performance, but it does make the QC process much quicker. The LED strips can be tested without the PCB, which is a really smart design choice from a manufacturing standpoint.