When Intel introduced the X99 platform and Haswell-E processors earlier this year, it made the move to DDR4 memory since DDR3 had reached the maximum usable bandwidth with modules running at speeds of 2666MHz to 3000MHz. However, even with a mature process there was still a lot of binning memory ICs to build modules that would run the numbers.

With DDR4 these speeds are going to be easily attainable, although with slightly looser latencies running at a much lower voltage than even low voltage DDR3 DIMMs at 1.2v. Running looser timings will initially cause a small overall performance dip, but as the process matures we should get improved timings to go along with the higher speed bins.

What I have today is the entry kit into the DDR4 realm that we used for our X99 and Haswell reviews. The Vengeance line is the more cost-efficient performance line from Corsair, while the Dominator line up is the for the extreme user. This kit features a new all-aluminum heat shield, as well as a custom, black, eight-layer PCB that not only looks good but is designed to help the heat shield dissipate the thermal load from the modules. Available in Back, Blue, and Red, and capacities up to 64GB, Corsair has the X99 market locked up from 2133MHz all the way to 3000MHz. Since we are dealing with the Intel Extreme platform, pricing will reflect the costs associated with running at the top.