RAM: FAQ
Table of Contents:
General RAM FAQ:
Q: What integrated circuits (ICs) are used on my CORSAIR memory?
A: CORSAIR memory kits may be built with different integrated circuits (ICs) even if the kits share the same part number. To see what ICs are used in the kit you bought, look at the version number printed on the information sticker.
Our DDR3 / DDR4 / DDR5 kits use the following version numbers:
- V3.XX: Micron-based ICs
- V4.XX: Samsung-based ICs
- V5.XX: Hynix-based ICs
Q: Why is my memory not hitting its rated frequency?
A: There are many factors for why a memory kit is not hitting its rated frequency. Typically, you want to check the following:
- Are the memory modules inserted in the correct slots of your motherboard?
- Is XMP/EXPO enabled?
- Are your BIOS, chipset, and other drivers fully up to date?
- Is the memory stated as supported by the chipset on our website?
Q: Why is my memory latency incorrect on Ryzen?
A: If your CAS latency is higher than what is advertised (e.g. latency is advertised as 3000c15-18-18 but runs at 3000c16-18-18), this is because of a BIOS setting that helps with memory stability on Ryzen systems.
You can disable this setting so that the memory runs at its rated speed. However, depending on the quality of the memory controller in your CPU as well as your motherboard, doing so may result in your memory not being stable.
Depending on what motherboard you have, the method for disabling the setting will differ. If you are unsure of how to disable the setting, please consult your motherboard's manual to find the appropriate setting.
Q: Is it safe to clean the pins on the DRAM modules?
A: Yes, it is perfectly to clean the pins as long as you follow the appropriate steps. When done properly, it will not void the warranty on the DRAM kit.
Q: How do I clean the modules safely?
A: There are few ways you can clean the pins safely:
- Turn off your computer and unplug it from the wall. Remove the RAM modules from the motherboard.
- After you remove the modules from the DIMM slot on the motherboard, hold the modules by the edges and use a can of compressed air to blow away any loose debris from the pins.
- Make sure when using these cans, that you hold the can upright and do not tilt the can as that can cause liquid to leak from the can and potentially damage the module.
- If there is still dirt or grime on the pins, you can use a q-tip lightly dipped in high percentage isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe it away. Once you have finished cleaning the RAM module and it is dry, place it back in the DIMM slot and you should be fine to plug the system back in and power on your computer.
Important Note: It's important to be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure when cleaning the DRAM modules, as they are delicate components. Also be sure to use isopropyl alcohol in moderation, as using too much can damage the modules.
DDR5 FAQ:
Q: Why should I use DDR5?
A: The major reason why you will want to use DDR5 is because it has improved memory capacity, speed, error correction, and power efficiency compared to DDR4. This helps improve performance in key areas when using your PC for gaming or as a workstation.
Q: How does DDR5 compare to DDR4?
A: DDR5 has improved overall bandwidth of up to 1.36x compared to DDR4 at the same clockspeed, giving it improved memory bus utilization. DDR5 can also run at higher clock frequencies than DDR4; the latter requires very careful binning in order to reach a similar speed rating.
Q: Is DDR5 backwards compatible with DDR4?
A: No. DDR5 has a different pin layout than DDR4 and DDR3. This means that DDR4 motherboards will not be compatible with DDR5 RAM.
Q: What is the operating temperature for DDR5?
A: The operating temperature for DDR5 is between 0-95 degrees Celsius.
Q: How do I verify if my PC or motherboard is compatible with DDR5 memory?
A: You can use our memory finder to see what memory is compatible with your current PC hardware. We will continue to update it as new memory kits and motherboards are released.
Q: Can CORSAIR DDR5 memory modules connect with CORSAIR iCUE?
A: Yes, CORSAIR DDR5 memory modules can be customized with iCUE. You can use iCUE to regulate the memory module's voltage for more stable overclocking, as well as customize and save your own Intel XMP 3.0 profiles to get the best performance by app or task.
Q: How do I know if a CORSAIR DDR5 memory module will fit in my system?
A: We have an article listing the dimensions of our DDR5 memory modules. You can see this article by clicking this link.
Q: Can I combine multiple kits of CORSAIR DDR5 memory?
A: We strongly recommend you do NOT combine multiple kits of CORSAIR DDR5 memory. Our memory kits are only validated for their rated performance when using only the modules provided within that specific kit (box). Combining multiple kits, even if they are rated for the same speed, may result in your memory modules not being able to reach their rated performance specification.
Q: Does DDR5 have XMP?
A: Yes! DDR5 will come with XMP 3.0, while DDR4 has XMP 2.0 and DDR3 has XMP 1.3. Up to two preconfigured profiles are included on DDR5 modules, and you can save up to two custom XMP profiles directly to the module. If your motherboard supports the custom XMP feature, you can tweak your XMP profiles through your motherboard BIOS/UEFI or through software like CORSAIR iCUE.
Q: What do I do if I encounter stability issues with XMP?
A: If you have stability issues when using either XMP profile, we recommend either manually entering the speed, timings, and voltage your DDR5 kit is rated for, or running your memory at default settings until your motherboard vendor provides a BIOS update to improve stability.
Q: What do I do if I run my DDR5 kit at default setting, but still encounter stability issues?
A: Double-check which memory slots your DDR5 modules are installed in and compare it with your motherboard's instruction manual. We have found that you have to first install your DIMMs in the primary set of memory channels, in order, to ensure stability. If you have done so and still encounter issues, contact our Tech Support team.
Q: Do CORSAIR DDR5 Modules offer ON-DIE ECC?
A: Yes! At higher frequencies, reliability might diminish, resulting in increased latency and looser timings. DDR5 has on-die ECC as part of its specification, which helps to reduce errors and allows the modules to run at higher frequencies. Keep in mind that this does not mean that DDR5 utilizes a full-fledged ECC implementation.
Q: Is there a difference between the DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB DDR5 and Vengeance DDR5?
A: The Vengeance DDR5 is our mainstream DDR5, and it utilizes a standard-height PCB and heatspreader with no RGB lighting. The DOMINATOR PLATINUM RGB DDR5 includes DHX cooling technology and has a larger and more robust heatspreader with RGB lighting powered by CORSAIR iCUE.
Q: Is there a difference between DDR5 and GDDR5?
A: GDDR5 is not the same thing as DDR5 memory. GDDR5 is graphics memory based on older DDR3 memory technology that was designed for use in graphics-intensive applications such as video cards and game consoles.
Q: Is there anywhere else I can learn more about DDR5?
A: We have put together a blog post and a dedicated landing page where you can go to learn more.
Q: What does the model version for DDR5 memory mean?
A: The model version of DDR5 memory refers to the voltage range of the power management integrated circuit (PMIC) of the modules. This is because in DDR5, voltage control is moved to the memory modules.
Two example part numbers with the model version in bold are CMK32GX5M2B5200C38 and CMK32GX5M2X5200C38. The meaning of the above model versions are:
-
- A: Overclocked PMIC supports up to 1.435V on VCC/VDD
- B: Overclocked PMIC supports up to 1.435V on VCC/VDD
- D: Overclocked PMIC supports up to 1.435V on VCC/VDD
- E: Overclocked PMIC supports up to 1.435V on VCC/VDD
- X: Extreme overclocked PMIC supports up to 1.9V on VCC/VDD
DDR4 FAQ:
Q: Is DDR4 backwards compatible with DDR3?
A: No. DDR4 and DDR3 have key notches in different places on the DIMM to prevent them from being mixed up, and Haswell-E and X99 are DDR4 only.
Q: Does DDR4 have XMP?
A: Yes! DDR4 employs a new specification, XMP 2.0, while DDR3 remains on XMP 1.3.
Q: How does XMP work on DDR4?
A: Very similarly to DDR3, but with some caveats. For starters, Haswell-E tops out at a 2666MHz memory strap, which is very low for what DDR4 can do. Since XMP specifies speeds in excess of 2666MHz, your motherboard BIOS has to compensate somehow. Typically, when XMP tells the motherboard to use a higher memory speed than 2666MHz, the motherboard BIOS will bump the BClk strap from 100MHz to 125MHz. That’s normal, but that change will also increase the clock speed of the CPU itself; a well-designed BIOS will compensate and bring the CPU clock speed in line.
Q: Why are there two XMP profiles on my Corsair DDR4?
A: We include a pair of XMP profiles instead of just one for users who want to control how much power is consumed by the memory. The first XMP profile runs the DDR4 at its specification of 1.2V, while the second offers a higher speed at the cost of bumping the voltage to 1.35V. The first profile, then, is officially supported, while the second is not and instead offers a baseline of what the memory should be able to achieve.
Q: Why am I encountering stability issues with XMP?
A: If you have trouble with stability using either XMP profile, we recommend either manually entering the speed and timings the DDR4 is rated for or running your memory at its default speeds until your motherboard vendor provides a BIOS update to improve stability.
Q: I'm running at the default 2133MHz speed, but my system still isn't stable.
A: Double-check to see which memory slots your DDR4 is installed in against your motherboard’s instruction manual. We’ve found that you have to install your DIMMs in the primary set of memory channels first, in order, to ensure stability. If this does not check out, please contact our tech support.
Q: What's the difference between Dominator Platinum DDR4 and Vengeance LPX DDR4?
A: Vengeance LPX is our mainstream DDR4, utilizing a standard-height PCB and heatspreader. Dominator Platinum DDR4 adds a larger, more robust heatspreader.
Q: Can I combine multiple kits of CORSAIR DDR4 memory?
A: We strongly recommend you do NOT combine multiple kits of CORSAIR DDR4 memory. Our memory kits are only validated for their rated performance when using only the modules provided within that specific kit (box). Combining multiple kits, even if they are rated for the same speed, may result in your memory modules not being able to reach their rated performance specification.
Q: Where can I learn more about DDR4?
A: We’ve authored a whitepaper that provides a much more detailed examination of this new memory technology. You can find it here.