A Closer Look

The Corsair Vengeance RGB kits are available in White, Matte Black and Cool Grey. The AMD (EXPO) versions currently are only shipping in Cool Grey. The appearance takes inspiration from the DDR4 Vengeance Pro and RT lines that came before it, with a few minor alterations. Because this is the RGB version, the DIMMs height is increased to accommodate the LEDs and light diffuser.


The Vengeance logo is centered across a bushed aluminium section. The white and yellow lettering is as expected, following the Vengeance Corsair branding. The memory also has a repeating pattern of triangles that start small on the sides and steadily increases in size towards the center. These are most visible on the Cool Grey version, as it becomes lost in the matte black and nearly impossible to see with white heatspreaders. It is a nice touch Corsair has done here, but regardless, it will be hard to see once inside a computer case.


On one side of each DIMM module is the identification sticker listing the SKU, rated EXPO operating frequency, corresponding voltage of 1.40, and EXPO related timings. One thing Corsair does well is to include a revision number on the sticker that quickly identifies which memory ICs are used. Corsair changes this number every time an internal revision is made. So far, this has held true, and is appreciated among those looking for specific ICs or a matching second kit.


Laying the DIMMs on the side, you can barely see the Corsair logo in the center. This is RGB illuminated as well.


The Corsair Vengeance RGB DDR5-6000 Z-height is 45 mm after rounding up with the calipers.


After taking the heatspreader apart, we see that Corsair once again is using a custom PCB, used exclusively for the Vengeance RGB series so far. While the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB is similar, the most noticeable difference is how the LEDs are implemented. The Dominator series has the LEDs separated onto a secondary PCB and attached with a ribbon cable. In contrast, the Vengeance RGB has its LEDs on the main PCB instead. The last thing to note here is this Corsair kit does have a thermal pad for all the ICs and critical components. This is extra important due to increased temperatures from the higher voltages accompanying increased memory frequencies.


A closer look at the ICs shows that these are SK Hynix (H5CG48MEBDX014). Currently, Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix are the three suppliers of DDR5 ICs. When it comes to overclocking, the general consensus is that SK Hynix does provide the highest frequencies, scales better with higher voltage and has the ability to offer low primary timings that are equal, if not better than the rest. The newly released SK Hynix A-Die can go even further. The kit we have here today is using M-Die, which is the predecessor, but is still quite good in regards to overclocking. In fact the timings can go a bit lower versus A-Die, but not as high in frequency and requiring more overall voltage for similar timings and configuration.


With DDR5, one of the major changes is how the motherboard directly provides 5 V to the memory module's PMIC, which is then stepped down and split accordingly. No longer is the motherboard responsible for regulating the voltages seen with DDR4. The PMIC has the part number "P8911Y0." A quick search has Renesas come up as the manufacturer.