eva2000

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DDR3-2000Mhz 7-8-7-20 1T at 1.65v
with 10x memory multiplier
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With 10x mem multiplier

eva2000

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Thermal Cooling Tests
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How well does the Corsair Dominator DHX heatsinks and AirFlow cooling fans work to cool the memory ? I decided to use XSPC LCD thermal probes on each individual memory module to compare passively cooled DHX GT heatsinks versus AirFlow cooled versus my own custom 3x 60x25mm Sunon 23.5cfm MagLev fan memory cooler. Ambient temps were between 25.5C - 28.8C at the time so only can really look at load to idle delta temps.


Bios settings used


Results


Memory module #3 was furthest away from cpu socket without any air flow as opposed to modules #1 and #2 which received some air flow from the NB cooling fan.

eva2000

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Conclusion
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After spending several months testing these Corsair Dominator GT 2000Mhz 7-8-7-20 triple channel modules on DFI UT X58-T3EH8 with 5 cpus, 2x i7 920 C0, 2x i7 920 D0 and a Xeon W3520 D0 cpu, I've come to the conclusion that for memory frequencies at DDR3-2000Mhz 7-8-7-20 and beyond, you're at the mercy of each individual cpu's integrated memory controller.

The key for stability is in the optimal balance in the relationship between CPU VTT, VDIMM memory voltage and to an extent Vcore, IOH/ICH voltages and Round Trip Latency (RTL) values set. All 5 cpus varied as to what CPU VTT and IOH/ICH voltages were needed to achieve stability particularly in Super Pi 32M, 8x32M Hyper Pi, and LinX stability. The range for CPU VTT voltage required for DDR3-2000Mhz 7-8-7-20 1T across all 5 cpus was between 1.37v and 1.47v. The required CPU VTT voltage jumped alot once you try pushing >DDR3-2000Mhz frequencies - CPU VTT voltage between 1.5-1.63v wasn't uncommon.

Fortunately for me, all 5 cpus I tested had strong memory controllers allowing me to push beyond DDR3-2000Mhz 7-8-7-20 frequencies. For more 4/28 beta results you can check the results posted here.

Cooling wise, the Corsair Dominator DHX heatsinks do a very good job themselves when passively cooled although any air flow over the memory modules does help.

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Ghostleader

Awesome work you have done there eva, very intereting reading, keep it up.

CryptiK

Nice comprehensive review, well laid out and easy to read too. Seems the modules run quite cool, even with no active cooling at all.

eva2000

Thanks guys.. glad you like

Yup was surprised they ran that cool. I shall see how air cooling compares when I later try using Corsair DHX TEC ram cooler - Ice T30 for below ambient cooled GTs

CryptiK

That looks interesting, can you control the temp setting? What can it go down to?

eva2000

Basically Ice T30 TEC DHX cooler has an internal temp/humidity sensor on the controller PCB and a remote sensor on the TEC Thermo Plate and a micro controller adjusts the amount of voltage fed to the TEC to adjust and maintain temps above dew point as per this table here. The controlling mechanism can be disabled for extreme folks who don't mind condensation when going sub zero