Introduction

With the introduction of the Core i7 processors came the idea of triple channel RAM. This development has enabled companies like Corsair to start producing RAM that is aimed more at performance than ever before. The Corsair Dominator CM3X2G1600C8D 6GB  kit is one of such RAM kits aimed at gamers and intensive computer users all around the world. Is this kit worthy of the Dominator name? Read on and find out…

Corsair’s Take

The TR3X6G1600C8D is a 6144MByte kit of DDR3 SDRAM DIMMs based upon Corsair’s high performance Dominator family of memory which includes Intel’s Extreme Memory Profiles (XMP 1.2). This enables a robust, profile based high performance DDR3 over-clocking solution for Intel X58 platforms targeted for enthusiasts, gamers and overclockers who want to extract maximum performance from their platforms. Built using Corsair’s Dual-path Heat Xchange (DHX) technology, this part delivers outstanding performance in the latest generation of X58 DDR3-based motherboards. This memory has been verified to operate at 1600MHz at latencies of 8-8-8-24 at 1.65V VDIMM.

Specifications

• 6144 Megabytes of DDR3 memory
  • Three matched 2GB modules
• Tested together at 1600MHz, Vdimm = 1.65V
• Latency settings of 8-8-8-24 on X58-based motherboards.
• SPD programmed at: XMP 8-8-8-24 values at 1600MHz 
• JEDEC standard 9-9-9-24 values at 1333MHz.

RAM is one of those things that can be easily overlooked. It can be confusing picking out what kind and how much you need. However RAM is one of the most important pieces of your machine, and can be a serious bottleneck if you don’t have the optimum RAM speed and amount. With more RAM you can do more things at once. Multitaskers rejoice, because here’s the Crucial Ballistix Tracer 6GB Kit.

Crucial’s Take:

Ballistix Tracer memory is specifically built for performance enthusiasts and case modders who want to push the performance envelope while adding flash appeal to their boxes. The Ballistix line of high-performance memory modules features advanced speed grades, low latencies, and integrated aluminum heat spreaders. Ballistix Tracer memory features a red PCB, red integrated heat spreaders, and one or two rows of eight “chasing” red LEDs atop the module, circulating in a random pattern based on memory utilization. A custom-designed circuit relays bus activity to the LEDs, allowing them to accurately reflect usage of each memory module. In addition, eight red ground effects LEDs emit a constant glow near the pins.

Specifications & Features:

• Module Size: 6GB kit (2GBx3)
• Package: Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM (with LEDs)
• Feature: DDR3 PC3-12800
• Specs: DDR3 PC3-12800 • 8-8-8-24 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.65V • 256Meg x 64

what this all means.

Introduction

Most of the time, RAM is like the IT guy at work: you only notice it when something goes wrong. Crucial decided to take a different tack with the Ballistix Tracer series. By embedding a series of LEDs along the top and bottom edges of the PCB, they’ve made a memory kit that puts on quite the light show. Of course, showiness is no good without solid performance; and we’ll take a hard look at that in a moment. First though, let’s hear what Crucial have to say for themselves about this glitzy little kit.

Crucial’s Take

What is Ballistix Tracer memory? Ballistix Tracer memory is specifically built for performance enthusiasts and case modders who want to push the performance envelope while adding flash appeal to their boxes. The Ballistix line of high-performance memory modules features advanced speed grades, low latencies, and integrated aluminum heat spreaders. Ballistix Tracer memory features a black PCB, black integrated heat spreaders, and one or two rows of eight “chasing” red and green LEDs atop the module, circulating in a random pattern based on memory utilization. A custom-designed circuit relays bus activity to the LEDs, allowing them to accurately reflect usage of each memory module. In addition, eight blue ground effects LEDs emit a constant glow near the pins.

Look Ma. . . LED’s!

Guest writing today we have film maker and Canon 5D Mark II owner, Alex Wolfe. Welcome Alex!

Introduction

How does one explain a card like this? I know – above top of the line! Or <Greater than? I say this because SanDisk’s new Compact Flash(CF) card line, Extreme Pro, with it’s 16, 32, and 64 GB options, has more speed than we have need… for… sorry about the rhyme. I suppose I mean to say more speed than you could ever need, but of course that is not really true. The Sandisk Extreme Pro’s specs out perform most professional cameras including the Canon 5D Mark II. We’ll check out if all this speed is worth it, after the break.
By the way, here is a small refresher on the what and why of CF cards courtesy of Wikipedia:

“CompactFlash (CF) is a mass storage device format used in portable electronic devices. For storage, CompactFlash typically uses flash memory in a standardized enclosure.

The format was first specified and produced by SanDisk in 1994. The physical format is now used for a variety of devices.

CompactFlash became a popular storage medium for digital cameras. In recent years it has been widely replaced by smaller cards on the consumer end, but it is still a preferred format for professional DSLR cameras, for its superior capacity and reliability.”

SanDisk on the Extreme Pro

“Now there’s a memory card fast enough to keep up with your advanced DSLR: The SanDisk Extreme® Pro™ CompactFlash® card. With lightning-fast (up to 90 MB/s* read/write) speed, you’ll be able to capture more continuous burst shooting-and get the most out of your professional digital SLR camera. And with up to 64GB** of storage, you’ll be ready for more RAW+JPEG and high-def video.

SanDisk engineered its Power Core™ Controller to take whatever your camera’s buffer can dish out. By distributing image data across the card more rapidly and efficiently, this card delivers professional performance.”

Specifications

Capacities: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB

Dimensions: 1.7 x 0.1 x 1.4 inches

Weight: 1 ounce

Technical details:

• Up to 90MB/sec (600x) (Read speed may be lower)
• UDMA 6 enabled
• ESP (Enhanced Super Parallel Processing), SanDisk’s card performance technology
• Performs between -25C to 85C (-13F to 185F)
• Shock protection
• RTV silicone coating for protection against moisture.
• Limited lifetime warranty (http://www.sandisk.com/sandisk-support/warranty-and-user-guides/warranty)
• Power Core Controller & Enhanced Super-Parallel Processing

Introduction

There is a multitude of flash drives out there and all of them strive to be the smallest, the fastest, while having the largest capacity. This trend has gone on for some time now and the results have been spectacular. In just a few years the capacity increased up to 64 GB for a very affordable price and in a reasonable size package. While this aspect of technology is great for the nerds and most practical people, this approach failed to address the issues presented by those of use that appreciate the artistic value of things. To artistic minds having 64 GB is great and all but externally all you are looking for is basically a piece of plastic or metal roughly the size of your finger. Well X-tremeGeek might have the solution you are looking for. Read on to find out if these cute little pieces of design are enough to satisfy the inner artist in you while still catering to the practical aspect of a flash drive.

Bone Collection’s Take

The BONE Collection expresses our profound belief that making something interesting is as important as making something useful. Our designs are created to stimulate not just your sense of sight, but also your sense of touch and your imagination. Utilizing state-of-the-art 3D technology and the practice of pure creativity, we seek to design completely original products that will easily accompany your hi-tech life.

Specifications

All drives from the Bone Collection are USB 2.0. The drives specifications for the drives that we have reviwed are as follows:

• Dinosaur Driver: 4.0 GB
• Penguin Driver: 2.0 GB
• Bone Driver: 2.0 GB

Introduction:

There’s only so much a CPU can do. It could be as fast as possible, and your computer will STILL need the memory to properly handle the processes. But what happens if a user would like to burn a disc, listen to iTunes, and play FEAR 2 all at once? The folks at GeIL have realized this common problem, and released the all new Evo One 12GB DDR3-1600 Hexa kit. Why 12GB you ask? Because who the hell wouldn’t love to tell their friends they have enough RAM to store Vista 64-bit on?

From GeIL.com.tw:

The Hexa-Channel Kit is specifically designed to compliment the Intel® Core™ i7 processor and the X58 Express Chipset. Combined with GeILs’ IC testing/sorting technology, each of GeILs’ DDR3 memory module is enhanced for optimized speed, low latency and high stability. Together with GeILs’ EVO III IC testing and DBT production process, the DDR3 Gaming EVO ONE Hexa-Channel is every gamer’s ultimate memory solution. Perfect Game Perfect Memory!

Introduction

Additional memory is something that we can never have enough of. Whether you’re going on a trip and want to take some downloaded movies with you or you just have tons of pictures to back up, a large flash drive is always nice to have on hand. The folks down at Super Talent thought about this and wanted you to look just as good as you would feel with a 64 GB drive. Their solution was the Luxio. Looks may be nice, but let’s hope Super Talent didn’t sacrifice speed for sleek lines and a plastic wood like finish.

Super Talents Take

Luxio USB drives are first and foremost a sleek and classy mobile storage solution. But there’s a lot more to the Luxio than meets the eye. These small drives come in capacities up to 128GB – which means you can store as many as 40,000 six megapixel photos!  Super Talent also includes an AES-256 bit hardware encryption program with every Luxio drive, and a custom made leather carrying case.

Specifications