Corsair’s Domainator Platinum RGB DDR4 RAM was first released back in 2019, featuring the iconic heat spreader design and unique CAPELLIX RGB LEDs. A year later, a new white edition of the memory is added to the lineup. We will be testing the performance of our 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) kit in this review.
Unboxing
The Dominator Platinum RGB are shipped inside a polygon-shaped packaging. It has the Corsair logo, capacity and model name at the front. A short list of features, translated to seven different languages, is printed on the other side of the box.
Our particular sample is a dual channel 16 GB kit (CMT16GX4M2C3600C18W), with two compatible 8 GB sticks at 3600 MHz. You can choose to have frequency from 3200 MHz to 4800 HMz, and capacity from 16 GB to 128 GB (available only in kits).
The actual memory module is securely placed inside a plastic case, surrounded by high-density foam. There is no additional paperwork in the box.
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB White DDR4-3600 16GB Kit
The white edition RAM retains the same heat spreader design as the original Dominator Platinum RGB. But instead of an all-black stealth look, the body and die-casted zinc-alloy top bar are now coated/anodized in white, while the aluminium fins and screws are in gold. A sticker with information, like serial number, part number, rated frequency and timings, can be found at the back.
The memory stick has a length of about 136 mm and height of 56 mm. The 288 golden pins are standard for all DDR4 RAM, which are used to transfer both power and data.
One of the most stand out features from the Dominator Platinum RGB is the 12 individually-addressable CAPELLIX RGB LEDs. This new LED mounting method allows for 60% brighter and more power efficient than traditional surface-mounted (SMD) LEDs, as well as extended longevity. The LED arrays are installed on the printed circuit board (PCB) underneath the heatsink. The light will shine through the diffuser at the top. The “DOMINATOR” wording is on a darkened black plastic, which will also be lit up.
Review
Testing Methodology
To evaluate the performance of the particular memory kit, we use a total of three benchmarking software. AIDA64‘s internal “Cache and Memory Benchmark” is used to determine the read, write and copy speeds, as well as the latency. Cinebench R15‘s CPU test is perfect for testing how the memory kit’s speeds affect CPU performance. SiSoftware Sandra can show the total bandwidth, latency and throughput. The memory kit will be tested in three different settings/profiles.
- Default: 2133 MHz at 15-15-15-36 @ 1.20 V
- XMP Profile 1: 3600 MHz at 18-19-19-39 @ 1.35 V
Test Bench Setup:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 @ 2.8 GHz (65W TDP)
- Motherboard: ASRock Z370 Killer SLI
Performance
Our Dominator Platinum RGB White has a default SPD frequency at 2133 MHz. In AIDA64 Memory Benchmark, it beat all the slower memory kits we tested as expected at 3600 MHz. It had speeds about 2.2% to 2.9% less than the HyperX Predator RGB (its review here).
The Dominator Platinum RGB had latency of about 64.2 ns at 2133 MHz. It decreased drastically to 50.9 ns at 3600 MHz, which is the second best result in the chart.
In Cinebench R15, the RAM scored 904 and 912 respectively. We are considering retesting all our memory kits in a more controlled environment with Cinebench R20 in the future.
The Dominator Platinum RGB was on par with other memory kits in both bandwidth and throughput in SiSoftware Sandra. However, it had slightly higher latency at 26 ns, which is 42.9% longer than the Predator RGB.
Software and RGB Lighting
The Dominator Platinum RGB can be controlled via the iCUE software, identical to other Corsair gaming products. It also supports ASUS Aura Sync with a plug-in installed.
There are a total of 12 individual lighting zones on each memory stick. The software has 11 predefined lighting effects, such as rainbow, visor and color wave. iCUE allows you to change the colors of the RGB LEDs, based on the temperatures of the connected components.
The lighting of the Dominator Platinum RGB is extremely bright and colorful. Light is diffused perfectly to both the top and sides, without concentrated lighting hotspots.
Conclusion
The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB is irrefutably one of the most premium memory kits in the market, with exceptional build quality and distinctive RGB lighting. The addition of the white edition makes it suitable for more outstanding white-themed PC builds. Performance was comparable to RAM kits at similar frequencies, which should have ample headroom to squeeze out more through overclocking and timing tweaks.
The iCUE software offers a comprehensive list of customization. There are a lot of built-in lighting effects. The RGB lighting, accompanied by the gold aluminum fins, looks very attractive and has smooth transitions between effects.
The Dominator Platinum RGB White costs the same as the black version at $159.99 USD (MSRP), along with the lifetime warranty. Memory prices are prone to change frequently. At the time of this review, the HyperX Predator RGB is on sale for around $156 USD; Corsair Vengeance RGB PRO at $95 USD (in equivalent speed and capacity). If you do not mind the RGB lighting and build quality, you can easily double the total capacity of the memory kit with similar amount of money. That said, the Dominator Platinum RGB will not disappoint you, if you have enough cash to spare.
You can purchase the memory from your local/online resellers or the links below from Amazon and Newegg.
- Amazon US: Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB White DDR4-3600 16GB Kit
- Newegg US: Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB White DDR4-3600 16GB Kit
Thanks Corsair for providing us the memory for review. (Review Sample)
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