We know that optimizing a computer's speed is crucial when building or upgrading a gaming or work PC. It's common to wonder whether specific RAM can enhance a system's overall performance.
Choosing the perfect RAM for your custom PC build involves considering numerous factors. It's important to note that a single type of memory isn't ideal for all computer configurations. In this article, we provide insights into selecting the best RAM for your needs.
As experienced PC builders, we've encountered many scenarios where matching the appropriate memory modules with the CPU is essential for optimal performance and reliability. To determine its suitability, we analyzed the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB Cool Gray DDR5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) RAM, model CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40, for gaming and professional applications based on its specifications and personal experience.
With our hands-on experience with various models of RAM, quantitative metrics, and product knowledge, we strive to assist you in making an informed decision about choosing the best RAM for your PC.
We've incorporated links to our other valuable resources along with our comprehensive evaluation. We aim to provide you with the most useful information, enabling you to make the best possible decision tailored to your requirements.
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) 5200 MHz C40
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There are also various factors to consider in choosing memory for your PC. A single type of memory isn't suitable for every PC build, so if you need help determining the right choice, check out our article, How to Choose the Best RAM for Your PC
Our Overview of the Dominator Platinum RGB's Specs
We took a closer look at the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40) RAM and we found that it has an effective frequency of 5200 MHz and a capacity of 32 GB (2 x 16 GB).
Upon analyzing the model CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40, we determined that it has a latency of 15 ns, based on 40-40-40-77 (CL40) timings and the module's clock rate.
Overall, we conclude that the effective frequency, latency, and capacity of this Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB RAM are good for gaming and professional tools.
| Value | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Frequency | 5200 MHz | Excellent |
| Capacity | 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) | Excellent |
| CAS Latency | 15 ns (CL40) | Poor |
| Overall Rating | Good |
To gain insight into our overall rating, read about each specification of the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB Cool Gray DDR5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) RAM below:
Effective Frequency of the Dominator Platinum RGB
- Our analysis shows that the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40) RAM has an effective frequency of 5200 MHz, which leads us to conclude that it is Excellent for gaming and professional tools.
DDR module speeds, also known as "data rates," are measured in megatransfers per second (MT/s). MT/s measures how fast data can be read and written per second to and from RAM.
This same number in units of MHz is called the "effective frequency." The effective frequency is the base frequency times two because it is double data rate (DDR) RAM.
For example, DDR5-5600 has a data rate of 5600 MT/s, an effective frequency of 5600 MHz, and a base frequency of 2800 MHz.
Through various tests and evaluations, we've confirmed that faster PC memory can enhance game performance and frame rates. However, upgrading to the fastest RAM might not yield as significant an impact as upgrading your CPU and graphics card or adding more RAM.
In our experience, if you're not utilizing your computer for memory-intensive games or video processing applications, you may not reap substantial benefits from using the fastest memory.
We recommend checking the motherboard model on the manufacturer's website to determine supported speeds. We've found that prices typically scale with memory speeds, so it's wise to choose a module within your budget that fulfills your requirements.
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) 5200 MHz C40
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Memory Timings of the Dominator Platinum RGB
- The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40) RAM's 40-40-40-77 (CL40) timings are Poor. Based on our analysis, we conclude that the timings rank poorly among other popular RAM models.
The CAS latency of the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB, CL40, is the first number of the timings and is one of the main factors in determining the latency and overall speed of RAM. CAS latency is how quickly the RAM can deliver data to the CPU.
We've also observed that, in addition to memory speed, memory timings affect performance. Timings measure how many clock cycles it takes to perform an action. Manufacturers often reference timings as a series of numbers, such as 16-18-18-38. Assuming memory sticks have a constant memory speed, lower timing values indicate a shorter time between commands. Because timings are measured in clock cycles, they scale down as the memory speed increases.
Throughout our experiences, we concluded that while memory timings impact performance, they are less critical than speed and capacity.
Memory Timings Explained
Reguarding the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40) RAM, the initial digit, 40, pertains to the CAS Latency (CL), which is the duration taken by the memory controller to access a column of data on the RAM module. Specifically, the access time for data retrieval is 40 clock cycles in this case.
The next two digits, 40 and 40, correspond to the tRCD and tRP timings, respectively. tRCD (RAS to CAS Delay) is the time the memory controller takes to access data from various rows on the same column. At the same time, tRP (Row Precharge Time) is the time the memory controller takes to prepare the memory module for new access. In this scenario, the access time for tRCD is 40 clock cycles, and the tRP is 40 clock cycles.
The fourth digit, 77, relates to the tRAS timing (Row Active Time), which is the duration for which a memory row stays active and is available for access. Here, the memory module takes 77 clock cycles to activate a memory row and make it available for access.
These timing parameters indicate the speed and performance of the Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40) RAM. In general, lower numbers in the timings signify faster access times and superior performance. Keep in mind that higher voltages or cooling may be required to ensure stable operations at higher speeds, particularly when overclocking beyond the advertised timings and frequency.
CAS Latency of the Dominator Platinum RGB
- The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40) RAM's CAS latency of 15 ns (CL40) is Poor. Based on our analysis, we conclude that the latency ranks poorly among other popular RAM models.
Keep in mind that the timings scale inversely with the clock rate (frequency). We have observed, and it's widely understood, that the effective frequency combined with the CAS latency ultimately determines the overall RAM speed. For instance, our past testing showed that DDR3-2133 CL10 had nearly the same latency as DDR5-8400 CL40.
Additionally, we have found that DDR4 RAM has a higher transfer rate than DDR3 RAM, allowing DDR4 to transfer more data per second than DDR3 RAM, even if the DDR4 RAM has a higher CAS latency. Therefore, we don't let RAM with a higher latency scare us away, as we have tested and tried that it can still perform well.
Profile Support of the Dominator Platinum RGB
- The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40) RAM includes the AMD EXPO profile when using the effective frequency of 5200 MHz and 40-40-40-77 timings.
We are aware that RAM typically runs at a lower clock rate by default. We recommend enabling the AMD EXPO profile in our motherboard's UEFI/
Voltage of the Dominator Platinum RGB
- The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40) RAM runs at 1.25 volts when used with the effective frequency of 5200 MHz and 40-40-40-77 timings.
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) 5200 MHz C40
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We have observed that RAM voltage usually ranges from 1.1 to 1.5 volts, but this can vary depending on the DDR generation. We have encountered situations where RAM with higher voltages produce more heat since they consume more power. Still, higher voltages are necessary to achieve lower timings and higher frequencies for certain models of RAM.
In our experience, it is always best to follow the recommended voltage profile provided by the manufacturer and ensure that the motherboard supports the RAM's specifications. With our experience building computers and testing different components, we understand the importance of selecting the appropriate voltage level to avoid potential compatibility issues or system instability.
DDR Version of the Dominator Platinum RGB
- The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40) is DDR5 RAM.
The table below shows a comparison between DDR versions:
| DDR3 | DDR4 | DDR5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max UDIMM (Unbuffered) Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB | 128 GB |
| Bandwidth | 6400–17067 MB/s | 12800–25600 MB/s | 38400–57600 MB/s |
| Transfer Rate | 800–2133 MT/s | 1600–3200 MT/s | 4800–7200 MT/s |
| Base Frequency | 400–1067 MHz | 800–1600 MHz | 2400–3600 MHz |
| Effective Frequency | 800–2133 MHz | 1600–3200 MHz | 4800–7200 MHz |
| Voltage | 1.5 V | 1.2 V | 1.1 V |
| On-die ECC | No | No | Yes |
Because DDR4 and DDR5 are not backward or forward compatible, you must decide which one you want to go with before selecting a motherboard.
DDR5 memory is currently more expensive than DDR4.
However, it offers up to double the stock data rates of DDR4. Overclockers could push this limit even further.
Additionally, DDR5 supports higher-capacity UDIMMs (128 GB vs. 32 GB).
DDR5 may experience slower timings at initial release but should be much better than DDR4 as the technology matures. However, keep in mind that the timings scale inversely with the clock rate (frequency). The timing values are in units of clock cycles, but more cycles are happening per second with DDR5. For example, DDR3-2133 CL10 has nearly the same latency as DDR5-8400 CL40. So don't let the CL40 latency of DDR5 scare you away; the number just looks bigger!
Memory Capacity of the Dominator Platinum RGB
- DDR ram capacities are measured in gigabytes (GB). The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB (CMT32GX5M2B5200Z40) RAM has a capacity of 32 GB (2 x 16 GB).
Learn about memory capacity in our article, How to Choose the Best RAM for Your PC
Where to Buy the Dominator Platinum RGB
Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) 5200 MHz C40
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- Find Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32 GB DDR5-5200 CL40 RAM at Best Buy.
- Find Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB 32 GB DDR5-5200 CL40 RAM at Newegg.
Other Considerations When Building a PC
Want to brush up on other new technologies to consider when building a computer? Check out these articles:
- Cases:
- CPUs:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 5.0?
- Which Intel and AMD CPUs Support PCIe 4.0?
- LGA 1700 CPU List
- LGA 1200 CPU List
- Look up an Intel or AMD CPU on TechReviewer for related recommendations:
- The Best CPUs for Gaming
- CPU Coolers:
- Storage:
- Memory:
- PCI-Express:
- Motherboards:
- Graphics Cards:
- Power Supplies:
- Keyboards:
- Monitors:
A Note From the Authors
Our team is composed of individuals who have a keen interest in technology and a passion for helping others. We strive to provide accurate and helpful information on various technology products and services to empower our readers to make informed decisions.
We understand that the technology industry is constantly evolving, and we strive to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments. However, we recognize that there may be occasions when errors or inaccuracies slip through, despite our best efforts.
That's why we welcome feedback from our readers and encourage them to reach out to us with any corrections or suggestions they may have. By working together, we can ensure that our content remains accurate, helpful, and up-to-date.
If you have any feedback or suggestions for us, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We value your input and look forward to hearing from you.