Corsair Dominator GTX2 PC3-18000 CL8 Memory Review

Package & Memory Overview

The Package & Contents section has two parts. We have the Corsair Dominator GTX2 modules themselves, as well as the CMXAF2 GTL fan that can be purchased separately. We'll start with a look at the packages they come in then have a quick peek at each piece of hardware.

In the specifications section we covered the fact that these modules are sold individually. Therefore it only makes sense to package them individually, and that is what we see here. We received three module packages and one fan assembly package from Corsair. Both the modules and the fan are very neatly and secured wrapped in their appropriate boxes. Enclosed in anti-static sealed bags, smothered in an air pillow, the Dominator GTX2 modules have virtually no way to be damaged in shipping.

We very briefly touched on the height of the new CMXAF2 GTL fan assembly. Aside from the length of the side mounting tabs; it is virtually identical to what we received with our Dominator GT triple channel kit of memory almost a year ago. The fans move a lot of air without a lot of noise and the mounting is really easy with this fan so we give it the two thumbs up. Personally I still like using a 120mm fan sitting over the memory on an angle as it will then push air over the NB location, but for those with adequate cooling around their motherboard, the CMXAF2 GTL is a great unit.

The Dominator GTX2 modules utilize the Corsair DHX heat sink but come accented with tell-tale taller cooling fins on top. The cooling fins are rosso corso red as are all the color accents on the modules. If you are familiar with the Dominator GT, or even Dominator memory, you will notice that there really aren't any differences. This is a positive thing in our view because the cooling system has worked well in the past. At the same time, for typical use in a daily system, the DHX heat sinks are a bit overkill. When it comes to cooling though, overkill is never a bad thing in our minds.

We mentioned that the only real difference is the cooling fins at the top for these modules compared to the other lines of Dominator memory from Corsair, but the fins are removable and can actually be purchased at the Corsair online store. So for those wanting to dress up your GT's to GTX spec, you can. Keep in mind, your GT supplied fan likely won't fit, but we can't confirm that so you will want to make sure yourself.

On the left we have the first set of Dominator GTX2 modules we received. On the right, we have the second set we received. The macro photos taken make it pretty clear: the first set of modules had very little to no contact between the IC's and the heat sinks. The second set (photo on the right) looks a lot better but still isn't perfect. The center module is pretty much perfect, but the other two modules have one side that is not sitting perfectly flush to the IC's. In all the Dominator modules we have seen over the years, this is the first time we have seen anything of this nature. Normally this wouldn't be an issue as sometimes things happen in manufacturing but when we are looking at their absolute best modules at $200/stick; you would like to see perfect quality control. Perhaps we are asking too much, but we don't think so.