Corsair Vengeance, 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 MHz CL9 Desktop Memory

My journey into computer building began in 2012, and one of the standout components that contributed to my initial success was the Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR3 Memory. This RAM module proved to be a stellar choice, providing consistent and reliable performance throughout the years. The 16GB capacity was more than sufficient for my needs at the time, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient handling of various applications.The Corsair Vengeance series has truly stood the test of time, as this memory module worked flawlessly until I decided to upgrade my system. The build quality and performance exceeded my expectations, making it an ideal choice for a first computer build. If you're in the market for reliable DDR3 memory that has a proven track record of durability and performance, the Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR3 Memory is a worthwhile investment, especially for those embarking on their first computer-building journey.

Update (10/28/15): It has now been three years since I installed two pairs of these memory modules in my home-built computer (4 DIMMS, for a total of 32 GB). The memory has operated flawlessly.I installed four of these memory modules in my new computer. They are working just fine. I ran a (self-repeating) memory test for over 24 hours prior to loading the operating system.Before you order memory modules, you should review the webpage and "User Guide" for your motherboard. I recently built a new computer using the ASUS Maximus V FORMULA LGA 1155 Intel Z77 Extended ATX DDR3 2800 PCIe 3.0 HDMI SupremeFX IV Audio Motherboard. The ASUS website (quite conveniently) provides a Qualified Vendor Lists (QVL) of compatible memory for this motherboard (although it may not be up-to-date for 8GB modules). Your motherboard's vendor may have a similar list.If you purchased a ready-built computer, then look on the manufacturer's website to verify that you are purchasing the correct memory. For example, if you purchased your computer from the biggest computer maker, then log-on to your account, enter the Service Tag number for your computer, and then find the memory requirements. Or, you could just call and ask.My computer's motherboard requires (1.5 volt) DDR3 dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs), installed in "matched sets" for "dual channel" function. My motherboard's "User Guide" recommends installing DIMMs from the same vendor, with the same CAS latency, and of the same version or date code (D/C). Because of this recommendations, and because these memory modules were ridiculously inexpensive when I bought them, I went ahead and installed the maximum memory of four 8 GB DIMMs (32 GB). You can buy this memory with one pair of DIMMs or two pairs of DIMMs: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10) or Corsair Vengeance 32GB (4x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory (CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10).If you are interested in over-clocking memory, then you might want to research (1.5 volt) DDR3 DIMMs with higher clock ratings (i.e., 1866 MHz, 2000 MHz, 2133 MHz, and 2400 MHz). Naturally, I wanted the 2400 MHz memory; but I decided to try the much cheaper 1600 MHz memory first.Please note: If you are only installing two DIMMS, you may need to install them in only two specific slots on the mother board (i.e., you can't just install them in any two slots). Check the "User Guide" for your motherboard to ensure that you are inserting the DIMMs in the correct slots. Of course, if you fill all slots with "matching" DIMMs, this will not be a concern.No matter how much physical memory you install, your copy of the Windows operating system may limit how much memory your computer can use. The 32 bit versions of Windows can only address a maximum of 4 GB of memory, with only (about) 3.5 GB of that usable.Windows 64 bit memory limits:- Windows 8 Professional: 512 GB- Windows 8: 128 GB- Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate: 192 GB- Windows Vista Ultimate: 128 GB- Windows 7 or Windows Vista Home Premium: 16 GB- Windows 7 or Windows Vista Home Basic: 8 GBLastly, I recommend that you run a memory test on your newly-installed memory. I used Memtest86+ (it's free). Extract the image (iso) file from the ZIP file, and then create a bootable CD by burning disc from image (do NOT copy the iso file to CD, burn disc from image). I ran this memory test prior to loading the operating system.

Memory can be a tricky thing to figure out!... do I need this one or that one? whats the difference between A, B and C? This one has the right speed and format, but will it work? Yeah, those are all the questions that I had in my head too!! WORD OF ADVICE here... check two places.1. Check the website of the memory manufacturer to validate the proper memory BY SPECIFIC PART NUMBER to the motherboard that you will be using it on!!2. Check the website of the motherboard manufacturer for valid, tested memory BY SPECIFIC PART NUMBER of the memory that you want to use.Thats how I ended up with these Corsair Vengance sticks (note, the part number below is for the RED, but as you can see in the pics, I got a pair of black and a pair of red).The memory screams and per monitors and logs, have had no memory errors or paging errors. No bios, setup or stability issues. No clock issues either.The memory looks great in the system, even though when the box is in my cabinet you normally cant see anything but the front.Awesome buy!The build sheet is below:Case: Corsair Carbide 300R Black - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006I2H0YSCPU: Intel i7-4790 - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J56YSLMCPU Cooler: Cooler Master 212 EVO - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005O65JXIMotherBoard: ASUS Sabertooth Z97 Mk II - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K2R6E10Additional Case Fan: Noctua NF-A14 PWM - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CP6QLY62x of Memory: Corsair Vengance DDR3 1600 (CMZGX3M2A1600C10R) - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008E3M4QSVideo: EVGA GeForce GTX760 ACX (02G-P4-2765-KR) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E0N49C8WiFi NIC: Rosewill RNWD-N9003PCe - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009VKON0SPower Supply (PSU): Corsair CX750 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RJZQSWBoot Drive (SSD for OS and Apps): Samsung EVO840 250GB http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LMXBOP44x of Hard Drives (2 were re-used): WD Green 3TB http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RORMF6CD/DVD/BluRay Drive (reused): Pioneer BCD-207DBK http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I47O7AKAdditional Items:WiFi Router: TP-Link Archer C9 - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PDLRHFWColor Correction Tool: ColorMunki Display - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055MBQOMMonitors (re-used): 2x Acer 23" 16:9 (next thing to be updated)

Very good item and quick and safe delivery process.