We also tested three RAM kits we had on hand at their XMP settings to see whether you can expect big changes between RAM from different manufacturers at the same rated speed.
We also dipped our toes in the water of RAM overclocking, with results of a 4200MHz overclock, plus tightened CL16 timings from 3200MHz to 4000MHz. Today's analysis centres around an Intel test platform, where we tested a 4000MHz RAM kit at frequencies from 3200MHz to 4000MHz in 200MHz increments at the kit's rated CL19 timings. Today, we're testing the next logical step - 4000MHz RAM - to see what further performance advantages we can find. Frequencies have also slowly ramped up over time, and in 2020, 3200MHz RAM is considered the baseline speed for even budget builds, with 3600MHz being a high performance option that doesn't cost the earth.
Since then, capacities have gone up substantially, with 8GB and 16GB sticks now becoming commonplace, while prices have gone way down.
Way back in 2014, Corsair's Dominator Platinum memory was some of the finest the industry had to offer - brand new DDR4, rated at speeds of up to 3300MHz and available in four-stick kits totalling a whopping 16GB.
