What is different about Core i7?

Core i7 is the latest microprocessor architecture from Intel. It has many new capabilities and features – but, from a memory standpoint, the big change is that the memory controller is now on the processor itself, rather than being part of the chipset.

How does the new Core i7 architecture affect memory?

There are two major changes with memory for Core i7. The first, as mentioned above, is that the memory must be tuned for the memory controller on the processor itself. This arrangement significantly reduces memory access latency, as the Northbridge is no longer there as a “middleman”.

The second substantial change is that the Core i7 processor has three memory channels, rather than dual channels. So, to achieve maximum performance, memory must be installed in matching sets of three modules.

How much memory do I need for Core i7?

Keeping in mind that memory DIMMs must be installed in sets of three modules, the optimum memory configuration for a performance-oriented Core i7 system is three DIMMs of 2GB each, for a total of 6GB of main memory. Of course, to take advantage of this memory capacity, we strongly recommend using a 64-bit operating system such as Microsoft Windows Vista 64.

How fast is the Core i7 memory bus?

Currently, the highest JEDEC standard speed is 1333MHz. The i7-920 and i7-940 processor memory bus will default to 1066MHz. The i7-965 processor memory bus will default to 1333MHz.

Is Core i7 overclockable?

The Core i7 platform overclocks very well. In the few months since Core i7 has been released, we are already seeing 2000MHz speed grades achievable with the Dominator GT.

What memory voltage can be used with Core i7?

The official memory voltage for DDR3 memory is 1.5V. Intel has issued unofficial advice to the market that 1.65V is a good value to keep in mind as a maximum VDIMM for Core i7. However, Intel has also stated that higher voltages can be used without damaging the processor.

When it comes to memory voltage, common sense should prevail – if you run your system for substantial durations at elevated voltage, you will certainly shorten the life of your system.

All of Corsair’s Core i7 parts have a specified VDIMM of 1.65v or lower.

How does Core i7 perform on memory benchmarks?

Having the memory controller on the CPU has made a world of difference in benchmarks. You can see some results we’ve had in the Corsair Labs by clicking here.

I’m thinking about purchasing a Core i7-based motherboard. What memory will be compatible with it?

We have our Corsair Memory Configurator that can assist you with this. You can find the Configurator by clicking here.

How do I configure the BIOS for my Corsair modules in my Core i7 motherboard?

To assist with this, we have posted BIOS screenshots for some Corsair modules and Core i7 motherboards in our forums here.

What memory products does Corsair offer for Core i7-based motherboards?

Corsair currently offers the following products for Core i7-based motherboards:

Part Number	Speed	Timings	VDIMM	Size	Heat Sink
TR3X6G2000C7GTF	2000MHz	7-8-7-20-2T	1.65v	6GB (3x2GB)	Dominator w/Fan
TR3X3G2000C7GTF	2000MHz	7-8-7-20-2T	1.65v	3GB (3x1GB)	Dominator w/Fan
TR3X6G2000C8GTF	2000MHz	8-8-8-24-2T	1.65v	6GB (3x2GB)	Dominator w/Fan
TR3X6G1866C7GTF	1866MHz	7-8-7-20-2T	1.65v	6GB (3x2GB)	Dominator w/Fan
TR3X6G1866C9DF	1866MHz	9-9-9-24-2T	1.65v	6GB (3x2GB)	Dominator w/Fan
HX3X12G1600C9	1600MHz	9-9-9-24-2T	1.6v	12GB (6x2GB)	Platinum
TR3X6G1600C8D	1600MHz	8-8-8-24-2T	1.65v	6GB (3x2GB)	Dominator
TR3X3G1600C8D	1600MHz	8-8-8-24-2T	1.65v	3GB (3x1GB)	Dominator
TR3X6G1600C9	1600MHz	9-9-9-24-2T	1.65v	6GB (3x2GB)	Platinum
TR3X3G1600C9	1600MHz	9-9-9-24-2T	1.65v	3GB (3x1GB)	Platinum
HX3X12G1333C9	1333MHz	9-9-9-24-2T	1.5v	12GB (6x2GB)	Platinum
TR3X6G1333C9	1333MHz	9-9-9-24-2T	1.5v	6GB (3x2GB)	Platinum
TR3X3G1333C9	1333MHz	9-9-9-24-2T	1.5v	3GB (3x1GB)	Platinum