Corsair Blog

The newly announced 3rd Generation Intel® Core™ processor family is their next generation of 64-bit, multi-core processors built on 22-nanometer process technology. Ivy Bridge is the successors to the Sandy Bridge processor family, and should become available to purchase at retail on April 29, 2012. The new Ivy Bridge processor offerings are the Intel Core i7-3770K, Intel Core i7-3770, Intel Core i7-3770S, Intel Core i7-3770T, Intel Core i5- 3570K, Intel Core i5-3550, Intel Core i5-3550S, Intel Core i5-3570T, Intel Core i5-3450, and Intel Core i5-3450S Processors.

Corsair Vengeance DDR3 memory in an Ivy Bridge test rig

The Ivy Bridge memory controller is dual channel, and Ivy Bridge compatible motherboards will accommodate up to four modules. Initial testing and specifications indicate that Ivy Bridge CPUs are substantially better at overclocking memory when compared to Sandy Bridge. They offer native support up to DDR1600 and overclocked speeds of up to DDR2800 or more are possible. These processors should be a hit with enthusiasts at both stock and overclocked frequencies.

At the time of the Ivy Bridge announcement, we have more XMP modules (XMP stands for Intel Extreme Memory Profile) certified by Intel than all other memory manufacturers combined. This means you can buy Corsair modules for your Intel system with confidence.

XMP offers a variety of benefits to users. Here is some information from Intel touting the benefits of XMP directly from the Intel website:

"Upgrade the Ammo in Your Arsenal Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (Intel® XMP) is a performance-packed expansion of the standard DDR3 memory specification. It enables a robust, overclocking solution designed to take advantage of the mega-gaming features built into Intel® technology-based PCs. If you like to overclock and squeeze every possible ounce of performance from your PC, then memory based on Intel XMP is the solution you need to fully dominate–without breaking a sweat.1 Designed for ultimate flexibility, Intel XMP-based platforms offer major advantages for pro gamers, novices, and everyone in between. With predefined and certified memory optimizations built into Intel® XMP, overclocking on Intel technology-based PCs is easy right out of the box. Expert users still have the option of manually changing specific parameters for personalized fine-tuning."

Of course, a new processor release like this raises questions about memory compatibility. Any current Corsair DDR3, two or four module kit, rated at 1.5v, 1.6v, or 1.65v kits will work well with the Ivy Bridge CPUs. We are also in the process of validating a large variety of modules in 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB kits for Intel XMP certification using the Intel XMP standard 1.3.

As of the April 23, 2012 Intel announcement date, we have a large variety of memory kits that are suitable for use with an Ivy Bridge CPU. Users can choose from a wide variety of heat spreader designs, colors, frequencies, and kit sizes. In addition to the seven Vengeance kits already submitted to Intel for XMP validation, all two and for module kits for Sandy Bridge-E + X79 are perfectly suited for Ivy Bridge + Z77.

You can see what memory is compatible with your motherboard by using our Memory Finder. An example from our Memory Finder is shown below:

If your motherboard is not listed, or if you need additional information for any Corsair product please contact us.