Corsair & Kingston Announce Quad-Channel Memory Kits

No CPU architecture launch from either AMD or Intel is ever left devoid of memory kits designed for the respective platform, and the launch of Intel’s X79 Express chipset and Sandy Bridge-E processors is no exception. Both Corsair and Kingston have unveiled a bevvy of quad-channel kits today, catering to a wide-range of needs and price-points. While 16GB kits might be considered a loose standard, there are many 8GB kits available as well.

Let’s kick things off with Corsair. The company has apparently decided that 8 DIMM kits are unacceptable, as all 12 of the launch kits feature a mere 4 modules – even the 32GB offerings. At the high-end, 32GB Dominator kits can be had at 1866MHz (9-10-9-27) or 1600MHz (10-10-10-27) speeds, all operating at 1.5v. Given that these are 8GB modules, these sorts of speeds are without question, impressive.

There is a caveat, however. 8GB modules are inherently more expensive, and with speeds like those, your wallet is bound to feel it. The 1866MHz 9-10-9 kit is available on Corsair’s site for $799, while the 1600MHz 10-10-10 doesn’t seem to be listed. Looking for a budget 32GB offering? Corsair also has a Vengeance 1866MHz 10-11-10-30 and 1600MHz 10-10-10-27 kit for $527 and $250, respectively.

Corsair also offers two high-end Dominator 16GB kits, specced at 2133MHz 9-11-10-27 ($261) and 1866MHz 9-10-9-27 ($TBD), along with more affordable offerings under the Vengeance line. In addition, many other value kits at 16GB and 8GB are also offered.

Next up, Kingston. This company’s line-up doesn’t include the high-end parts that Corsair’s does, but it’s top-end kit does sell for a meager (in comparison to Corsair’s high-end) $318. There will only be one 32GB kit available from Kingston at launch, and that’s comprised of 8 DIMMs (4GB each), specced at 1600MHz CL9. All other kits include just 4 DIMMs, with the best-performer being the 16GB kit at 2133MHz CL11.

For those on a budget, Kingston does offer some super-affordable 8GB kits, such as the 1600MHz CL9 for $65 or 1333MHz CL7 also for $65. The company will also be offering an 8GB kit at 2400MHz CL11, but as of the time of writing, no pricing information has been made available.

One thing’s for certain – if you’re going X79, you’ll have no shortage of quad-channel kits to choose from.