As already mentioned, Corsair uses SAMSUNG's chipsets for their memory solutions, which are known to be good overclockers and exceptionally stable at higher voltages. For our overclocking tests, we experimented with different running frequencies and timings. In every test setting, we used MemTest to check the stability of the system, and we finally ended up with a good, stable system running at 554MHz.

What seems strange is that when trying to change the timings, even if we were to increase the timings (slower memory), we always came up with crashes and blue screens. But leaving timings to the former 3-4-4-10 setting gave us a system in perfect shape. We also had to increase the voltage to 2.9v to ensure stable RAM module operation at 554MHz.

Even in an overclocked state, the memory modules are not that hot to touch. It seems that the heat spreaders attached to the chipsets are doing an excellent job. We could also go as high as 568MHz at 3.2v, but after leaving MemTest running for almost 4hours, the system became erratic.

We re-ran some tests with the the memory operating at 554MHz to see if there was any performance boost.

As you can see, although in most tests the performance improved, it is not worth the risk of damaging your system through over-voltage. For example, the 4fps gain in Half Life 2 for a RAM operating at 54MHz more than the default frequency is not that great.

On the other hand, it is worth noting that no other DDR memory could go that high in frequency, and overclocking potential is further increased when you finally see that these modules can really go as high as the motherboard can go.