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Corsair Vengeance 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3 1600 MHz PC3 12800 240-Pin DDR3 Dual Channel Memory Kit 1.5V (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9)
Corsair

Corsair Vengeance 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3 1600 MHz PC3 12800 240-Pin DDR3 Dual Channel Memory Kit 1.5V (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9)

Bottom line: The Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ($44.04 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): 1.5V VDIMM spec matches 2nd gen Intel Core (Sandy Bridge) voltage requirements; main trade-off: SPD default is only 1333MHz - you get 1600MHz only after enabling XMP.

$44.04

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 1.5V VDIMM spec matches 2nd gen Intel Core (Sandy Bridge) voltage requirements
  • ✓ Intel XMP profile sets 1600MHz automatically, no manual timing entry
  • ✓ Limited Lifetime Warranty from Corsair on an end-of-life memory standard
  • ✓ Runs on both Intel and AMD 240-pin DDR3 platforms

Cons

  • ✗ SPD default is only 1333MHz - you get 1600MHz only after enabling XMP
  • ✗ 9-9-9-24 timings are mid-tier; CL8 DDR3 1600 kits exist
  • ✗ Vengeance heat spreader height can foul large tower CPU coolers
  • ✗ 8GB total caps modern multitasking; 2x4GB fills both slots on 2-DIMM boards

Manufacturer description

The Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9 is an 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 dual-channel kit built for Sandy Bridge-era Intel Core systems and AMD platforms that still run 240-pin DIMMs. It runs at 1600MHz with 9-9-9-24 latency on a 1.5V VDIMM spec, which is what makes it drop-in compatible with 2nd generation Intel Core boards that reject higher-voltage modules. SPD speed is 1333MHz, so you set the 1600MHz profile through Intel XMP rather than tuning timings by hand. The Vengeance heat spreader adds height for anyone running a large tower cooler, but it also gives the modules the styling that made this…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Corsair Vengeance 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3 1600 MHz PC3 12800 240-Pin… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the memory & ram category. Corsair's memory & ram lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for memory & ram of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this RAM work in a Sandy Bridge motherboard?

Yes. The kit uses a 1.5V VDIMM spec that Corsair states ensures compatibility with the 2nd generation (Sandy Bridge) Intel Core processor family, and it is listed for both Intel and AMD platforms.

Do I need to change BIOS settings to get 1600MHz?

Yes. The SPD speed is 1333MHz, so the board boots at 1333MHz by default. Enable the Intel XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) that this kit supports to run the rated 1600MHz at 9-9-9-24.

What are the exact timings and voltage?

Timings are 9-9-9-24 at 1600MHz, running at 1.5V. It is an unbuffered DIMM kit in a 240-pin DDR3 form factor.

Is this a matched dual-channel kit or two separate sticks?

It ships as an 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 dual channel kit, so both 4GB modules are sold together for dual-channel operation in matching slot pairs.

What warranty does Corsair provide on this kit?

Corsair lists a Limited Lifetime Warranty for this Vengeance module. Check the product listing for current warranty terms and registration requirements in your region.

Key Features

  • 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 Dual Channel Kit
  • Speed: 1600MHz. SPD Speed : 1333MHz
  • Timing: 9-9-9-24
  • Voltage: 1.5V VDIMM spec ensures compatibility with 2nd generation (Sandy Bridge) Intel Core processor family.Vengeance heat spreader for styling and performance
  • Intel and AMD Processor platforms
  • Memory Type: DDR3; Speed: 1600MHz

Full Specifications

BrandCorsair
Speed1600MHz. SPD Speed : 1333MHz
Timing9-9-9-24
Voltage1.5 volts
RAM Size8 GB
Model Namevengeance
Form FactorDesktop
Memory TypeDDR3; Speed: 1600MHz
Memory Speed1600 MHz
Model NumberCMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
Number of Pins240
Mfr Part NumberCMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
Item Part NumberCMZ8GX3M2A1600C9
Memory GenerationDDR3
Compatible DevicesIntel and AMD Platforms
Data Transfer Rate1600 MHz
Memory Form FactorUDIMM
Additional FeaturesLightweight
Computer Memory Size8 GB
RAM Memory TechnologyDDR3

Ready to buy?

Corsair Vengeance 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3 1600 MHz PC3 12800 240-Pin DDR3 Dual Channel Memory Kit 1.5V (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

Buy on Amazon — $44.04

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.

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Corsair Vengeance 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) DDR3 1600 MHz PC3 12800 240-Pin DDR3 Dual Channel Memory Kit 1.5V (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9)
$44.04
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