vengeance pro vs pro sl difference

[zzzsss]

hello, 

i recently decided to purchase this set, tho im not sure what is the differences between the two models are and how noticable (if at all) are they?
i did encounter this thread when looking, but its pretty old and im not sure if relevant.

the kit im intrested in purchasing is 2x16 3600 cl18 WHITE
also specifically for that kit, i could only find a white one as SL model, is there no regular white kit with these specs?

[c-attack]

The SL version is not as tall and offers better physical compatibility for those with low overhanging AIOs or compact cases.  In terms of the actual memory material inside, there is no difference.  A RAM module with 18-22-22-42 primary timings at 1.35v is going to be the same as another with the exact same timings.  The heatsink on the outside is just a shell and in this instance the Pro and SL versions are RGB identical as well, so if the timings and capacity are the same you are choosing purely on which physical appearance you prefer.  

 

To further muddy the waters, there is also the Vengeance RT kit.  Like the SL kit it was launched as a low profile model, but binned for higher frequency and better timings (more expensive).  However, at this point in the DDR4 life cycle there may not be as much difference in cost and it also is more common in white.  At 3600 there should be some overlap between the SL and RT lines.

 

Currently listed 2x16 DDR4 "white" kits.

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/c/memory/ddr4-ram?filter=formatted_tech_specs.Memory Color%3A%3AWHITE-formatted_tech_specs.Memory Size%3A%3A32

 

RT version

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/memory/cmn32gx4m2z3600c18w/vengeancea-rgb-rt-32gb-2-x-16gb-ddr4-dram-3600mhz-c18-memory-kit-a-white-cmn32gx4m2z3600c18w#tab-techspecs

[zzzsss]

1 hour ago, c-attack said:

The SL version is not as tall and offers better physical compatibility for those with low overhanging AIOs or compact cases.  In terms of the actual memory material inside, there is no difference.  A RAM module with 18-22-22-42 primary timings at 1.35v is going to be the same as another with the exact same timings.  The heatsink on the outside is just a shell and in this instance the Pro and SL versions are RGB identical as well, so if the timings and capacity are the same you are choosing purely on which physical appearance you prefer.  

 

To further muddy the waters, there is also the Vengeance RT kit.  Like the SL kit it was launched as a low profile model, but binned for higher frequency and better timings (more expensive).  However, at this point in the DDR4 life cycle there may not be as much difference in cost and it also is more common in white.  At 3600 there should be some overlap between the SL and RT lines.

 

Currently listed 2x16 DDR4 "white" kits.

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/c/memory/ddr4-ram?filter=formatted_tech_specs.Memory Color%3A%3AWHITE-formatted_tech_specs.Memory Size%3A%3A32

 

RT version

https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/memory/cmn32gx4m2z3600c18w/vengeancea-rgb-rt-32gb-2-x-16gb-ddr4-dram-3600mhz-c18-memory-kit-a-white-cmn32gx4m2z3600c18w#tab-techspecs

 

what about SPD speed? can you elaborate about what that is?

i saw that the pro version is 2666mhz vs SL version which is 2133mhz

[c-attack]

Frequency is the key determining factor in memory performance.  A 2x16GB set that is set to 4000 will be faster than a set at 3200.  Most of the time when you see RAM marketed, you will see the XMP overclock preset listed.  That's all those numbers like 3200, 3466, 3600, 4000, etc.  However, each RAM set has a base default clock speed determined by it's type and the CPU it's mated with.  Most manufacturers refer to this as "default" or JEDEC frequency.  Corsair has started listing this as SPD for whatever reason.  If you do not turn on the XMP preset, this is the memory frequency the RAM will take.  It does not have any meaning if you intended to use the XMP preset or otherwise manually set your RAM timings.  

 

As a secondary indicator, it does same say something about the origin period of the product.  When DDR4 first launched, 2133 was the default speed.  It would move up to 2666 and finally 3200 as years went by and with capable hardware.  On some level a lower SPD frequency like 2133 may be more compatible with a larger series of motherboards like low end models that don't allow frequencies in the 3200+ range.  In your case, it doesn't matter because you are presumably shopping for a 3600 kit and intend to run it at 3600.  No matter what the default setting may be, a 18-22-22-42 kit set to 3600 is the same as another 18-22-22-42 kit set to 3600.  For the kits you are comparing, they likely use the same IC type are identical in every way except the physical appearance.