Memory by stefan @ 2014-06-18
The Patriot Viper 3 (PVL38G160C9K) 8GB memory kit features a low-height heat spreader for maximum compatibility with beefy CPU coolers and can be overclocked quite a bit from the stock speed if we work a bit with the latencies along with the voltages.
At first we would like to thank Patriot Memory for offering a sample of their 8GB DDR3 1600MHz Viper 3 LP Memory Kit (PVL38G160C9K) for testing and reviewing.
“Mission Statement
To be the vendor of choice for the computer and consumer electronic industries with a commitment to service and quality
Vision
Commitment, focus on innovation in technology, product quality, and customer satisfaction are the key enablers of our future success
Company Profile
Established in 1985, Patriot Memory builds a full range of memory module and flash memory products, offering a perfect blend of quality and value. Patriot products include Extreme Performance (EP), Signature Lines (SL) and Flash Memory solutions (FM)”
Patriot’s Low Profile Viper 3 Series memory kits are designed with true performance in mind. Tested and qualified with Intel’s and AMD’s DDR3 compatible processors and chipsets, the Viper 3 Low Profile Series provides the best performance and stability for the most demanding computer environments.
Patriot has used a compact packaging for its latest Viper memory kit generations; for this article we were sent a dual channel 8GB set, with an operating frequency of 1600MHz. On the frontal layer of the box we will get to see how the modules really look like without unsealing the packaging:
On the back side we will get to see a product description in multiple languages:
After removing the top packaging layer, we will see the two RAM modules kept fixed inside a transparent plastic mold:
The Viper 3 memory is equipped with a light and high-performance heat spreader which ensures stability even in poor ventilated environments. The cooling system also presents itself with a low height in order to provide optimal clearance even when beefy CPU coolers are used:
Besides the company logo, we will see in the middle a larger product logo; Patriot have used a green PCB on this model and not black as we can see on high-end variants from different manufacturers:
If we switch the module on the other side, we will get to spot a larger sticker:
On the sticker we have the serial number, product code name, memory quantity of the whole kit, rated timings (CAS latency 9), operating speed, but also the default operating voltage:
If we look on the top side of the sink we will get to see how thin it is:
The Patriot logo has been used here again, which looks better in cases with Plexiglass windows, when we have all slots populated:
CPU: Intel I5 3570K Retail
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 OC
RAM: Currently tested kit
Video: HIS 280X
Power Supply: Cooler Master 850W
HDD: Hitachi 7K500 2.5''
Case: Cooler Master ATCS 840
The pre-programmed timings and frequencies can be also found by using AIDA64:
Right after confirming system stability with Memtest86 while at stock settings, we have jumped further at 1800MHz but at the same time we were forced to raise the voltage a bit and adjust the timings. Next, we went to 1866MHz and further to 2000MHz where we went up to C11. Lastly we have tried to achieve 2133MHz too, but we were unable to get full stability in Memtest.
The Patriot Viper 3 kits are available in dual or quad channel kits, from 8GB to 32GB while offering speeds from 1600MHz up to 2133MHz. These are rated at 1.5V and have preloaded XMP 1.3 profiles for easy configuration and compatibility. Low Profile heat spreaders are a big deal nowadays if we are not using an all-in-one water cooling system, since many high-performance CPU coolers have their heatsinks quite large and will get in the way when trying to mount the modules into the respective slots.
When discussing only about the tested kit, we can say that we were quite impressed with their overclocking ability, being able to drive them up to 2000MHz while fiddling a bit with the timings and not exceeding the safe memory voltage (1.65V). The only thing we did not like about the present kit is the PCB color, which is regular green and black could have looked much nicer.
The tested kit can be found online for about 80 Euros, a price where the majority of similar offerings from other manufacturers are positioned.
We would like to thank again to Patriot Memory for making this review possible!