Conclusion:We had a fun time with this Patriot Viper Extreme memory; from the first time we opened the shipping package and saw this elegant little white box inside to the very last benchmark on the P5K3-Dlx. The Viper Extreme always seemed willing and able to do what we asked. We have had a handful of DDR3 come through the doors here at Hardware Canucks and they have all impressed at some point or another, some more than others and some a little less than the rest. This Patriot kit is sitting near the top but not quite on the crest of the hill.
The fit and finish of these modules is certainly impressive, as is the package with the windowed opening and tasteful design. The Viper Fin heat sinks made from an aluminum copper composite definitely have some elements that we haven't seen before. If we had to sum up the Viper Extreme memory in one word it would have to be...fresh. There is just something about these modules sitting in the test bed that make them seem "so fresh and so clean" as Big Boi would say.  We almost got through a DDR3 review without discussing the cost of this memory but not quite. DDR3 is still on the higher end of the scale when compared to DDR2 but heck, so is a Happy Meal from McDonalds. DDR2 memory is still so bloody cheap right now that it is really hard to justify the cost of DDR3. Patriot has done an amazing job in their pricing of not only these modules but the lower rated PC3-12800 Viper Extreme and we should start to see head way in the coming months as far as prices go. For those that want the absolute most performance though, DDR3 is definitely the way to go.
As for the performance, well, right now there isn't anything out there that can top The Viper Extreme PC3-15000 in rated frequency and we saw some very competitive and impressive overclocking at all timing sets. It would have been nice to see some higher stable frequencies but that is the motherboard limiting things and not so much the memory. Let's be honest though, when the memory is rated for DDR3-1866, how much more does one really need? Well, if your into benchmarking there is never enough so to see these modules do some really exciting overclocking where stability isn't the main focus, join us in the discussion thread. The link can be found below. Pros:- Ridiculously high specifications
- Our sample had no problems with passing our noted "tough" stability testing at specifications
- Overclocking at 6-6-5 and 7-7-6 was better than we expected for a highly binned CL8 memory
- One of the more esthetically pleasing modules and package presentations
- A solid lifetime warranty backing these modules up
Cons:- As much as Patriot has done to price these modules well, DDR3 goodness still requires some $$$
- DDR3-1833 is pushing the limits of the P35 memory controller in our experience, some users may not reach specified ratings at no fault of the memory
We like to hear feedback here at Hardware Canucks so feel free to bring up any questions or comments in the Discussion thread for the Patriot Viper Extreme 2x1GB PC3-15000 CL8 kit.
Review by: Jody Bailey
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