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Solid DDR4 Option!
Review Summary
The Patriot Viper Elite 8GB DDR4 is a commendable choice for users seeking reliable performance and moderate overclocking potential. Its sleek gray design, XMP 2.0 readiness, and solid performance make it an attractive option. However, the heat spreaders might feel flimsy and lack refined finishing, which might affect their durability and aesthetics.
Hours Tested: 8-9
Overall
-
Performance - 8/10
8/10
-
Design - 8/10
8/10
-
Features - 8/10
8/10
-
Value - 8/10
8/10
Pros
- Reliable performance
- Good overclocking potential
- XMP 2.0 readiness
Cons
- Flimsy heat spreaders
Patriot has sent us the Patriot Viper Elite memory for review. Today, we will be taking a look at their Elite series 8GB kit of DDR4. Viper Elite series DDR4 is available in three colors of the heat shields options; Red, Blue, and Gray. The kit we are reviewing has a Gray color heat shield. This patriot viper elite review series starts at 2133MHz and goes up to 3200MHz in the capacity of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB. This series carries limited lifetime warranty from Patriot Memory.
Key Takeways
- The Viper Elite 8GB DDR4 is suitable for users seeking reliable performance and moderate overclocking potential in a single module kit.
- This RAM might not suit enthusiasts looking for top-tier heat spreader finishing or seeking a sleek, low-profile design due to slight refinement needs and a standard height.
- Stand-out features of the Viper Elite 8GB DDR4 include its commendable overclocking potential, reliable performance, and the XMP 2.0 readiness for easy setup and configuration.
- Why you can trust Tech4Gamers: Our reviews are based on dedicated hands-on testing by our team of experienced hardware experts. Find out more about how we test.
Here are the specifications:
Packaging
The DDR4 module comes in a standard cardboard box packaging of dark red and maroon colors.
The front displays the Patriot and Viper brand names, with a silver/white sticker below the latter containing basic info: an 8GB DDR4 kit clocked at 2400MHz (19200 MB/s or PC4-19200). Notably, it’s optimized for Intel X99 and 100 series. Patriot, does this mean it does not support AMD platforms? It supports XMP 2.0, operates in dual channel, and the right side offers a clear view of the RAM module through a see-through section.
The Viper brand name is on the box’s back, while key features are highlighted in nine languages. This Gamer Certified kit by Patriot Memory, made in Taiwan, is RoHS compliant and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Contact details and social media information for the company are on the right side. The kit’s serial number is on a white sticker at the bottom right.
The RAM is placed inside a plastic shell inside the box.
Design
The patriot viper elite review 8GB DDR4 is a single module kit i.e 1x8GB one. It has a beautiful gray color and silver colors heat spreader/heat shield. The top side has only gray color on it.
The kit has a black PCB while the heat spreader is pasted on the PCB using an adhesive tape. As this is a single sided kit, so to have asymmetry, the other side has a black foam padding on the heat spreader. The Viper is utilizing the 8x Samsung ICs, each of 1GB on this kit. The height of the module is 43mm making it sitting between High Profile to Low Profile kits.
Length of the module is 133mm and depth is 11.37mm. There is approximately 0.3mm gap on both edges where the heat spreader is not covering the PCB. This is to ensure the proper latching of the module on the motherboard’s DIMM slots. The top side of the module has a gray color tone to it which looks pleasant. It has a Viper brand name printed on it in the white color.
The heat spreaders on the sides have silver colors whereas there far ends towards the right side have a gray color block with Viper brand logo printed on them in the white color. There is a Viper brand name printed on the bottom left sides of the module. This side has Viper brand logo’s watermarked on the aluminum surface creating a visually stunning look to the module.
There is a sticker pasted on one of the sides. It has module’s serial/part no printed on the top which is PVE48G240C6GY. There is a P logo on the right side of this sticker. If I am to decode this part no it would go something like this, Patriot Viper Elite DDR4 8GB 2400MHz CL16 Gray. Removing this sticker would void the warranty.
There is an offset on the right side’s top (depending upon if you are looking at the non-sticker side). Finishing on the terminating ends of the heat spreaders could be further refined. There are 9 angled cutouts on the top of each side of the heat spreader. This is to ensure the effective heat dissipation and flow of fresh air.
Overall look and feel of the kit is good though the finishing of the aluminum heat spreader would need further refinement. As the two heat spreaders are superimposed on the top side, they can be easily pressed into each other giving a flimsy feeling.
Performance
We have tested this drive on the X99 platform. The test bench setup is as follows:
- Intel Core i7 6850k
- Asus Rampage V Edition 10
- Noctua NH-U14S
- Samsung 840 EVO 250GB SSD
- Seagate 2TB Barracuda
- Colorful iGame GTX 1050Ti
- Corsair AX1200i
Here’s a look at the CPU-Z menu for the memory:
We have used the AIDA64 Extreme and SiSoftware Sandra suite to test the performance of the kit. We have tested the kit at JDEC’s default specification of 2133MHz, with XMP and then with the overclocking. The CPU Strap and BCLK were set to 100 for the 2133MHz and XMP testing. For overclocking the kit the BCLK of 125 was used and CPU Strap was set to 125 as well. Check out our RAM overclocking guide if you’re looking to overclock as well.
The BIOS version of 1703 was used on the Asus motherboard and were able to push the kit to 2750MHz OC using 1.350 DRAM Voltage which is quite remarkable in terms of power efficiency. This is a 350MHz boost over the rated or base frequency of the kit.
Though we did not test further but it seems like these kits have good overclocking headroom. Not only we were able to push the memory frequency above the rated 2400MHz (with XMP 2.0) but we were able to squeeze a bit of the timings as well with 15-17-17-36 CR2.
Granted, this is not a significant drop but given the input of 1.350 DRAM voltage with 2750MHz boosted frequency, its an impressive performance. The other kit in the testing is the Corsair Vengeance 1x8GB DDR4 @ 2666MHz. Let’s take a look at the results.
Results
Should You Buy It?
So, is this the right memory for you?
Buy It If:
✅ You prioritize aesthetics: The sleek gray design and Viper branding offer a visually pleasing addition to your system.
✅ Performance matters: This RAM kit delivers strong performance on the test bench, showcasing good overclocking potential and headroom.
Don’t Buy It If:
❌ You prefer sturdier build quality: The superimposed heat spreaders may feel flimsy and lack the desired finishing on their ends.
❌ You are looking for a different aesthetic: If the gray color and Viper branding don’t match your system’s aesthetics, this might not be the best fit.
Final Words
The Viper Elite is a sleek gray module with a silver heat spreader. It’s designed for Intel 100/200 platforms, featuring XMP 2.0 readiness and a 288-pin layout. Utilizing 8x Samsung ICs, it sits at a height between High Profile and Low Profile kits, measuring 43mm in height, 133mm in length, and 11.37mm in depth.
The aesthetic appeal is decent, although the aluminum heat spreader’s finish could use some improvement. The overlapping heat spreaders on the top side can feel flimsy and would benefit from better finishing on their ends. Despite this, during testing, the kit showcased excellent overclocking potential and performance, proving reliable even under increased voltage. Patriot Memory’s Viper Elite 8GB DDR4 has left a positive impression overall.
We are thankful to Patriot Memory for allowing us to review their Viper Elite 8GB DDR4 kit.
Next Up: Patriot Viper LED White DDR4 16GB Review
Recent Updates
- December 9, 2023: Few text changes to improve readability. Also added image galleries.
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[Hardware Reviewer & Editor]
Meet Nauman Siddique, a highly experienced computer science graduate with more than 15 years of knowledge in technology. Nauman is an expert in the field known for his deep understanding of computer hardware.
As a tech tester, insightful reviewer, and skilled hardware editor, Nauman carefully breaks down important parts like motherboards, graphics cards, processors, PC cases, CPU coolers, and more.
- 15+ years of PC Building Experience
- 10+ years of first-hand knowledge of technology
- 7+ years of doing in-depth testing of PC Hardware
- A motivated individual with a keen interest in tech testing from multiple angles.
- I majored in Computer Science with a Masters in Marketing
- Previously worked at eXputer, EnosTech, and Appuals.
- Completed Course in Computer Systems Specialization From Illinois Tech
Get In Touch: nauman@old.tech4gamers.com
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