Patriot Viper 4 3400MHz CL16 PV48G340C6K 2x4GB DDR4 Review: Fast is the New Normal
Overclocking and Final Thoughts
As noted in the previous HyperX DDR4 2666MHz 8GB kit review, overclocking DDR4 memory is slightly different than with DDR3. Additional DRAM voltage is not going to help at all unless you have a good CPU for memory overclocking when it comes to 3400MHz+. Depending on the motherboard model or BIOS update, voltage must be raised for the System Agent and/or System IO before running anything over 3000MHz+. The Gigabyte Z170X-UD5 motherboard used to test the modules in this review did not automatically add voltage to both so they had to be manually (as of F4b beta BIOS) set while some motherboards such as EVGA’s Z170 FTW automatically increases VCCSA and VCCIO (tested on 1.05 BIOS) when needed so it was able to boot the Patriot Viper 4 3400MHz modules without any problems. With the Gigabyte Z170X-UD5, getting HyperPi stable was difficult at 3500MHz but on the EVGA Z170 FTW, a 3536MHz DRAM frequency with CL18 timings was very stable. The Z170 FTW set the IO and SA voltages at 1.2V even with just the XMP profile loaded but it works fine with just 1.1V IO voltage. This was just a quick overclocking without adding additional DRAM voltage (1.35V) and as with DDR3, DDR4 memory is very resilient so don’t be afraid to apply a bit more to see if there is headroom on your setup. This kit is more for those who want high value out-of-the-box performance rather than OC benchers, Patriot usually has their higher-end Viper Extreme line reserved for that.
Patriot actually announced 3600MHz 2x8GB Viper 4 kits at the same $169 MSRP as what was previously announced for the 3400MHz, which I am assuming are higher binned Samsung modules as well like the one we saw here and hopefully that will push the 3400MHz modules to an even lower price. Since we are dealing with NAND prices however, things can go up and down pretty fast but the important thing to consider is how the price is related to the competition and if it can stay in a very competitive product pricing. Even out of the box, 3400MHz show significant latency advantage and read speed performance, useful for those whose work require it. Even the ones who are sticklers and critical of the previous Viper module’s use of green PCB would be happy to see the black PCB to match their new high-end motherboards. Performance and value is really what it is about but attention to detail when it comes to looks can understandably be an issue for some but thankfully, the Viper 4 modules with their anodized aluminum tops keeps things interesting aesthetically. In terms of gaming however, the performance will be diminishing returns past 2666MHz and it will be more about capacity so choose your modules depending on what you intend to do with them. Still, future-proofing with faster memory is not a bad investment at this point as faster speeds in DDR4 is the new normal and Patriot’s Viper 4 modules are here to provide a value option.
[sc:must_have_award ]
