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Testing Since the Gigabyte GA-EX58 motherboard did not work for us, we had to switch back to our trusty ASUS P6T Deluxe. For the processor we will be using the very popular Intel Core i7 2.66GHz processor. The test system was updated with the latest drivers and bios files as of the date of this review.
For today's testing I'll be sticking with SiSoft Sandra 2009 SP3 (beta). My objective here is to show you the capabilities of this Patriot Memory Triple Channel kit on the Core i7 platform. For stability testing I'll be running Sandra Burn-In test for one hour at each setting before the benchmark is accomplished. Due to the concerns with frying the processor by over-volting DDR3 on the Core i7 platform, Intel cautions users to not exceed 1.65v on the Core i7 platform. CPU-Z By using using a program like CPU-Z, we can read the internal memory profile to see what the true settings should be as set by the original manufacturer. With this kit we can see the CAS Latency timings should be set to 8-8-8-24-38-2t (CAS - RAS to CAS - RAS Precharge - tRAS - tRC - Command Rate) when operating at 1600MHz DDR. If your motherboard does not come equipped with XMP or is unable to detect the proper settings, you will need to manually change the CAS Latency memory timings in your motherboard.
Memory Timings Tests Now let's warm up the P6T and run the memory though a series of latency timing tests to see just what is's capable of at its default DDR3 speed of 1600MHz.
The latency timings tests were very impressive. In fact I'd say I had a hard time forcing the memory to fail. It was until I changed the latency timings to a ridiculous 6-6-6-20-1t did the system finally fail. I discovered that this memory will operate at an amazing 7-7-7-20-1T with very little effort. However, there was very little increase in the benchmark score. Overclocking Next we set the timings back down to default and then ramp up the DDR3 bus speed. Let's see what happens.
The overclocking tests were even more impressive. I was able to take the DDR3 speed all the way up to 2133MHz, but the system wasn't 100% stable. The best performance came at 1866MHz with a Sandra score of 30,854! Overclocking & Latency Combined Now let's try to find that sweet spot of latency timings and DDR3 speed combined.
At 1866MHz DDR3, I found it extremely difficult to lower the latency timings at all without effecting stability. After several days of testing, I've settled on 8-8-8-24-1T at 1866MHz. This produced an average score of 31,353 MB/s in SiSoft Sandra. Conclusion Unfortunately, we didn't break our in house record for a triple channel kit, but we came very close. Frankly, I'm very surprised that Patriot Memory isn't marketing this memory as having tighter latency timings. As is, this memory allows for some excellent overclocking fun! For those who are planning to overclock, try shooting for 8-8-8-24-1T at 1866MHz DDR3. Once again Patriot Memory has a great product that is extremely stable with loads of overclocking headroom. The Viper Series also looks great for those who have a window mod in their case. Too often we see "overclocking memory" that is already overclocked which has zero overclocking headroom. This is definitely not the case here. The Patriot Memory Viper Series kit part number PVT36G1600LLK is one of the best triple channel memory kits we have tested to date and we highly recommend it as your next memory upgrade!
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