We’ve come a long way since DDR3 SDRAM was introduced and yet it’s only been these past few months that the new memory technology has caught up. The fact that the DDR2 was more than enough to cater the needs of the Core 2 architecture hinders DDR3 adoption. But that has changed since Intel introduced its new line of processors with integrated memory controller that forces consumers to use DDR3, DDR2 support was simply abandoned leaving enthusiasts and consumers alike with no choice but to adapt. There really is nothing bad against the new memory, it consumes less power at 1.5 volts compared to 1.8 volts compared to its predecessor and is capable of running to speeds that DDR2 was not possible at a slightly slower latency.
However, I strongly believe that Intel opted to go with DDR3 because of a limitation on its integrated memory controller – low tolerance to voltage coming from the memory modules which puts it 1.65 volts. Anything higher and you kill the IMC (and the processor as a whole) which has been proven with suicide tests performed by extreme overclockers. Higher memory speeds with low latencies require voltage and the limit imposed by Intel is somewhat lot compared to what DDR2 was capable of because the previous chipset did not have such limitation. The last few months saw significant improvements with DDR3. Manufacturers have managed to squeeze every bit of performance from DDR3 memory chips with 1.65 volts as a limit in such a way that even DDR3-2200 speed has been achieved (at a premium price) with low latency. Now that my short history lesson is out of the way, let me discuss shortly how the memory frequency is obtained with the current Intel processors.
Memory frequency is obtained differently when compared to the previous architecture that was based on front-side bus. The FSB architecture determines memory speed via the FSB clock, memory divider (northbridge chipset) and the double data rate of the memory themselves. All these of course varies, from setting to setting and as an example, putting the FSB:DRAM ratio at 1:1 gives you a 200 MHz front-side bus speed and a 200 MHz memory speed (double the data rate and you get 400 MHz) hence, DDR2-400. Apply a different ratio and you get a memory speed that may not be equal to the FSB speed and yet the memory can still run at its rated specification as configured by the memory controller but let’s not dwell too much on the topic since we are here to focus on DDR3. DDR3’s frequency is determined by 2 things, the base clock and the memory multiplier. Each lineup from the LGA1156 has different memory multipliers which puts the memory frequency at standard settings. Below you’ll find a small table with different LGA1156 processors and their respective supported memory speed:
The new processors use a default base clock (BCLK) of 133 MHz this means that if we divide the memory frequency by the BCLK, we get the memory multiplier, for example; 1600 / 133 = 12. Core i7 processors under the LGA1156 socket can use 12 as the highest memory multiplier giving it a memory speed of 1600 MHz. So for 1333, the memory multiplier is 10, 1066 uses 8 and finally 800 uses 6. From the table you’ll also see the limitation of memory speeds supported by the different lineup of processors where 1600 is only available to LGA1156 Core i7. To attain a higher memory speed under the Core i5 processors, one would have to increase the base clock which makes perfect sense. Now that I have explained how the memory speeds are obtained, let’s move on to the memory kit that we will be looking into.
About Patriot Memory
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).
We understand the value of designing and responding quickly and intelligently to the rapid changes inherent in the memory module industry. This commitment to R&D enables us to deliver the best quality memory modules powered by the latest innovative technology.
Patriot's development and manufacturing facility are located in Fremont, California USA. Our manufacturing segment is composed of a highly skilled production staff and multiple production lines optimized for modules, giving Patriot the ability and resources necessary to provide a full line of memory module solutions.
To meet the growing global demand for its products, Patriot manufactures its Extreme Performance (EP), Dual Channel (DC) and Signature Line (SL) products in its own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with highly skilled staff in Fremont, California USA.
Patriot is a member of JEDEC. You can feel confident that your Patriot modules are of the highest quality available.
Patriot Memory ensures that every module meets or exceeds industry standards. The manufacturing process begins with high-quality components and ends with rigorous functional testing to ensure each module's reliability and compatibility.
Patriot Memory modules are approved by leading motherboard and system manufacturers such Intel, Tyan, Supermicro and Iwill. Patriot Memory is a member of Apple Developer Connection. Awards from such leading product review sites as XBit Labs, Anandtech, Tom's Hardware and Hot Hardware.com demonstrate Patriot EP and DC+XBLK memory modules set the standard for performance and reliability.
Patriot Viper II Sector 5 – Memory Exclusively for LGA1156 Intel Core i5, i7 Processors
The Patriot Viper II Series, part of the Extreme Performance (EP) line is the ultimate performance memory solution for extreme enthusiasts and PC gamers. Engineered for the highest speeds, lowest latency memory kits, the Viper II Series are built using only the highest quality pre-sorted IC's on the market ensuring both maximum quality and performance. Designed with an extruded aircraft-grade aluminum heat spreader, Viper II Series quickly dissipates heat from the modules that increases both stability and reliability during extreme overclocking conditions. Each module is 100% hand-tested for quality assurance and is backed by a full lifetime warranty and excellent customer service.
Features
The kit includes a free 3DMark Vantage serial key as indicated on the box and is fully secured with its blister pack from the inside which protects the modules from moving around inside during shipping. Once again, there is no 3DMark Vantage CD inside, you’d have to download a trial version and use the CD key in here to activate the installation. There is no mention however, that these are Intel XMP (eXtreme Memory Profile) capable memory modules. Aesthetics-wise, Sector 5 doesn’t disappoint. Black aluminum heatsinks coupled with black PCB is a killer combination. The height unfortunately, may post incompatibilities with low-clearance heatsinks depending on the orientation, it should fit just fine but then again, so are the rest of the performance modules available out there.
For those who are unfamiliar, Intel XP allows one to use higher than standard JEDEC frequencies at low timings without the need to manually tune the memory modules. The settings are embedded into the memory EEPROM and all one needs to do (given a motherboard that supports XMP), selects the profile through the BIOS. In this case, the memory is rated at DDR3-1800 CAS8 at 1.65 volts. Like I said earlier, Intel Core i5 processors has memory multiplier limit at 10 which if the default 133 BCLK is used, puts it at DDR3-1333 MHz. Enabling the XMP profile however, increases the BCLK to 180 and still uses giving it DDR3-1800 speed boost. Voltages for the memory and the integrated memory controller are also automatically adjusted to support low latency at 8-8-8-24 1T.
For some reason, Patriot didn’t include a profile for a standard JEDEC setting of DDR3-1333 MHz. I was curious if these modules can support 1333 MHz at a lower latency so I dropped down the frequencies to their default settings, hard set the voltage at 1.65 volts for the IMC and set the memory controller at 1.35 volts then started lowering down the latency and this is what I got:
Make no mistake; you are looking at DDR3-1333 with an ultra low CAS latency of 5. To put it into perspective, JEDEC standard latency for DDR3-1333 are the following; 7-7-7, 8-8-8, 9-9-9 and 10-10-10. What I have here is way below the standard at 5-5-5-15 and STILL at the maximum memory voltage limit at 1.65 volts which may have been lowered down if I had more time to play with them. This frequency has been tested with 5 runs of memtest86 with no errors! Let’s check out what these babies can do.
It’s obvious from this test the advantage of running the memory using its XMP profile. CAS5 may be a lot lower but if we consider the amount of data CAS8 at 1800 MHz can move, it has the clear advantage on all aspects especially with the memory copy.
These benchmarks all say the same thing; there is no reason for the average user to run this memory at stock speeds or even at DDR3-1333. Simply put, they are enthusiast’s memory and they should be configured at DDR3-1800 either by using the XMP profile for non-overclockers or a manual settings which theoretically, can give 300 MHz on BCLK with a 6 memory multiplier for 1800 at its specific voltage. Now that is very high headroom for your CPU, isn’t it?
The one thing that makes these memory kits stand out is after-market support; Fine Upgrades is the new distributor which means that if by any chance you’ll be having problems with a Patriot Memory kit that you purchased, support service is readily available given Fine Upgrade’s track record. This friends, will be the memory to test how the Asus Maximus Formula III fares. :)
However, I strongly believe that Intel opted to go with DDR3 because of a limitation on its integrated memory controller – low tolerance to voltage coming from the memory modules which puts it 1.65 volts. Anything higher and you kill the IMC (and the processor as a whole) which has been proven with suicide tests performed by extreme overclockers. Higher memory speeds with low latencies require voltage and the limit imposed by Intel is somewhat lot compared to what DDR2 was capable of because the previous chipset did not have such limitation. The last few months saw significant improvements with DDR3. Manufacturers have managed to squeeze every bit of performance from DDR3 memory chips with 1.65 volts as a limit in such a way that even DDR3-2200 speed has been achieved (at a premium price) with low latency. Now that my short history lesson is out of the way, let me discuss shortly how the memory frequency is obtained with the current Intel processors.
Memory frequency is obtained differently when compared to the previous architecture that was based on front-side bus. The FSB architecture determines memory speed via the FSB clock, memory divider (northbridge chipset) and the double data rate of the memory themselves. All these of course varies, from setting to setting and as an example, putting the FSB:DRAM ratio at 1:1 gives you a 200 MHz front-side bus speed and a 200 MHz memory speed (double the data rate and you get 400 MHz) hence, DDR2-400. Apply a different ratio and you get a memory speed that may not be equal to the FSB speed and yet the memory can still run at its rated specification as configured by the memory controller but let’s not dwell too much on the topic since we are here to focus on DDR3. DDR3’s frequency is determined by 2 things, the base clock and the memory multiplier. Each lineup from the LGA1156 has different memory multipliers which puts the memory frequency at standard settings. Below you’ll find a small table with different LGA1156 processors and their respective supported memory speed:
The new processors use a default base clock (BCLK) of 133 MHz this means that if we divide the memory frequency by the BCLK, we get the memory multiplier, for example; 1600 / 133 = 12. Core i7 processors under the LGA1156 socket can use 12 as the highest memory multiplier giving it a memory speed of 1600 MHz. So for 1333, the memory multiplier is 10, 1066 uses 8 and finally 800 uses 6. From the table you’ll also see the limitation of memory speeds supported by the different lineup of processors where 1600 is only available to LGA1156 Core i7. To attain a higher memory speed under the Core i5 processors, one would have to increase the base clock which makes perfect sense. Now that I have explained how the memory speeds are obtained, let’s move on to the memory kit that we will be looking into.
About Patriot Memory
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).
We understand the value of designing and responding quickly and intelligently to the rapid changes inherent in the memory module industry. This commitment to R&D enables us to deliver the best quality memory modules powered by the latest innovative technology.
Patriot's development and manufacturing facility are located in Fremont, California USA. Our manufacturing segment is composed of a highly skilled production staff and multiple production lines optimized for modules, giving Patriot the ability and resources necessary to provide a full line of memory module solutions.
To meet the growing global demand for its products, Patriot manufactures its Extreme Performance (EP), Dual Channel (DC) and Signature Line (SL) products in its own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with highly skilled staff in Fremont, California USA.
Patriot is a member of JEDEC. You can feel confident that your Patriot modules are of the highest quality available.
Patriot Memory ensures that every module meets or exceeds industry standards. The manufacturing process begins with high-quality components and ends with rigorous functional testing to ensure each module's reliability and compatibility.
Patriot Memory modules are approved by leading motherboard and system manufacturers such Intel, Tyan, Supermicro and Iwill. Patriot Memory is a member of Apple Developer Connection. Awards from such leading product review sites as XBit Labs, Anandtech, Tom's Hardware and Hot Hardware.com demonstrate Patriot EP and DC+XBLK memory modules set the standard for performance and reliability.
Patriot Viper II Sector 5 – Memory Exclusively for LGA1156 Intel Core i5, i7 Processors
The Patriot Viper II Series, part of the Extreme Performance (EP) line is the ultimate performance memory solution for extreme enthusiasts and PC gamers. Engineered for the highest speeds, lowest latency memory kits, the Viper II Series are built using only the highest quality pre-sorted IC's on the market ensuring both maximum quality and performance. Designed with an extruded aircraft-grade aluminum heat spreader, Viper II Series quickly dissipates heat from the modules that increases both stability and reliability during extreme overclocking conditions. Each module is 100% hand-tested for quality assurance and is backed by a full lifetime warranty and excellent customer service.
Features
- Extreme Performance PC3-14400 (1800MHz)
- EPP Ready
- Equipped with advance aluminum heat-dispersing shields
- 100% Tested and Verified
- Lifetime Warranty
- RoHS Compliant
The kit includes a free 3DMark Vantage serial key as indicated on the box and is fully secured with its blister pack from the inside which protects the modules from moving around inside during shipping. Once again, there is no 3DMark Vantage CD inside, you’d have to download a trial version and use the CD key in here to activate the installation. There is no mention however, that these are Intel XMP (eXtreme Memory Profile) capable memory modules. Aesthetics-wise, Sector 5 doesn’t disappoint. Black aluminum heatsinks coupled with black PCB is a killer combination. The height unfortunately, may post incompatibilities with low-clearance heatsinks depending on the orientation, it should fit just fine but then again, so are the rest of the performance modules available out there.
For those who are unfamiliar, Intel XP allows one to use higher than standard JEDEC frequencies at low timings without the need to manually tune the memory modules. The settings are embedded into the memory EEPROM and all one needs to do (given a motherboard that supports XMP), selects the profile through the BIOS. In this case, the memory is rated at DDR3-1800 CAS8 at 1.65 volts. Like I said earlier, Intel Core i5 processors has memory multiplier limit at 10 which if the default 133 BCLK is used, puts it at DDR3-1333 MHz. Enabling the XMP profile however, increases the BCLK to 180 and still uses giving it DDR3-1800 speed boost. Voltages for the memory and the integrated memory controller are also automatically adjusted to support low latency at 8-8-8-24 1T.
For some reason, Patriot didn’t include a profile for a standard JEDEC setting of DDR3-1333 MHz. I was curious if these modules can support 1333 MHz at a lower latency so I dropped down the frequencies to their default settings, hard set the voltage at 1.65 volts for the IMC and set the memory controller at 1.35 volts then started lowering down the latency and this is what I got:
Make no mistake; you are looking at DDR3-1333 with an ultra low CAS latency of 5. To put it into perspective, JEDEC standard latency for DDR3-1333 are the following; 7-7-7, 8-8-8, 9-9-9 and 10-10-10. What I have here is way below the standard at 5-5-5-15 and STILL at the maximum memory voltage limit at 1.65 volts which may have been lowered down if I had more time to play with them. This frequency has been tested with 5 runs of memtest86 with no errors! Let’s check out what these babies can do.
It’s obvious from this test the advantage of running the memory using its XMP profile. CAS5 may be a lot lower but if we consider the amount of data CAS8 at 1800 MHz can move, it has the clear advantage on all aspects especially with the memory copy.
These benchmarks all say the same thing; there is no reason for the average user to run this memory at stock speeds or even at DDR3-1333. Simply put, they are enthusiast’s memory and they should be configured at DDR3-1800 either by using the XMP profile for non-overclockers or a manual settings which theoretically, can give 300 MHz on BCLK with a 6 memory multiplier for 1800 at its specific voltage. Now that is very high headroom for your CPU, isn’t it?
The one thing that makes these memory kits stand out is after-market support; Fine Upgrades is the new distributor which means that if by any chance you’ll be having problems with a Patriot Memory kit that you purchased, support service is readily available given Fine Upgrade’s track record. This friends, will be the memory to test how the Asus Maximus Formula III fares. :)
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