Introduction

Patriot Viper Venom DDR5 6200 MHz CL40 32 GB (2x 16 GB)
Will it be as venomous as the real viper?

Patriot presented a new series of DDR5 memories in April; it’s the Viper Venom DDR5. Most kits come in 32 GB (2 x 16 GB), and their frequency is higher than the base 4800 MHz (5200-6400 MHz). We are checking the Patriot Viper Venom 6200 MHz CL40 DDR5 kit today. It’s the best model of the series. A quick reminder - DDR5 is the newest technology to hit the market, make headlines, and break world records. DDR5 already set spectacular results in overclocking (of course using the LN2), as 9560 MHz and even 10550 MHz.  DDR4 RAMs operate on a single 64-bit bus, while DDR5 has two 32-bit buses (plus, in both cases, an additional 8-bit for ECC). As a result, a single module is identified as Dual Channel, while two are identified as Quad Channel. However, the solution itself does not match the throughput of HEDT platforms with processors with a four-channel controller. The internal (A / B) channels of DDR5 RAM also share the RCD (Register Clock Driver), which provides more output signals and more extended pulse reading (8 vs. 16). The DDR5 comes with a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) from the most important things you need to know. It’s responsible for controlling voltage changes, optimizing the energy draw, and making it less demanding for the motherboard controller. The DDR4 nominal voltage is 1.2 V; for the DDR5, it’s 1.1 V. Typical XMP voltage for the older type of memory is 1.35V (sometimes 1.45 V); now, it’s mostly 1.25 V. Speaking of the XMP, till now, it was 2.0 revision, with the introduction of the DDR5 we’ve got the rev 3.0. The main difference is that the number of profiles has increased from three to five (three for the manufacturer settings and two placeholders for the users).

Most versions are available in 2 x 16 GB – but that shouldn’t be an issue as 32 GB is enough for most users. There are two variants available, one with the RGB lighting and the other – without it. The height of the memory module is 43 mm, so it’s a relatively low-profile form, which should make the problems with the (air) CPU coolers very rare. As for the compatibility – there’s a Z690 chipset given, as AMD didn’t release the compatible CPU/chipset yet (but that will change when the AM5 platform appears).

The Viper Venom DDR5 memory modules sport a two-tone exterior with a primary matte black design complemented with brushed aluminum accents. The kit we got is equipped with RGB, so the LED enjoyers should be happy (still – there’s a variant without the lighting). We’ll check the kit only on one platform, with Z690-based motherboards (Asus Z690 Maximus Apex) combined with the Intel Core i9 12900K. We are traditionally going to try and squeeze something more out of it, so the standard 6200 MHz probably is not the last word here (or at least we might manage to fine-tune the latencies). You can always stay on the safe side and stick to the advertised frequency and latencies using XMP 3.0. The default parameters look great, and so are the visual aspects – we need to check the performance then. The current price is ~ 285 USD, which sounds quite reasonable. A limited lifetime warranty backs the Viper Venom series. Ok, next page, please.