Introduction:

Well, the date came and went. Microsoft supposedly officially stopped offering Windows XP Pro. Support was also suppose to be discontinued, but that remains to be seen. Even though Vista is in some form of a "full swing", it's definitely not completely out of choice. There are still millions of people who look for an affordable Operating System upgrade and Vista isn't at the top of the list.

While Vista came to us promising impressive features, there wasn't enough to attract a following at launch. A statement recanted by many a readers continues to echo: "A fancy GUI (Graphic User Interface) and DirectX 10 alone isn't enough to convince me to upgrade. It just cost too much at first."

Well, users who have a large amount of system memory are all stuck between a rock and a hard case on this one. Windows XP 64-Bit was the first OS desktop users had that could tap in to 4GB and higher system memory. The problem with that OS was that there wasn't a large number of users needing that kind of memory support. Thus, there was very limited software and driver support.

There are far more users out there now that can put 4GB to use. This means we have to pick the only mainstream OS currently tapping in to that capability and that's Windows Vista 64-Bit. The upside to that is there is at least greater enthusiasm from vendors which means better drivers. I will at least concede that system building with Vista 64-Bit is far smoother now than at the beginning. Until Windows 7 reaches us (investors unite to drive MS to do well), we'll have to keep using Vista 64-Bit.

The Viper Package

The one upside to this is we at least have some really great 4GB memory kits to choose from to support our systems. Many a system have been built by these hands that have used the likes of OCZ, Patriot, G.Skill, Kingston, Corsair, and Super Talent. There have been no complaints with the modules selected either. Another great kit graciously offered up to us for review is the Patriot Viper 4GB PC3-12800 Dual Channel Memory Kit.

Specifications:

PC3-1600    
 
Patriot Extreme Performance (EP) Enhanced Latency line is engineered to expand your gaming capabilities. These modules are designed to operate at PC3-12800 (1600MHz) at 9-9-9-24 timings; and are available in 1GB single and 2GB kit capacities. They are equipped with Patriot Aluminum Bladed® Heat Shield technology to improve module stability and performance while operating under extreme pressure and overclocking conditions. Engineered with extreme performance and reliability in mind, Patriot Extreme Performance line is the ultimate solution for extreme Overclockers, Gamers, and PC Enthusiasts.

     F E A T U R E S

Extreme Performance PC3-12800 (1600MHz)

Low Latency (7-7-7-20)

Equipped Patriot Viper Heat Shields with integrated ACC (Aluminum Copper    Composite) technology

100% Tested and Verified

Lifetime Warranty

RoHS Compliant

XMP Ready

Tested and compatible with Intel P35 and X38 chipsets

Patriot Extreme Performance (EP) Low Latency line is engineered to expand your gaming options. These modules are designed to operate at 1600MHz at 7-7-7-20 timings and is available in 4GB kit capacity. Equipped with Patriot ACC (Aluminum Copper Composite) technology, these modules are designed for maximum performance and stability under extreme overclocking conditions. Engineered with quality and Performance in mind, Patriot Extreme Performance line is the ultimate solution for extreme overclockers, gamers, and PC enthusiasts.

    S P E C I F I C A T I O N S

    O R D E R I N G   I N F O

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