Patriot Memory PC2-6400 LLK Dual Channel Memory

Introduction:

Patriot Memory has been an official name since 2004 as they part of PDP Systems which is a very well known OEM memory module manufacturer producing some fantastic modules since 1985. Chances are you have seen some PDP, Patriot memory based on Samsung TCCD memory modules built with the Brain Power PCB. These were among the very first extreme overclockable memory modules coveted by many an extreme enthusiast, including yours truly.

Patriot originally launched the PC-3200 DDR Dual Channel XBLK memory kit which rose to the top quickly and was the first scalable memory module. The memory kit could operate at PC-3200 (400MHz) @ 2-2-2-5 memory timings and would operate just as easily at PC-4800 (500MHz) @ 3-3-3-8 memory timings using specified voltages. Essentially, the RAM modules are native PC-4800 modules that can run at any frequency up to 500MHz. This has always been one of Patriot Memory's signature features that makes their performance memory worth every penny.

Patriot sent us their PC2-6400 PDC22G6400LLK DDR2 Dual Channel Memory kit which features this same coveted capability. The LLK denotes that the memory also uses the lower 4-4-4-12 memory timings at 800MHz. The memory is also capable of operating at a faster frequency using specified voltages. What are the benefits and performance gains choosing this kind of scalable memory? Read on and find out.

Features & Specs:

• PC2-6400 Operating at 800MHz

• Offered in both Single Modules and Dual Channel Paired Kits

• Available in various capacities up to 2GB paired kits

• Compatible with both nVidia nForce4 SLI and Intel 9xx chipsets

• Tested at Low Timings of 4-4-4-12 at 2.2V

• 100% Hand Tested

• SPD Programmed to standard 5-5-5-15 values

• Premium Aluminum Heat Spreaders with our own Bladed Technology

• Life Time Warranty

A Closer Look:

Computer users have forgotten that you do not have to buy the exact same speed memory that your current PC uses unless you never intend to upgrade.  In the early days of DDR modules, systems that originally came with PC-2100, could also use PC-3200. The system would automatically down clock the memory speed. This is where an upgrade to the faster memory modules makes sense in that as you upgrade your system components, you wouldn't have to shell out more money for the faster memory. Instead, you would already have it on hand. All that needs to be the same is the type of memory, whether it's DDR, DDR2, or Rambus.

So, let's say your current system uses only PC2-5400 or lower DDR2 memory and you intend on upgrading in the future to take advantage of the faster Intel or AMD dual core systems. You could easily try hunting down some more PC2-5400 memory or you can buy the Patriot PC2-6400LLK memory spending a little more eliminating one less item you have to buy for your upgrade later. Your system will simply operate the 800MHz memory at 667MHz. If you are an avid or extreme user who likes to overclock your system, the faster memory modules will also provide a better chance of a higher, stable overclock.

Package Back

Close Up

Package Front

Many of the Patriot Memory 'Extreme' series work in the same way. Patriot has chosen to use faster memory modules in their PC2-6400 and PC2-8000 Extreme memory kits. This allows the stock memory specifications to be increased since the memory sticks have the same modules . In this case, the memory operates at a stock frequency of 800MHz using 4-4-4-12 memory timings. These same modules also operate at a frequency of 1000MHz using higher 5-5-5-15 memory timings.

Left

Above

Right

Now, for the current regular or avid computer users, this is good news. If you aren't ready to upgrade to a faster processor or motherboard, you can still use the PC2-6400LLK till you do. And if your system is falling behind in performance, it may be possible to get more mileage out of your current system if you dare to cross over and learn the black art of overclocking.

Gun Metal Black

Close Up

Timings

The Patriot PC2-6400LLK Extreme Performance memory uses gun metal black heat spreaders which can be found on all the LLK (Low Level Latencies) series. Some kits may have come with the red heat sinks in the past, but current kits are all gun metal black. The spreaders are flat and very clean. The Patriot logo reflects light pretty easily and stands out the most. Using these kinds of heat spreaders help keep the cost of the memory kits down. Much fancier heat spreaders can add $25.00 or more to each memory stick which means the cost of the kits will be higher. After talking with Patriot marketing, they were very adamant about keeping the cost of the modules down. They would much rather provide better or top of the line memory kits using their best modules as opposed to giving you a fancy heat sinks. And we would all rather get a top notch product for our hard earned money than just a shiny paper weight.

Present...Arms!!

Installation and Testing:

Following the typical memory stick installation method (Match memory stick notch to the motherboard DIMM notch, the ram seated perfectly first time. After double checking that the DIMM socket clamps locked in to place. The system powered up and recognized the memory displaying the proper timings and frequencies. Entering the BIOS, the system booted under AUTO memory settings. The memory's specifications indicate that it is SPD Programmed to 400MHz @ 4-4-4-15 and 500MHz @ 5-5-5-15 which was confirmed by CPUZ.

Test System	Setting the BIOS
Prepared to Rock!	Close Up

Testing was performed using Sisoft Sandra XI Professional which is Sisoft's latest release. Sandra has always proven to be a very reliable benchmarking program and has become a staple among all the VH techs. To properly test the hardware for stability, Fear, Code Creatures, and Prime95 were used.

CPUZ

Memory

Default SPD