Testing:

All Platforms 1600 MHz Capable

P35 Maximum FSB

A maximum memory frequency of 2148 MHz was achieved on the Zotac 790i SLI Ultra which is still insane as far as memory frequencies go. The memory timings had to be relaxed just a bit to maintain this frequency. On the plus side, the kit maintained 2100 MHz at 9-9-9-27 with extra voltage. If you have an EVGA 790i, you're results may be even better.

Heck, the kit even seemed to hold 2000 MHz at a 1T Command Rate, though it has been strongly discouraged by the "powers that be" since it's running out of spec and would eventually break down. Getting it there wasted a lot time finding the right memory settings and voltages, not to mention wasn't achievable on all the boards. To be honest, comparing 1T to 2T, the results aren't dramatic enough to warrant all the trouble of risking the life of the memory kit. Overclocking fanatics, beware!

2T (Default) Command Rate	1T Command Rate
7562 MB/s 2T	7666 MB/s 1T

Several attempts were made to see if the memory could handle 8-x-x-24 (CAS 8) timings at 2000 MHz. But, all attempts to maintain stability resulted in random issues. It's mainly the CAS 8 that caused issues since 9-8-8-24 was at least stable as long as extra voltage was again applied.

Conclusion:

The crucial link in the chain for getting the best performance from the Patriot Viper PC3-16000 2GB Memory Kit is whether or not your motherboard and processor can handle Front Side Bus increases. If your Nvidia or Intel chipset based motherboard can't give you something upwards of at least 1600 MHz FSB, then you won't really be tapping in to the bulk of the memory's potential.

Nvidia 790i users can at least expect great things from the BIOS memory and CPU Bus Link option. A quick change to a memory setting or two and you're running at 2000 MHz. But, again, you'll get much better results if you at least tap in to your processor's 1600 MHz FSB potential.

Intel based chipsets are just now reaching the 1900 to 2000 MHz FSB area with flawless success. Due to the automatically linked CPU Bus and Memory frequencies, you'll need a very capable motherboard to use the memory to its rated frequency. So, older DDR3 motherboards will have a more difficult time keeping up. There is a huge "however" in this regards. For those who pick this up in hopes that their future processor or motherboard upgrade will allow for such an experience, the memory works extremely well at slower frequencies yet with much lower and better timings. It's built with the most aggressive memory ICs to date which make everything that much more possible. 

Viper Memory!

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