Patriot PC2-9600 C5

It's the Mel Gibson of RAM stickage. 'Mad Max' Mel, that is.

The general consensus for PC2-9600 memory is to employ alpha timings of 5-5-5-15 at a 2T command rate, on occasions using even looser latencies. Patriot differentiates itself by providing a stock specified kit with alpha timings of 5-5-5-12 at a 2T command rate. This straightaway adds weight to the fact that the chips used are from the top level of the binning process.

Due to this initial impression, we were keen to see what these modules could do.

With the processor set to a 333MHz FSB with a 9x multiplier, we set the memory in unlinked mode and manually forced DDR2-1200 5-5-5-12 2T.

The Patriot PC2-9600 C5 kit benched comfortably at their stock settings. In return the modules gave the expected stellar results as would be customary of a kit of memory at this frequency and timings.

Wondering how many more megahertz we could get while maintaining the 5-5-5-12 timings and 2T command rate, we extended the frequency to DDR2-1250 – the same stock frequency of the Corsair Dominator PC2-10000 kit. Again the modules benched comfortably.

Onwards we pushed though it seemed the modules had gotten just too comfortable – there was nothing to be had above DDR2-1250.

After having experienced the ease at which these modules maintained DDR2-1250, it was time to see what C4 timings could do.

Setting the modules to 4-4-4-12, we began to raise the memory frequency. We grinned happily as the modules strolled over and above DDR2-1000, as would be expected of Micron D9-based modules. Expecting to experience hiccups around DDR2-1050, we were pleasantly greeted by a maximum frequency of DDR2-1185 at 4-4-4-12 2T!

With the Super Pi 4M result lacking slightly we tightened the RAS# to RAS# Delay (tRRD) to 4, from 5, and the Row Refresh Cycle time (tRC) from 30 to 25. These changes greatly increased the performance of the modules at C4 latencies and shaved a whopping 1.453s off of Super Pi 4M.

Topping out at an impressive DDR2-909 at 3-3-3-8 with a 2T command rate, these modules proved to be very comfortable with low latencies and high frequencies – especially at C4.

With Patriot making moves into the Australian market over the following months, along with a number of other overseas manufacturers, this is very welcome competition in the Australian DDR2 scene.