The Viper 3 kit is presented in a cardboard packet – the packaging lists the type, capacity and speed of the memory and even has a window to lure consumers in and get a first glimpse of this DDR3 kit. There is nothing on the back aside from a very short description of the product and a serial number.

The modules are encased within a blister pack that simply unclips – you do not need to use a knife and destroy the packaging in order to get at the product itself. It’s good to see that Patriot have used such a method.



There are no bundled items with this kit so we will go straight into examining the modules themselves. First things first; this kit is simply one of the best looking DDR3 products we have seen, cosmetically the black PCB and corresponding black heat-spreaders are an enthusiast eye candy. Being “Black Mamba” edition this particular kit has been tailored in such a fashion, there are other colours available but I can see why this option would be the most popular. Combine them with a respective Z77 motherboard such as GIGABYTE Z77X-UD5H or ASRock Z77 Extreme4 and you have one stealthy looking setup indeed.





Although Viper 3 can be deemed low-profile, the aluminium heat-spreaders still extend above the modules themselves. This extension is a mere 1.3cm and shouldn’t present any clearance issues for big CPU coolers. It certainly didn’t present any problems with the Alpenfohn K2 used in the testing procedure later in this review.



Flipping one of the sticks over, Patriot have given the Viper 3 a specifications label detailing the speed, CAS latency, voltage and capacity of this kit – 2133MHz 11-11-11-27 @ 1.5v. The product number identifier is also found on this label; should you need it for technical support.