As with every other memory package we receive at Overclockers Online, the PDC2G4000ELK arrived in its own blister package.



The back of the package is pretty bland; an insert has been used to describe the package contents as well as a few features common to Patriot Memory products.


On the other side of the insert, Patriot Memory has expanded on the lifetime warranty by noting a technical support phone number you can call.



Pulling the sticks out of the blister package we see that Patriot Memory has opted for a slightly different heatsink. Instead of the flat heatsinks or a honey-comb grilled model, they have opted for a finned solution.



The use of fins will increase the surface area and thus heat transfer. Also fixed onto the heat spreader is the Patriot logo and a DDR logo.

Like many memory manufacturers, Patriot Memory is a victim of the oversized product label.



While it provides the specifications to the product and the warranty sticker, companies need to adopt a new label that does not require so much surface area. Perhaps Patriot Memory could stamp out the specifications on a thin sheet of aluminum and attach that to the heat spreader. This will provide all the specifications to the buyer, looking nice and most importantly, not negatively affect heat transfer as the aluminum will transfer from the memory stick to the air.

From this angle, we get a better view of the finned heat sink.



Another feature worth noting is how the heatsink is attached onto the ICs. Most heat spreaders of this nature are lined with a strip of thermal tape to enhance heat transfer and clamped onto the PCB. Patriot Memory has opted to go without the clip.



We will see later on in the review the thermal tape they use for bonding. First, let's move onto the specifications.