Patriot Viper VPN100 (PCIe NVMe)

Viper is a gaming-focused brand from Patriot – a well-known name in memory products including RAM and SSDs. Released in 2019, the Viper VPN100 is Patriot’s first entry in the high-end M.2 SSD form factor, using a Phison controller and 3D TLC NAND. Other distinguishing features include an external temperature sensor and a very large heatsink.

Overview: Memory Type, Controller and Cache

The Patriot Viper VPN100 uses 64-layer 3D TLC (triple-level cell) NAND, which is the most commonly used memory type in high-end SSDs as of 2019. Only a few rare exceptions such as the Samsung 970 PRO (MLC) and Intel Optane 800p (3D XPoint) use more expensive and generally better-performing memory chips.

Most of the disadvantages with TLC NAND can, however, be compensated using an efficient controller in combination with caching techniques. Patriot’s Viper VPN100 uses a Phison PS5012-E12 (also used in the MyDigitalSSD BPX Pro), as well as an SLC-mode (single-level cell) cache and a 512 MB DRAM buffer.

Viper VPN100 Performance

While the VPN100 offers high sequential transfer rates across all capacities, random performance in IOPS varies a great deal. To get maximum performance from the Patriot SSD you have to invest in the 1TB capacity.

Thanks to the large heatsink and temperature sensor, the VPN100 should be less sensitive to thermal throttling than the average high-end M.2 SSD.

Power Consumption (Laptop Suitability)

Patriot did not provide power consumption data for the Viper VPN100 at the time of writing. It is likely comparable to the nearly identical BPX Pro, however, which is rated at < 900 mW (idle) and < 2 mW (PCIe L1.2 idle). Of course, as long as the large heatsink is attached, the VPN100 is unlikely to fit in any laptop.

Warranty and Endurance Rating

Patriot provides no endurance ratings other than a 2,000,000 hour MTTF (mean time to failure) number, which is not particularly useful. The 3-year warranty is also lower than the 5 years offered with most drives in this category.

Expert Reviews

eTeknix, Bohs Hansen:

Patriot delivers impressive performance, good cooling, and an impressive look with their Viper VPN100 SSD.

FunkyKit, Bartosz Waluk:

Patriot Viper VPN100 512GB is clearly one of the best options on the market if we are looking for a top SSD for our daily challenges.