Introduction:

Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC3-10600 4GB Dual Channel Memory

   Dare I say that DDR3 is finally worth the cost? Well, let's compare the history of DDR2 versus DDR3. When DDR2 first came out, it received the typical "hoo-hah" about how nice it was to see something new as long as it's fast. It was also unearthly expensive which is exactly where DDR3 had been up until the last couple of months.

The release of faster DDR3 modules has pushed prices down a bit. And with the updated JEDEC standards pushing DDR3 even lower in terms of the official supported voltage, current DDR3 will come down even further. Either way, pricing puts it well within the same respect as DDR2 at its matured inception.

Pricing aside, basic DDR3 performance is at least better now that current chipsets can take advantage of it's bandwidth. And, It's really there for overclocking enthusiasts! If there's one feature that has seems to come very easy for DDR3, it would be higher frequencies that even my beloved DDR2 can't match in terms of overclocking ratios. It's not uncommon to see 1600 MHz DDR3 reach 1800 MHz, especially if it's one of the upper echelon kits.

Can the standing question of whether or not it's worth upgrading your system be answered? Consider this, when DDR2 arrived, it was ushered in with the help of AMD's X2 dual core series. DDR3 has had no extra help and may not till at least the end of the year once Intel's Nehalem processor launches. But, I've been able to about hit the 13K memory bandwidth level on DDR3 where as DDR2 hasn't been able to go. It doesn't mean DDR2 is outdated or under rated, it just means that "real world" or realistic performance dictates you may not need anything higher.

But, DDR3 is fast becoming the new standard as all things computer change. Memory makers know that some standards don't have to be exceeded, but improved rather. Here is a good case and point. I have here a Crucial Ballistix Tracer DDR3 1333MHz 4GB Dual Channel Memory Kit. It's not, 1600 MHz, or 1800 MHz, but a solid supported 1333 MHz. What's so special about it? Check out the specs and I'll sum it up for you after.

Features & Specifications:

Ballistix Tracer DDR3 240-pin DIMM

Approximately 5.25 in. by 1.18 in. (133.35 mm by 30 mm)

What is Ballistix Tracer memory? Ballistix Tracer memory is specifically built for performance enthusiasts and case modders who want to push the performance envelope while adding flash appeal to their boxes. The Ballistix line of high-performance memory modules features advanced speed grades, low latencies, and integrated aluminum heat spreaders. Ballistix Tracer memory features a black PCB, black integrated heat spreaders, and one or two rows of eight "chasing" red and green LEDs atop the module, circulating in a random pattern based on memory utilization. A custom-designed circuit relays bus activity to the LEDs, allowing them to accurately reflect usage of each memory module. In addition, eight blue ground effects LEDs emit a constant glow near the pins.

For more information about the Ballistix memory line, please visit the Ballistix section of our Web site.

What is a Ballistix Tracer DDR3 240-pin DIMM?

Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMMs are found in DDR3 memory. DDR3 — the next generation of memory — boasts an improved architecture allowing very fast data transmission.

A Ballistix Tracer dual inline memory module (DIMM) consists of a number of memory components attached to a black printed circuit board. Gold pins, found on the bottom of the DIMM, provide a connection between the module and a socket on a larger printed circuit board. The pins on the front and back of a DIMM are not connected to each other.

To use DDR3, your system motherboard must have 240-pin DIMM slots and a chipset that supports DDR3 — which is a different technology than that of than its predecessors, DDR2 and DDR. DDR3 incorporates different sockets; they are not interchangeable or backward-compatible. (Information about which memory technology your system uses is included in the Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool.)

The number of black components on a Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM can vary, but it always has 120 pins on the front and 120 pins on the back, for a total of 240. Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMMs are approximately 5.25 inches long and 1.18 inches high, though the heights can vary. These 240-pin DDR3 DIMMs have only one notch within the row of pins, and each technology has the notch in a slightly different location on the module.
 

4GB kit (2GBx2), Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM (with LEDs), DDR3 PC3-10600 Memory Module BL2KIT25664TA1336 Module Size: 4GB kit (2GBx2) Package: Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM (with LEDs) Feature: DDR3 PC3-10600 Specs: DDR3 PC3-10600 • 6-6-6-20 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1333 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 •

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