Virtual-Hideout | Crucial 2x1GB Ballistix Tracer PC2-8500 Memory Kit Review

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Crucial 2x1GB Ballistix Tracer PC2-8500 Memory Kit Review

Date Published:
06-27-2007

Written By:
Diceman

Edited By:
Diceman

Provided By:
Crucial Memory

Where to Buy:
Crucial Store

Discuss Article:
VH Forum link

Pages: 1 2 3

Crucial 2x1GB Ballistix Tracer PC2-8500 Memory Kit

Introduction:

For any of you that have read my previous review of the Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC2-6400 memory kit, you know just how much I love this memory. The look, the performance and now the price for DDR2 is just unbeatable. I gave it an easy Editors Choice award back then and I have pretty much been using that kit in my personal rig until a new package from Crucial arrived recently; the PC2-8500 Ballistix Tracer Kit! Same bling, higher speeds. Other than the higher stock speed rating, there is absolutely no difference from the PC2-6400 kit I already reviewed. In fact, my guess it's the same exact kit just hand selected to overclock nice and stable at 1066...or more :)

The high performance "Ballistix" brand of memory from Crucial has been among the best memory you can buy for a long time now. A good portion of that reason is because of their use of high end Micron chips in their memory products. Hardcore enthusiasts know that Micron IC's are the best, period. You'll pay more for them (though the prices of DDR2 right now are at an all time low!), but they're worth it if you plan on running them hard. They overclock the highest, they'll suck up higher voltages when overclocking (therefore allowing higher speeds), and they're more stable than virtually any other memory chips out there.

Many other memory companies out there buy their high end chips from Micron for their top end high performance kits. So obviously, with Crucial being owned by Micron, they get first dibs and can sell it direct to the consumer. If you've read any of our other memory reviews here on VH, you can almost pick out which kits used the Micron chips by the overclocking results and the editors choice awards. They're just that good and that sought after.

Features:

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 two rows of eight "chasing" red and green LEDs atop the module, circulating at varying speeds proportional to usage. 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.

Module Specifications:

Module Size: 2GB kit (1GBx2)
Package: Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM (with LEDs)
Feature: DDR2 PC2-8500
Configuration: 128Meg x 64
DIMM Type: Unbuffered
Error Checking: NON-ECC
Speed: DDR2-1066
Voltage: 2.2V
Memory Timings: 5-5-5-15

Packaging:

Well Protected

..From Static Too!

Crucial ships their memory products very professionally, as well as very well protected. No clear plastic packaging here. Crucial seals their individual memory modules in anti-static sleeves, and then puts them into cardboard slots inside a sealed cardboard box. If you've ever ordered a product from dell, then you know this is the same way. It just goes to show you what sets the biggest companies apart from the up and comers.

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