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Best viewed @ 1024 x 768 and higher
The Modules: If you've got a knowledgeable eye you'll notice this kit looks exactly like the 800MHz kit I've already reviewed. Since I've pretty much said it all previously, here's what I had to say about them in my previous review and the same holds true to this kit... After I broke the seal on the anti-static bags (by making a slice with a razor knife), the first thing you'll notice about this kit is the heat spreaders. They're actually quite thin compared to some other memory I've reviewed in the past. This will have two effects, one good and one not so good. The good being you can position these two modules very close together on the motherboard. The bad being slightly less heat dissipation. Meaning there's less material there to help absorb, and therefore dissipate the heat generated. However the feel of the heat spreaders bond to the modules is very strong so I suspect there won't be an issue with overheating. (Update: There is no noticeable heat generated. They're barely warm to the touch even when running 24/7 for weeks on end!) Onto the integrated LED's at the top of the modules, well they're so small, you can barely tell what they are right now. I suspect that will change when powered up though :) The edges of the heat spreaders look like they've been ground down to expose the shiny aluminum underneath. You can even see the swirl marks. I think it gives them a nice look with the black contrast. However the edges of them are very crisp, on the verge of sharp. These Modules are rated for 1066MHz at 5-5-5-15-2T timings at 2.2v. That's considered a high performance low latency kit for those of you unfamiliar with DDR2 ratings. DDR2 has a default voltage ratings of 1.8v, but most high performance DDR2 will require anywhere from 2.1v - 2.3v, especially to achieve lower timings. I think it's great that this PC2-8500 kit only requires the same 2.2v that the PC2-6400 needed. That just shows the quality of the memory.
Enhanced Performance Profiles: What is EPP? Developed as an extension to the traditional Serial Presence Detect (SPD) found on today's high performance DIMMS, Enhanced Performance Profiles allow memory manufacturers to integrate additional module performance data in the unused portion of the JEDEC standard SPD, allowing compatible motherboards to read and take advantage of added performance capabilities. EPP brings simplified overclocking success for entry level enthusiasts, and access to more advanced memory specifications and a higher recovery point for hard-core overclockers. To take full advantage of the Enhanced Performance Profiles, motherboards designed with a special BIOS can recognize the presence of EPP settings. Once these settings are enabled, the system boots directly into the memory's specified settings and takes immediate advantage of the increased performance. Another increasingly common feature of today's quality high performance memory kit is it's EPP feature to allow easy overclocking and performance increases when paired with the NVIDIA 590 SLI, or 680i SLI chipset. Today I'll be testing this memory with the ASUS Striker Extreme motherboard which uses the NVIDIA 680i SLI chipset. Honestly, I don't think much about EPP right now because I'm an experienced overclocker and have no need for the "easy" or "novice" features of it. I wouldn't consider the addition of, or lack of "EPP" a deal breaker on any memory kit but it's nice to have anyway. I'd rather take the 2mins to set my own timings and settings. However for the inexperienced, it could be very useful, but you'll still have to be aware of what you're doing in the BIOS in case you still need to set some parameters. Installation: Well, I'll say it just like I've said in my many recent memory reviews, installing this memory kit is just like installing any other memory kit. The only real thing you need to be aware of is installing them in the correct slots for dual channel mode. You can do that by simply consulting your motherboard manual, or even the manufacturers website. In my particular situation, I'll be using the ASUS Striker Extreme motherboard. I could put the two Ballistix tracer modules in the white slots or in the blue slots for correct dual channel operation. You could also mix and match two 2x1GB kits, but honestly, I like to stick with identical brands and sizes. When installing a completely new memory kit in a current PC, I also find it helpful to reset your CMOS before booting up for the first time with a completely different memory kit. Especially if you were currently in some strange overclocking mode when you last shut down. It will just might make your life easier, trust me. Some boards don't care and will boot no matter what while some boards won't even boot without resetting CMOS.
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