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Crucial Ballistix PC4000 DDR Memory (2x 256 MB)
Introduction
Crucial Technologies, a subsidiary of Micron, is one of the few memory manufacturers that uses chips from its' own parent company for use in their modules. This ensures quality, low cost memory, with savings that are passed down to the customer. Crucial has been long known to produce extremely high quality, dependable memory for the average computer user as well as business computers that require performance and stability over everything else. One market that Crucial never focused on was the hard-core enthusiasts and overclockers. However, given Crucial's reputation, it was only a matter of time until they entered the high-performance arena. Crucial launched their new line of high-performance memory modules, dubbed "Ballistix," last July. Currently, the Ballistix line features PC3200 and PC4000 DDR as well as PC4200 and PC5300 DDR2. The modules are manufactured in 256 and 512 MB capacities. Currently there are no "Dual Channel" Ballistix memory sets, but that didn't stop us from receiving two 256 MB sticks of Crucial Ballistix PC4000! This memory has a clock speed of 250 MHz (DDR500) while maintaining a CAS Latency of 2.5! Previously, we have worked with PC4000 modules from other manufacturers (Crucial and Transcend) that had a CL of 3. How will this Ballistix memory stack up against the competition, and will it be able to hold it's own in an already crowded market?   A Closer Look The two 256 MB PC4000 modules sent to us by crucial are not a matched pair and came in separate packaging. While a matched pair is guaranteed to run in a dual channel configuration, 99% of the time you can simply purchase two sticks of the exact same memory and everything will work perfectly fine. Ballistix doesn't come packaged all alone either. For those of you who would consider popping an Type-R sticker on the side of your riced-out Civic, Crucial includes two stickers allowing you to show off your extreme ride! err, computer. Crucial also includes a decent paper manual with pictures explaining how to physically install the module. Of course, information regarding modifying timings, speed and voltages is not included since it is motherboard and BIOS specific.    Unlike previous modules from Crucial, the new high speed Ballistix memory comes equipped with heat spreaders. While the heat spreaders are probably more flair than function, they do make the memory quite attractive. The metallic orange heat spreaders in conjunction with the black PCB and a rather stylish "Ballistix" font do make for quite a first impression.    The Crucial Ballistix PC4000 modules have default timings of 2.5-4-4-8 and run at a recommended 2.8 volts. Most other PC4000 modules from competing companies have CAS Latencies of 3; very few companies, including OCZ, Geil and now Crucial, have PC4000 with CAS Latencies of 2.5. Most motherboards have a default VDIMM of 2.6, but should also have the option to raise or lower the voltage. Those of you looking to purchase high-performance memory such as this probably already have a motherboard with decent overclocking options.
Page 1: Introduction & A Closer Look
Page 2: Test Setup / Overclocking Page 3: SiSoft Sandra 04 / PCMark04 Page 4: ScienceMark 2 / Super Pi Page 5: Conclusion 
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